I have a problem with my steering and it's driving me crazy. Intermitently my steering will feel very hard to turn almost as if there is no power assist, I was wondering if anyone eles has ever had this problem and what fixed it. Thanks in advance.

 

I would reset the ECU and check your power steering fluid and its respective hoses.....if that don't work....take it to the dealership.

Pete

 

I forgot to mention that I have had this problem for the past 2.5 years, At first the lexus delership could not duplicate the problem as it is intermitent. Now however they felt it and tell me that I need a new steering rack. I just wanted to know from those who have had this problem what they did because I dont want to spend $1500 CND for a new rack with no positive results.

 

High speed? Low speed?
JPI

 

they must have records of that before the warranty went away. insist on having it fixed under warranty, coz' it's not your problem, it's their problem for NOT finding out the problem

 

Before the rack is replaced....an expensive and major job.....check and see if the power steering fan belt is slipping. Maybe all it needs is a new or tightened belt....if it is slipping, that would account for the alternating hard-soft feel of the steering.

 

There is a VSV(vaccum switching valve) on the pump that will effect your power steering pump.
JPI

 

Hello,
I know this sounds redundant, but check the condition of the fluid, and flush the entire system 2 or 3 times with fresh fluid to get out the old stuff. It takes automatic transmission fluid (Dexron). I used AMSOIL UNIVERSAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, and it works great. I did not have problems before the change, but the fluid was terrible looking.

I removed the driver's front wheel after putting it on a rack. There is a rubber hose coming from the power steering pump that is visible on the power steering rack. Remove that rubber hose, and place a pan under the car. Move the entire wheel assembly front and back until most of the fluid comes out. This drains the reservoir and the rack and pinion assembly. Re-install the hose, refill the reservoir, start the engine and let run for a while, and then repeat the procedure until the fluid comes out clean. However, if your rack and pinion assembly is leaking fluid anywhere, (like at the ends of the cylinder ram) , it may already be too late to do this.

Hopefully this will help somewhat, or completely solve your problem.