DMPesso

Wattup CL! I have an 01 GS430 165K miles I notice sometimes my steering wheel feels nice and easy to turn like a new car but other times its very stiff and almost a workout to turn the car when parked. Granted, this is mostly noticed when parking and very low speeds or at a complete stop like pulling out the driveway. When I am driving at speeds its not as noticeable. Just wondering if anyone had to replace their power steering pump and is this is what is causing this? I would be happy to change it if I knew 100% this is the cause, I don't want to change it for nothing if there is a chance it can be something else like a solenoid or whatever. Let me know what you guys think!

Thanks!

FrankT

I'm guessing here; how about a clogged screen in the reservoir...

Good luck.

DMPesso

Any way to replace that or check it? I mean common knowledge would leave one to assume it's the pump. But Lexus is weird and some parts last almost forever and it could be something else so I want to make sure the PS pump is something that often fails on an 01 GS

badblackgs

iTrader: (1)

there is a vacuum powered solenoid on the power steering pump. it has two vacuum lines going to it. under high vacuum load like at idle or cruising, it allows the power steering pump to put out more pressure and allow easier steering effort. when vacuum is gone like sport driving, the solenoid causes a stiffer feel. follow the vacuum line on top of the manifold down to the solenoid on the power steering pump to locate it. either its damaged, line came off, or its going bad. you don't have to fix it. mine has been disconnected for a couple years now. gives me a sportier feel.

DMPesso

wow see I knew it could be something else. By sportier feel do you mean disconnecting it made the steering wheel stiffer? I honestly hate the stiff wheel and like when it's easy to turn. Are you saying it's more likely my solenoid is the issue more so then the pump? also does a new pump come with a solenoid or I would have to replace both? Is there anyway for me to tell if it's the solenoid or the pump? If you have a pic to show me where to look I would appreciate it, im not too experienced under the hood

kevin3344

I had to replace my power steering pump once due to slow leak at the reservoir....and later the alternator because it's in a bad place relative to the leak. Check your P/S level and the nearby hoses...it's probably a loose connection...easy fix.

DMPesso

if im not mistaken wasn't that only an issue on gs400s and not 430s? Because I have heard about that problem many times. Will check it though.

kevin3344

Could be, you can put a piece of tape on the reservoir and check the level in a couple of days to be sure. If it's a slow leak it can be hard to see. But look for moisture around the bottom of the reservoir.

DMPesso

i swear this similar thread thing is a pain in the ***. Just posted my reply in the other thread by accident. But yea I doubt the leak is the issue because last I checked the fluid was full and more or less the issue is ONLY when I'm parked and the car isn't in motion, the wheel is hard as hell to turn, especially during U turns, it's annoying. But if I suspect the leak I will try the tape, excellent idea!

kevin3344

No problem. Just didn't want you to go through what I did....I've dealt with this twice before. Once at 149,000 miles and again at 214,000 miles. It seems to be a common problem on the 2GS4. At any rate, hope you find out the issue and keep us posted.

DMPesso

thanks bro! Love hearing that many miles, these cars are real gems when taken care of. And yea I definitely believe this was only a GS4 problem. I never heard of it happening on a 430. (Knock on wood)