91 LS400 Power steering rack
#2
Not terribly hard to change out (2 hours). IMO the more difficult part is getting all bubbles, etc. out once it is installed. I found a mechanic at Auto Zone to do mine for $100 and it was a pleasure to avoid the hassle of doing it myself.
#4
Did not realize 95 was easier - either way $100 is cheap compared to $300 for Lexus guy to change the rack out. I know I could have done it but based on draining fluid and trying to keep tie rod ends (plus inners) aligned it was a no brainer for $100. You pretty much still need an alignment afterward even if mechanic is awesome. My guy was really good but toe was not 100% and if left unchecked it would have eaten the tires eventually.
Once I got the new rack and outer tie rod ends though the car drove so much nicer. Glad I had it changed.
Once I got the new rack and outer tie rod ends though the car drove so much nicer. Glad I had it changed.
Last edited by steveski; 04-20-10 at 08:26 AM.
#6
Driver School Candidate
Power steering rack question
I have an impossible situation. I have tried all i can do to get a 25 year old high pressure hose to come off the car a la crow foot and long extension. it is frozen solid as if it were welded. NEXT I can not get any wrench on the banjo bolt to take it off the steering box on top of the rack. I did however notice that one could take the steering box off the rack with two allen head bolts from the looks of it. Then remove a pinch bolt from the column. After removing this I may with the grace of GOD be able to use a special tool I have to remove the banjo bolt with great ease. My question is this. IF I go this route, is there anything about this steering box that I should know so i do not destroy my car? I see ZERO procedures and exploded view figures nor can I find any. HELP!!!
#7
I removed my rack, paid a shop to rebuild it, reinstalled it all by myself and it only cost me $150. I did lower the cross member which was unnecessary, but I did it all without a repair manual. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...-tutorial.html
Edited: Replacing a rack is not that bad. Look at my tutorial above on loosening the banjo bolts and high pressure hose from the rack. You WILL NEED A LONG HANDLE 17MM WRENCH, use the closed ended end.
Also keep the steering wheel straight AT ALL TIMES, do NOT let the wheel spin when removing and installing the rack, there is a cable wrapped around the steering column that controls your horns, cruise control, and air bags, if it breaks this cable cost 400 from dealer.
Edited: Replacing a rack is not that bad. Look at my tutorial above on loosening the banjo bolts and high pressure hose from the rack. You WILL NEED A LONG HANDLE 17MM WRENCH, use the closed ended end.
Also keep the steering wheel straight AT ALL TIMES, do NOT let the wheel spin when removing and installing the rack, there is a cable wrapped around the steering column that controls your horns, cruise control, and air bags, if it breaks this cable cost 400 from dealer.
Last edited by LsG86; 03-17-15 at 09:45 PM.
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#8
I bought a real nice Cardone rebuilt rack from Rock Auto for $150. Not too hard to put in if you have a lift. The banjo bolts are a challange to get to though. I also changed the high pressure hose I purchased on EBay. That was $50 made in China. Real nice hose also. I set the toe myself with a tapemeasure, been doing it this way for years. For sure tie down the steering wheel before removing a rack. The horn reel will break if you turn the steering wheel too far either direction.
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v12mac
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
7
06-24-10 05:18 AM