Agent$mith

iTrader: (2)

Got a weird issue with my car the other day. When I turned the car on, it operated normally for two hours of driving until my power steering was hot. Then I started to hear some noise coming from the driver's side when I turn the wheel 1/4 of a turn left or right. The fluid was clear and full but had a hot level. I did a few searches and found some people mentioning that the rack and pinion may be going out and may need to be replaced.

I've replace the UCA, LCA, tie rods, and all the bushings about 15k miles ago, so I don't believe any of that to be the issue. It's a 2001 Lexus GS300 at 135K miles.

I was thinking of flushing the power steering fluid out and using Lexus transmission fluid to fill it up, but not sure if that will help. Should I replace the PS and the rack and pinion? What do you guys suggest?

Thanks,
Johnny

Agent$mith

iTrader: (2)

Bump....

I found a video on YouTube that had the same noise I am having, but only when the car is warmed up does it do this. Anyone have ideas?

Behemoth7

Any idea when the fluid was last changed, if ever? It could be overheating and causing damage. It sounds like your pump is about to go out...

I would try changing the fluid. If that doesn't help, have your pump checked out. But I highly doubt it is your rack, unless of course the pump is part of the rack. I'm not too familiar with power steering systems.

Agent$mith

iTrader: (2)

Update: My mechanic checked and said the PS wasn't leaking so he recommended to drain and replace the PS steering fluid. It came out really dark and so far, no noises anymore. *crosses fingers*

Just wanted to help future forum searchers.