bobcrane

Local guy has a 96' LS 400 with 144k on it. Says it will need brakes all around (rotors look good) and there's a power steering problem.

The way he describes: Power steering doesn't seem to work when first starting out (which makes it hard to park, etc). Once you speed up it is fine.

If I paid to have both of these things taken care of what would be my worst case $$$? (Chicagoland).

Car is $2500 bucks.

I have my own theories on the power steering based on reading here but I'll hold those back until I hear from a few of you.

Thanks!

Bob

SRV1

iTrader: (2)

Sounds like a bad power steering pump or the electronic speed sensing valve on the rack that is bad. They are know to be faulty.

James

akitomk3

iTrader: (2)

If those just the problems you got yourself a deal there. Really...Assuming the rest of the car is great and intact. That is really cheap for a 2LS..

turboomni

Ask if the timing belt /water pump was replaced recently or if ever

bobcrane

Thanks for the replies thus far.

Any idea how much $$$ I'd be looking at for the power steering and brake repairs?

akitomk3

iTrader: (2)

Brakes, if you're doing it yourself it'll be parts only which cost 160 + tax for front n rear without any discount. But i bet you can probably get it done for around 160 + 100-150 labor if someone else is doing it for you. Thats how much i would charge for front and rear. Power steering depends on what is wrong....

bobcrane

Let's say it's pump and hose.

7schulz

If this turns out to be a lemon I have a 95 for sale with every record from 1K to 150k etc, and I am just next door in Indiana
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/lex...8k-7000-a.html

bobcrane

Looked at the car today - here are the details:

CarFax showed current owner since 1998. I could see it consistently passed emissions and ran about 30k every 2 years. Was taken into dealer in 2008 for "Manufacturer scheduled maintenance." Maybe timing belt/water pump? Don't know.

Problems:
- Power Steering
Was told it was using fluid and when he started it the car billowed white smoke. I'm assuming this is the "cap the valve" solution.

- Interior - Whipped.
Steering Wheel stuck up in the highest setting, just clicks
Leather well worn
Driver seat adjustments don't 100% work

- Electrical
When you shut the key off the power door locks and seats no longer work
When you turn the key back on the radio and climate controls are reset, like you pulled the battery cable.
I'm guessing this is someone failing at a repair and wiring everything to the switch???

- Trunk - Taking on Water!
Trunk smelled of mildew and the spare tire rim and jack were heavily corroded. Any idea what this could be?

- Tires
Really loud "wump wump" from the rear when I drove over 40 MPH. These are Michelins

- Brakes
Not as bad as he described. But sometimes when I stopped the pedal would drop from under my foot.


The good:
- Engine is sound
- Body is OK for age.
- A/C works great
- All windows including moon roof work when key is on.
- No apparent suspension issues.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

There are probably other issues so the price is probably appropriate. With what is known about these at this stage, you'll be spending some $$ if you want 100% function. Then you are left with a very worn interior. I say spend a bit more and find one in better condition.

bobcrane

Yeah, the electrical and trunk is what drove the nail into the coffin. Who knows what has gone before.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

the mildew in the trunk is probably due to a dead seal, and is a relatively easy cheap fix.

the brakes (seems somewhat hydraulic related) and the electrical have potential to be annoying as hell, and somewhat wallet unfriendly

willhickey

iTrader: (1)

that rear noise ......... WHEEL BEARING?