smamas

Hoping you guys can help with this...I just installed a rebuilt PS Pump in my 97 LS, because my old one was whining. I filled the reservoir, started, shut down, added a little more. Started, and then began turning the wheels. Suddenly it sounded like I got air down into the rack and pinion, then it acted like I had no power steering with lots of resistance. I shut it off, checked the level...full, put the LS back on jack stands and turned the wheel side to side quite a few times. I started it again and turned the wheels side to side with good power steering, and little whine from the pump when on jackstands.

Now, I take it back off the jack stands, and try turning the wheels and get huge resistance and lots of noise from the rack and pinion. Acts like there is no power steering. Any ideas what could cause this?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

bleed the system properly, you have a massive air bubble inside it.

StevieA

Or a tiny bit of dirt or metal shaving could stick the pressure valve in the pump if this is the case it should free itself on its own after starting, stopping motor & turning wheels. but I'm betting on an air bubble.

smamas

Thanks for the info! I have a couple of questions...

I have spent the better part of today attempting to bleed the system, using the process described here.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ystem-diy.html
I have turned the wheel side to side for at least 10 sets of 20. I never seem to get all the air out. I still have air bubbles in the PS pump, but have not had to add any fluid for at least 9 of the sets. I have been doing this for about three hours! Should I continue or do I have another problem?

So then, I also removed the Rack & Pinion Solenoid to clean the screen and upon removal, found a hole in one of the screens. The screen was relatively clean. I used a soft toothbrush and some cleaner, and it cleaned quickly. Photo linked below...
http://s253.photobucket.com/albums/h...Picture033.jpg
What should I do about the hole? Can these be ordered?

Thanks for your help guys!

smamas

Bump..bump

LEXTEK1

Take the reservoir off and clean the screen in it. DO NOT punch a hole in it like some will tell you. Clean it well. This was possibly your problem all along.