ToyLexmods

Hey gang,

I have noticed a new problem on my 92LS in the cold weather. It makes a whine noise from the PS when started. The fluid level is fine and it sounds like when the fluid is low....but its not. After a few minutes it quiets down. I did a search in archives but nothing matches this whine with the fluid ok. It sounds like air in the system but there are no leaks and the fluid does no go down.

Any ideas? I think its a problem with the pump itself....it has been replaced a few years ago.

SSmith

iTrader: (7)

Mine was doing the same thing until yesterday when it went out. In the morning it would whine for about thirty seconds when cold. Fluid was fine. Crapped out yesterday. About 500.00 with parts and labor to replace. Oh well, at least it didn't get the alternator.

S

Erfan

what kind of whine is it, really loud? I have a 1995 ES300 where the pump has a small leak and i am going to have that changed here next month.

videofxr

Probably rack is going south if fluid level is
OK.

Erfan

Video,

I see in that you have two older SC400, what should i look for when i want to get one of those little gems, I am wanting to buy one for my younger brother.

videofxr

See when timing belt last changed? Gauge needle leds not working and not worth cost of repairs, live with it. PS pump replacement,
also check if Alt was drowned by PS fluid.
See if auto trans shifts are firm or soft.
Keyless entry not working 92-93, not worth
dealer cost, needs receiver e-prom, just
install aftermarket unit, cheaper.

ToyLexmods

Video,

Why would you say "the rack is going south" Just curious, reading the service manual there are a couple of poss.

1. P/S pump not putting out enough pressure which would also account for the increased effort in steering lately.
2. Rack worn out, but if thats the case the seals would be leaking out the ends
3. Pressure control assembly bolted to the rack but, that wouldnt really cause the whine but it would cause increased steering effort.

As I said, the noise sounds like when your fluid is low....but the level is fine. The whine is coming directly from the p/s pump.

SSmith seems to have had this same issue and the pump went out a week later. Anyone else?

videofxr

1. Because mine did exactly the same thing and the pump didn't cure the problem. New rack, presto.
2. Rack valve is stressing the pump (wine), doesn't need to be leaking at rack.
3. Change pump first and see what happens.
4. How many miles on car, over 100k.
5. Run engine with top of resevoir, if it
blows fluid its usually rack valve stuck not
passing fluid.

ToyLexmods

videofxr,

Yes, the rack valve or pressure control valve can cause this situation. What about just replacing the pressure control valve on the rack? How much was the rack replacement?

Question, is the whine the sound of the p/s pressure going through the roof because the rack valve is closed? Should the car even be driven? My 92LS has 120k and the pump was replaced a couple years ago.

Thanks, I will be calling for pricing tomorrow.

Erfan

racks are pretty expensive, around $400 to $500.00 and that is for the ES300:eek:

ToyLexmods

Well gang,

Did some research today. Here are the results

New Lexus p/s pump 300+
New Lexus rack w/pressure control valve 1600
Pressure control valve 600

Reman by Lexus rack w/pressure control valve 420

But, I also talked to a service manager buddy that I grew up with back in Iowa. He says, in the 8+ years this Lexus dealer has been open...they have replaced 1 steering rack. Pumps, yes lots of them but not racks or ps pressure contol valves. What about my symptoms? Ha, there is a filter in the rack or lines somewhere that gets restricted....esp if you have had a pump failure in the past. They replace that filter for about 60 bucks parts and labor and its fixed. Ha

So, I noticed these symptoms were common in archives...also noticed that some people have replaced the pump only to have the same symptoms....voila then they changed the rack to fix the problem. Well, the filter is in the rack somewhere or in a line that attaches to the rack. So, yes replacing the rack will fix your problem but you may not have needed the rack. My opinion.

I will replace this part next week and get back to you on this.

I do not know the morals of some dealers....how much money do they make on 60 bucks vs 500+ on repairs. So tell me what they would want to sell you?

videofxr

Wish you luck. Make sure they give you that
part number for that filter.

Erfan

Toy,

Thanks for the info, does the ES300 have the filter as well? I just ordered a reman pump from www.autozone.com for $108.00:eek: and it should be here within a week and i am having my Toyota dealership install it for me and will have the filter done as well if there is one. Thanks alot for the help guys!!!