L_Sport

Bad new, my LS is sick! She threw a bunch of lights! Radiator, Battery, Oil, Brake lights all at once out of the blue! I checked her charging system and she is only putting out a little over 12 volts when revving up to about 2500 RPMs that seems low! What do you all think. I am looking into it being an alternator issue and most likely going to replace it. See if that fixes the issue, any of you have any suggestions. By the way the car runs like a clock but I have to hold the key when longer when the engine turns over on a on a cold start. Right after I drive around and park and come back she start right up. Just a hard start in the morning.

bigste

You got power steering leak by the sound of it. Check under the power steering pump and see if it's wet with oil, it should be dry. It's a common fault and very very cheap fix if you catch it before the alternator gives up the ghost altogether. Plenty of info on lexus boards and if you need more help just ask.
If the alt is wet you need to take it off and remove the backplate then clean up the brushes. Before replacing it the O ring on the PAS pump reservoir needs to be changed. It's an easy Saturday morning job costing $3. If you carry on driving you'll goose the alternator and that starts to get pricey. Probable cause of all this is clogged filters on the rack and the pump.

L_Sport

Thanks, I will read up on here (I like to research before I just ask for answerers!) and most likely try to rebuild it. Am I right about the volts being low though?

bigste

Yes you are right, should be close on 14. Probably due to the alternator being contaminated with steering fluid.

L_Sport

ok, so the rebuild didn't go well. Once I opened the alternator I didn't see any moisture or power steering fluid inside the mechanics. I also didn't see any residue or build up of fluid either. I replaced the brushes and rebuilt the alternator, however I was not able to save it. I replaced it with a new alternator and she is back up and running, she checked in with 14.1 volts at 2500 RPM thanks for you advice guys, your boy is back cruising!!! Oh and my wings west spoiler is in and I also did a VIP style grill upgrade!!! Pics coming soon. Still need the paint on the wings west.