Leeroy

Hey Flex, I dropped the car off with a local shop that refurbs trade-ins and auction cars for local dealers. I had them remove the serpentine belt to see if the noise would go away. It didn't. They had it for a week and a half and drove it every day and they still couldn't pinpoint the issue. They quoted me about $2100 to replace the timing belt, plugs and wires, water pump,and the catalytic converters. They didn't seem very confident that it would fix my issues so I will be dropping my car off with an independent Japanese car repair shop with a good reputation on Wednesday next week, who mentioned that I may have a VVT solenoid issue. I will keep you posted.

LexFlexTex

Thanks for the info. Please keep me posted thanks!

LexFlexTex

Update on my end: I used an automotive stethoscope and along with the help of a mechanic friend we determined the noise to be from the power steering pump. We also noticed some seepage coming from the pump so it definitely needs to be replaced.

Leeroy

So I took it to another independent and he told me the IAC valve was the culprit. Turns out, it was not. So, another parts swapper bites the dust. I believe that I have narrowed it down to a faulty air control valve to the PS pump. With the vacuum lines removed from the reservoir, the RPMs go up to an acceptable range on the car. Reconnect the hoses, RPMs drop back down.

Scraape

I get the same noise in my 1998. I also thought at first it could be the power steering pump and maybe it is, they are known to leak and maybe just low on fluid. The power steering fluid leaks onto the alternator which could be another culprit.

My best guess would be the transmission itself. A lot of LS's I've come across have had this same whining noise, and I'm thinking maybe it is a common noise for high mileage LS trannys

Scraape

just read your last post, air valve to the power steering pump, eh? that would make sense

JJDAG

My 99 has made that same whine since I bought it. I too thought it was the powersteering pump but after replacing the pump the noise didn't change. It had 88k about a year ago now it has close to 110k seems the noise it getting louder but only after i've been driving for a while, my idle is also on the low side unless I have the a/c or defrost turned on. None of it has slowed the car down one bit though, still runs like a bear.
Did the noise go away when you disconnected the vacuum lines? I am going to replace or disconnect the air control valve on my LS but it my take a while before my work schedule allows me the time. I will post the outcome as well.

JJDAG

So as I said in prior post my car made the same noise, I though was power steering but new pump did nothing to change it, I disconnected the power steering idle up vacuum lines no changes. Last week end I started driving the noise seemed louder then the battery light came on , I drove t right home checked and found the alternator not charging. this past saturday I replaced the alternator and that noise is completely gone. I used a a/c delco reman they state they replace all bearings, regulator ect. Denso says they check everything and not replacing any parts unless they showed failed. This is not a job I want to do again if I dont have to. For the time ive owned the car its made that noise about 25k miles. Long time for an alternator to finally give up. hope this helps.

John

lextout

seems like the ls was neglected by the previous owner, maybe just changed the oil only once who knows. I would just get rid of the car and try to recoup as much as you can.