1994 LS 400: Power steering gone, need help
01-18-17, 11:21 AM
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
1994 LS 400: Power steering gone, need help
Ok, the last month I've noticed that i would lose my power steering momentarily as i was driving....also thick white smoke would come out the exhaust pipes. Well last night i lost power steering altogether. I assume the rack and pinion finally went out, as it has been leaking for years. I also am thinking about replacing the power steering pump as well.....any advice on this matter as to good aftermarket parts to use or procedure?
01-18-17, 11:34 AM
#2
Is the power assist out because it's low on fluid? The smoke would explain the fluid loss. You can replace the ACV on the pump without replacing the entire pump. You can also block it off but I have never done that, I prefer to keep it as designed. Where is the rack leaking?
Most of us will say to only use OEM parts for the steering as far as the pump and rack goes. But, you'll quickly find that they are very expensive. Most aftermarket pumps do not come with the reservoir so you'll need to swap that from your pump to the new one if you wanted to change pumps. Personally I like to rebuild the pump with the OEM seal kit if I know the pump is original and hasn't already been remanned. You need some mechanical experience to do this but I think it's the best option for the money.
Change the ACV first and go from there, as long as your steering assist quit because of the lack of fluid. Make sure to only use ATF of course, no power steering fluid. If someone has used power steering fluid there is the reason for all of your leaks.
Most of us will say to only use OEM parts for the steering as far as the pump and rack goes. But, you'll quickly find that they are very expensive. Most aftermarket pumps do not come with the reservoir so you'll need to swap that from your pump to the new one if you wanted to change pumps. Personally I like to rebuild the pump with the OEM seal kit if I know the pump is original and hasn't already been remanned. You need some mechanical experience to do this but I think it's the best option for the money.
Change the ACV first and go from there, as long as your steering assist quit because of the lack of fluid. Make sure to only use ATF of course, no power steering fluid. If someone has used power steering fluid there is the reason for all of your leaks.
01-18-17, 03:19 PM
#3
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Is the power assist out because it's low on fluid? The smoke would explain the fluid loss. You can replace the ACV on the pump without replacing the entire pump. You can also block it off but I have never done that, I prefer to keep it as designed. Where is the rack leaking?
Most of us will say to only use OEM parts for the steering as far as the pump and rack goes. But, you'll quickly find that they are very expensive. Most aftermarket pumps do not come with the reservoir so you'll need to swap that from your pump to the new one if you wanted to change pumps. Personally I like to rebuild the pump with the OEM seal kit if I know the pump is original and hasn't already been remanned. You need some mechanical experience to do this but I think it's the best option for the money.
Change the ACV first and go from there, as long as your steering assist quit because of the lack of fluid. Make sure to only use ATF of course, no power steering fluid. If someone has used power steering fluid there is the reason for all of your leaks.
Most of us will say to only use OEM parts for the steering as far as the pump and rack goes. But, you'll quickly find that they are very expensive. Most aftermarket pumps do not come with the reservoir so you'll need to swap that from your pump to the new one if you wanted to change pumps. Personally I like to rebuild the pump with the OEM seal kit if I know the pump is original and hasn't already been remanned. You need some mechanical experience to do this but I think it's the best option for the money.
Change the ACV first and go from there, as long as your steering assist quit because of the lack of fluid. Make sure to only use ATF of course, no power steering fluid. If someone has used power steering fluid there is the reason for all of your leaks.
01-18-17, 04:19 PM
#4
I would lean toward the PS pump out first before you'd lose the rack. And if you blocked off the ACV, then I've got no idea where all the white smoke is coming from. You might have to get under the vehicle, (use ramps, it's easier) to see where you might have fluid leaking. You can pull of the return line from the pump and start the car to see if the pump is working. Have some extra fluid ready to pour in and a nice big container to catch the fluid.
01-19-17, 02:56 PM
#5
Pole Position
Thread Starter
I would lean toward the PS pump out first before you'd lose the rack. And if you blocked off the ACV, then I've got no idea where all the white smoke is coming from. You might have to get under the vehicle, (use ramps, it's easier) to see where you might have fluid leaking. You can pull of the return line from the pump and start the car to see if the pump is working. Have some extra fluid ready to pour in and a nice big container to catch the fluid.
01-19-17, 05:24 PM
#6
Head gasket failures are rare on the 1UZ unless it's overheated real bad. Make sure a hydrocarbon test is done rather than going off your mechanics 'hunch.' If the leak is bad enough you can open the coolant bottle cap after driving and air that smells like exhaust will come out.
01-19-17, 05:40 PM
#7
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Head gasket failures are rare on the 1UZ unless it's overheated real bad. Make sure a hydrocarbon test is done rather than going off your mechanics 'hunch.' If the leak is bad enough you can open the coolant bottle cap after driving and air that smells like exhaust will come out.
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06-10-17, 04:53 AM
#11
i have a rebuilt pump sitting in the garage,its been wrapped up in the box since i got it back. the reason i have it is because i bought a brand new oem one from www.myLparts.com. pm me if needed. ill give a 90 day warranty.
06-12-17, 09:48 AM
#12
Lexus Champion
There's "new" Chinese pumps on the market as well as remans - you can take a gamble and reseal the OEM pump.
06-21-17, 07:16 PM
#13
I went with AC-Delco mainly out of name recognition. Do not believe I want to Reseal one that seized.
For the first time since I was a much younger man , I went to a "pick & pull" today as the reman did not come with a pulley.
Lexus wants way to much for the pulley so this was my best option. 10 minutes & $15.00 later and I am ready for the next step. Still deciding if I am going to be the mechanic for the job.
For the first time since I was a much younger man , I went to a "pick & pull" today as the reman did not come with a pulley.
Lexus wants way to much for the pulley so this was my best option. 10 minutes & $15.00 later and I am ready for the next step. Still deciding if I am going to be the mechanic for the job.
