prep2

Hi everyone, thought I'd pass on the importance of cleaning your solenoid on your rack relating to your power steering system.

A few months I heard noise while turning at slow speeds. The service shop I needed to replace my power steering pump. So I did and the noise remained.

Today, I jacked up the car and unscrewed the solenoid on the rack. To my amazement it looked 100% clogged so I used a toothbrush and 3-M adhesive cleaner and cleaned it up. Screwed it back in added P/S fluid, turned the steering wheel a few times, added more P/S fluid and took it for a test drive.

Now there is no noise and it turns with ease, like NEW again!

BTW: The service guys didn't know about the solenoid!
My LS400 has 110,000 miles.

For more information reference: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=145054

saber

I am just about ready to attempt the job, but have the following questions that I hope you can clear up:

http://www.saber.net/~monarch/solenoide.jpg
http://www.saber.net/~monarch/solenoidf.jpg

Thanks

prep2

Yes, tap it counter-clockwise. I turned it with a vice grip wrench, the solenoid is solid and you won't hurt it (I had to get a firm girm on it); with the car up on a jack and two holders there wasn't enough room for me to hammer it loose.

You will need some needle noise pliers to you can release the wire from the frame (easy to do). then disconnect the wires.

Yes, it unscrews (unscrews a lots) and you will loose power steering fluid while you are cleaning it, which took me about 8 minutes using a toothbrush and 3-m abrasive cleaner.


Take pictures and post a tutorial.

saber

Thanks for the tips prep. I think I'll try the vice grips or channel lock plier removal technique since the solenoid appears to be sturdy enough to withstand them