Herm

I did the screen cleaning job myself following the advice of VVTi in this thread. Took about 15 minutes. My screen was almost totally clogged and I had only about 90k miles. The difference in steering effort was like night and day. Also - I think there is a possibility that the clogged screen might be a contributing factor to leaks and pump failure due to back pressure.

I was not able to find any Lexus service manual info or service bullitins on this topic - just the info on this site !

I would think that if you show the info/procedure in this post to any good mechanic they could easily do it.

Best of luck, let us know how you make out. - Herm

99lsguy

Herm,

Great investigation!! I just did the "flush" DIY last week but didn't even know about the screen. MY LS is 99 with 62K miles......

When you take the solenoid out and clean the screen, do you lose a lot of fluid?

Also, I assume I'll need to purge the air afterwards?

Thanks!!

99

Herm

99lsguy

Thanks - credit goes to VVT1 and Devil Dog though. I don't recall losing alot of fluid but keep a pan under just in case. Herm

99lsguy

Great, good to know it won't gush all over and out!!

Yes, Kudos to VVT-i and Devil Dog too -- A great report!!!


I agree with your "backpressure" theory........it probably did cause some seeping. I'm interested to see how much 'gunk' is on my 99.....I hope very little


I'm going to see if local Lexus dealer has a spare screen and those O-rings..........just in case!

saber

Could someone please post a picture of where the "steering rack soleniod filter screen" is located?
Is it located somewhere in this picture? http://www.saber.net/~monarch/steeringrack.jpg

RA40

iTrader: (6)

From my '97 manual it looks like the PPS solenoid connector is here. I can't tell by the diagram if it is a fluid line or wired connector.

AaronE

Just had my PS pump and alternator replaced (yeah, I know, I waited too long...) at the rather painful cost of $750. Knowing that folks here recommend cleaning the two PS screens (resevoir and solenoid) I told the shop to do it. They said they called Lexus and they claimed that there are no such filters. 'Tards. Anyway, my PS pump is whining again already and steering is occaisionally heavy.

Should I take it back to them, or should I just try cleaning the solenoid filter myself? I'd be more than willing to do it if I don't have to drain and bleed the whole system, but I can't imagine how I wouldn't have to...

Thanks,
-Aaron

nick070787

my alt took a crap because of my p/s pump leaking so i will do a little write up on the p/s pump rebuild, flush, and screen cleaning along with the alt replacement with pics. coming soon. just waiting on parts.