Power steering completely dead
09-21-12, 08:51 PM
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Power steering completely dead
hello, i just bought a 1992 Lexus SC400 with around 164xxx miles. power steering is completely out, put fluid in, NOTHING. the serpentine belt is working fine. No grinding noise, NOTHING. i have never encountered something like this. This is my first Lexus & i don't know where to start looking for the problem.. any help is much appreciated, thank you.
09-22-12, 05:29 AM
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Not that i can physically see. & if it didn't have any fluid, wouldn't it be making a whining sound? ill try to look more into it as possible. Haven't had a chance since i work almost everyday. thank you for the reply!
09-22-12, 09:09 AM
#4
If it's whining it's either out of fluid or there's air in the system. To check if there's a leak, move the boot of the inner tie rods so you can see the inside, it is supposed to be all dry in there, if there's fluid, then it is leaking and you need to change the rack and pinion. Another common source of leak is the high pressure hose and the hose that goes from the reservoir to the PS pump.
09-23-12, 07:33 PM
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If it's whining it's either out of fluid or there's air in the system. To check if there's a leak, move the boot of the inner tie rods so you can see the inside, it is supposed to be all dry in there, if there's fluid, then it is leaking and you need to change the rack and pinion. Another common source of leak is the high pressure hose and the hose that goes from the reservoir to the PS pump.
Last edited by DJTURCIOS; 09-23-12 at 07:34 PM. Reason: added more information of the issue
09-23-12, 08:20 PM
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The fluid is going somewhere. It either has to be leaking into the alternator and you cant see it or the rack somewhere. Really only two places it can be. Keep an eye on it, carefully. It might take out your alternator if in fact it is leaking from it.
If indeed you find the leak and it is the pump, follow this thread. Very detailed write up. Works same way...
http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/steering/
If indeed you find the leak and it is the pump, follow this thread. Very detailed write up. Works same way...
http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/steering/
09-24-12, 12:26 PM
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The fluid is going somewhere. It either has to be leaking into the alternator and you cant see it or the rack somewhere. Really only two places it can be. Keep an eye on it, carefully. It might take out your alternator if in fact it is leaking from it.
If indeed you find the leak and it is the pump, follow this thread. Very detailed write up. Works same way...
http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/steering/
If indeed you find the leak and it is the pump, follow this thread. Very detailed write up. Works same way...
http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/steering/
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09-24-12, 01:40 PM
#8
It's your vacuum valve.The vacuum valve is a switch on or near the power steering pump. 2 vacuum lines attach to this switch. When the switch itself develops a leak, the power steering fluid gets sucked into the engine. Eventually the leak grows and you will start seeing white smoke, and will recognize the "rich start up" It won't smell to good either. That part should not be to costly either. So were is your power steering fluid going? Into the engine and then into air. If I'm not mistaken the vacuum valve is around $100, or if you don't want to spend that much money get a used one. I'm sure aliga has one or two or fourteen he would be able to locate for you. Sewell Lexus might as well. Both of those CL members are vendors so just search them up in "vendors" Good luck and make sure to post the problem when done! 
09-24-12, 04:46 PM
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It's your vacuum valve.The vacuum valve is a switch on or near the power steering pump. 2 vacuum lines attach to this switch. When the switch itself develops a leak, the power steering fluid gets sucked into the engine. Eventually the leak grows and you will start seeing white smoke, and will recognize the "rich start up" It won't smell to good either. That part should not be to costly either. So were is your power steering fluid going? Into the engine and then into air. If I'm not mistaken the vacuum valve is around $100, or if you don't want to spend that much money get a used one. I'm sure aliga has one or two or fourteen he would be able to locate for you. Sewell Lexus might as well. Both of those CL members are vendors so just search them up in "vendors" Good luck and make sure to post the problem when done!
Thanks again!
09-25-12, 10:48 AM
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I have the same problem, exhaust blowing white smoke on start up, and having to refill power steering fluid every 2 days. Where is the vacuum valve located? I read somewhere you can just plug it up. Only problem is that I don't know where it is. Can someone show me where the vacuum valve is located on the power steering?
thanks you
thanks you
09-25-12, 12:53 PM
#11
The vacuum valve is known I think as the ACV, or air control valve. Not idle air control valve. The valve will be on th ps pump and probably will be black. You will know it when you see it because of the two nipples sticking out of it for the two vacuum hoses. It is attached directly on the ps pump. Good luck!
09-25-12, 01:16 PM
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The vacuum valve is known I think as the ACV, or air control valve. Not idle air control valve. The valve will be on th ps pump and probably will be black. You will know it when you see it because of the two nipples sticking out of it for the two vacuum hoses. It is attached directly on the ps pump. Good luck!
I remember reading some where in the forum the only the LS400 have the 2 nipple thing you were refering to and sc don't have it. that is why I am sooo confuse/lose in locating the vacuum valve
09-25-12, 07:59 PM
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Nope. SC400 have it as well. Its located on the Banjo fitting that goes on the powersteering pump. I went to a local salvage yard found one from a 4runner, installed, by by smoke. steering is still tough though...