91LS400LEX

Well, my response to my initial post dont seem to be getting me and response, so I want to try this.

We cleaned the screen on my steering rack solenoid, but it didnt help... I still have rather heavy steering (at all rpms/speeds). We tried that test where you listen for the click of the solenoid when you turn the ignition on. Its not clicking, so I am wondering if this is why my steering is heavy and if so, is it the actual solenoid that is bad or something else thats preventing it to power up?

I read something about there is a part in the steering column that goes bad that keeps it from powering up? I want to be sure before I buy a new solenoid. I found one for $65.00.

Basically is it more likely that the solenoid itself is bad or the part in the steering column and will this cause heavy steering (BTW, I have the idle-up valve blocked anyway, so wondering if it even matters about the solenoid.

Thanks for any advice. I am at a crossroads.

91LS400LEX

Did the wires from the battery test to test the solenoid... its still not making the click sound, so safe to assume its the solenoid thats bad?

91LS400LEX

No one knows anything about this solenoid? Must be a rare problem? One of those "it only happens to me" problems.

Now I am being told if the steering is stiff at all speeds, its probably not the solenoid causing it. I dont know what to do now.

When I first started the car this morning, for about 10 seconds, it was as easy as pie to turn... then it was very stiff again and has been like that all day when I would drive it. Its about to go in the lake!

??????? MG, I hate this car!

91LS400LEX

Can someone recommend another steering or Lexus site that may know more about the steering rack solenoid? Thanks.

JimsGX

Here's a link to a reman company (Cardone) that has some diagnostic tech bulletins. Maybe they would help with the diagnosis if you called them...

http://www.cardone.com/English/club/...ARTNUM=21-5899

91LS400LEX

Thanks.

Well, someone said I could have air in the lines and said for me to get the weight off of the front wheels and turn the wheel side to side, side to side, many times. I am not sure, but I am up to trying anything at this point. This has been so confusing and hard to diagnose.

I still dont know if I should buy the solenoid now since someone told me that would have nothing to do with heavy and stiff steering. All I know is that mine is not clogged now, but its not powering up (clicking) either when the switch is turned on and not when we hook direct power to it from the battery. I was about to buy a used one of these until someone said that would be wasting money, which I cant afford to do.

Another thing, can I just jab a screw driver in the bottom of the power steering pump to knock out the screen incase its clogged? Its not growling or anything, so I am not sure.

JAndersson

The steering would definitely be heavier if the solenoid is bad. Especially at low speeds. Have made the Speed-Sensitive Power Steering mod (http://autospeed.com/A_110778/cms/article.html) and that works by decreasing the voltage to the solenoid. If I activates it at low speeds the steering gets really heavy. So my tip is to buy a new solenoid to see if that improves anything.

91LS400LEX

Thanks. Well also the idle-up valve is blocked, so I am wondering if still the non-operating solenoid could still cause heavy steering at all speeds/rpms.

91LS400LEX

Well, I just got it off of the jackstands, trying to get air (if there even was any) out of the lines. It didnt help at all. Its just got to be the solenoid.

Someone said I still need to clean the screen in the pump, but it sounds like a PITN.

91LS400LEX

Not sure if it would help anyone, but here is a little 2 minute video I made today as I was trying to make sure the air was out of the system.... as you can hear (even over my noisy lifters) the PS pump is quiet and no bubbles in the reservoir. Yeah, my cars interior is messy... since its been messed up I have not really cared or had the time.

click on below....