92 LS400 #2 Power steering is leaking, white smoke on startup
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
92 LS400 #2 Power steering is leaking, white smoke on startup
Here's a video. This is definitely the idle control valve right? Can anyone confirm?
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ing-bible.html
I bought it used and refilled the steering fluid every 1-2 months. 6 weeks ago, it was every other week. In the past week though, I had to refill it twice around the time when it started to smoke.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ing-bible.html
I bought it used and refilled the steering fluid every 1-2 months. 6 weeks ago, it was every other week. In the past week though, I had to refill it twice around the time when it started to smoke.
Last edited by katripus; 05-07-13 at 02:53 AM.
#2
It certainly sounds like the idle control valve, but you may want to check further.
One other thing - don't wait to fix it or you will also be replacing the alternator due to dripping PS fluid.
From all accounts, that is a very time-consuming job (or expensive if you have it done).
One other thing - don't wait to fix it or you will also be replacing the alternator due to dripping PS fluid.
From all accounts, that is a very time-consuming job (or expensive if you have it done).
#3
Easy to verify... disconnect and plug the two lines coming from the PS pump....see if the problem goes away.
I just replaced the unit on my dad's '93 and it fixed the problem. You can either replace it or fix it from what I've seen on the forums...
But definitely do something before you end up replacing the alternator also...
I just replaced the unit on my dad's '93 and it fixed the problem. You can either replace it or fix it from what I've seen on the forums...
But definitely do something before you end up replacing the alternator also...
#4
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Ok thanks. What part number is this and what does it look like?
What should I buy for my 1992 Lexus LS400?
Part # 17630-16040
or
Part # 22270-50010
or
Part # 7549-01041810
Thanks, I appreciate this so much. I'm pretty broke, so there's no way I could afford hiring a mechanic and need to order/fix asap.
What should I buy for my 1992 Lexus LS400?
Part # 17630-16040
or
Part # 22270-50010
or
Part # 7549-01041810
Thanks, I appreciate this so much. I'm pretty broke, so there's no way I could afford hiring a mechanic and need to order/fix asap.
#6
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I'll plug it since it's way cheaper. Toyota dealership wanted $150 for the Part# 17630-16040.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but
1. Remove the under engine cover / splash guard.
2. Use a 17mm open end wrench to remove the Idle Up Valve (Idle Up Valve is circled in red).
3. Take this Idle Up Valve to a hardware store or somewhere and find an identical threaded and sized bolt to plug the Idle Up Valve hole on the pump.
4. Use high-temp RTV silicone on the threads of the bolt to be sure it wouldn't leak.
5. Remove the two hoses that used connect to the Idle Up Valve prongs and cap off the locations on the block and intake.
On step 5. What and how do I "cap" it off? Thanks
Correct me if I'm wrong, but
1. Remove the under engine cover / splash guard.
2. Use a 17mm open end wrench to remove the Idle Up Valve (Idle Up Valve is circled in red).
3. Take this Idle Up Valve to a hardware store or somewhere and find an identical threaded and sized bolt to plug the Idle Up Valve hole on the pump.
4. Use high-temp RTV silicone on the threads of the bolt to be sure it wouldn't leak.
5. Remove the two hoses that used connect to the Idle Up Valve prongs and cap off the locations on the block and intake.
On step 5. What and how do I "cap" it off? Thanks
Last edited by katripus; 05-07-13 at 06:30 PM.
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Craigls400 (10-29-17)
#7
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I found this nice step by step guide https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=343856 .
There is so much information on this stuff, but a lot of it can be so confusing because it's all mixed up and some of it is misinformation / completely off. I'll try to work on my car tomorrow, wish me luck ;D. Much appreciation!
There is so much information on this stuff, but a lot of it can be so confusing because it's all mixed up and some of it is misinformation / completely off. I'll try to work on my car tomorrow, wish me luck ;D. Much appreciation!
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Craigls400 (10-29-17)
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Craigls400 (10-29-17)
#9
Driver School Candidate
Power steering switch is bad
I had the same problem with my 92 LS400. I took it the shop and the mechanic told me it was the power steering switch that was causing the white smoke. I guess I was lucky, but he changed it for in all of 2 minutes and I haven't had any problems since!!!
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Craigls400 (10-29-17)
#10
Lexus Champion
From all accounts, that is a very time-consuming job (or expensive if you have it done).
Last edited by LScowboyLS; 05-17-13 at 04:13 PM.
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Craigls400 (10-29-17)
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Craigls400 (10-29-17)
#12
Lexus Champion
the only difficult part at all is getting the dang 3 wire Toyota alternator connector off without breaking it to shreds, which is very common when they haven't been off in 16 years and are frozen on, this results in a trip to the local pull-a-part junkyard. Thankfully, Toyota used this same 3-wire connector on many vehicles including trucks and SUV's on the alternator and other things, since it is not available to buy at the dealership or the auto parts store. So have your soldering iron ready for some upside-down "hot lead in your face" work to reattach your new junkyard acquired pigtail!-
Last edited by LScowboyLS; 05-17-13 at 08:57 PM.
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Craigls400 (10-29-17)
#13
Driver School Candidate
pitch and thread count of bolt to plug Air control Valve
I see a lot of stuff talkin about using a bolt to plug the air control valve and also other stuff on welding the part of the air control valve. No one mentions the pitch, length and thread count and diameter so when you have to send a runner to get a bolt you will have proper specs. i know about using teflon tape on this I know it is a 17MM head o the bolt and that it is metric threads. This is important stuff to know and since my pitch gauge is not in the same state I am it is even more important to know this stuff. The sucky weld has a crack in it and this is where the fluid leaks out so a bolt shall take its place and the leak stops
Last edited by rljmusic; 03-21-15 at 10:53 AM.
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Craigls400 (10-29-17)
#15
I would like to offer a correction in the The First Gen Power Steering Bible thread.
Chapter 2 Verse 3 states:
No. It doesn't.
Steering feel is regulated by the solenoid valve at the steering rack, taking its orders from the PS ECU.
The Idle Control Valve is a simple elegant idle speed booster that allows more air into the engine to prevent the power steering load at full lock from pulling down the idle speed.
Because it is opened by hydraulic pressure, you bet it will throw a smoke screen if it leaks fluid into the intake manifold.
I am of the mind that ripping that valve off without understanding what it does in the first place is a slap in the face of that billion dollar engineering exercise that gave us the LS400 in the first place.
ColinJustAnOldBiddy
Chapter 2 Verse 3 states:
As mentioned above, a common problem on the first generation LS400 is a power steering leak in the Idle Control Valve.
This valve is used to regulate the steering feel. Essentially, when the car is driving faster, the steering feel is tightened, and when the car is slower, there is more steering boost to aid effort-less turning.
It is often referred to as the idle-up valve, the idle-control valve, and I've even heard it being called the air-control valve.
This valve is used to regulate the steering feel. Essentially, when the car is driving faster, the steering feel is tightened, and when the car is slower, there is more steering boost to aid effort-less turning.
It is often referred to as the idle-up valve, the idle-control valve, and I've even heard it being called the air-control valve.
Steering feel is regulated by the solenoid valve at the steering rack, taking its orders from the PS ECU.
The Idle Control Valve is a simple elegant idle speed booster that allows more air into the engine to prevent the power steering load at full lock from pulling down the idle speed.
Because it is opened by hydraulic pressure, you bet it will throw a smoke screen if it leaks fluid into the intake manifold.
I am of the mind that ripping that valve off without understanding what it does in the first place is a slap in the face of that billion dollar engineering exercise that gave us the LS400 in the first place.
ColinJustAnOldBiddy
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