Any info on Steering-Pump common O-ring leak, DIY?
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Any info on Steering-Pump common O-ring leak, DIY?
I have a 2nd gen GS ... alternator going, and looks to be the infamous Power Steering leak coming from above it.
Been reading is commonly the High-pressure Return-line's seal, even that it is "easy" ... but being separated from most of my tools and resources at this time, have to do "meatball surgery" in the field.
Would feel a lot better with a little info on what to expect. But as common as this issue/solution "seems" to be, am finding no "DIY" info or the like (been looking hard!).
Am thinking to address that issue at same time I tackle the alternator.
Actually, have two sub-questions with it ... if am lucky enough to find some special-soul out there that can offer something (for myself and future others):
I've seen the "air control valve" on the pump is a common leak point, also - any help about that or where these two things (I assume) are situated on the pump?
Have also seen where the PS fluid basically "interferes with the stator-brushes" connections, and alternator could be cleaned of to function again....anyone heard or done something as such?
Am grateful for your time and consideration - thank you!!!
Been reading is commonly the High-pressure Return-line's seal, even that it is "easy" ... but being separated from most of my tools and resources at this time, have to do "meatball surgery" in the field.
Would feel a lot better with a little info on what to expect. But as common as this issue/solution "seems" to be, am finding no "DIY" info or the like (been looking hard!).
Am thinking to address that issue at same time I tackle the alternator.
Actually, have two sub-questions with it ... if am lucky enough to find some special-soul out there that can offer something (for myself and future others):
I've seen the "air control valve" on the pump is a common leak point, also - any help about that or where these two things (I assume) are situated on the pump?
Have also seen where the PS fluid basically "interferes with the stator-brushes" connections, and alternator could be cleaned of to function again....anyone heard or done something as such?
Am grateful for your time and consideration - thank you!!!
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Ended up fixing the high pressure return line on my GS400 twice, and the SC430 I got back in March a few months ago. Fortunately I caught the one on the SC before it took out the alternator. I'm in the habit of checking all the fluids weekly but especially the P/S fluid. It's definitely a problem area on these cars.
Btw, your alternator is more than likely toast might as well replace that as well. I got one with a lifetime warranty from PepBoys back in 2011 for my GS, it's been doing fine ever since.
Btw, your alternator is more than likely toast might as well replace that as well. I got one with a lifetime warranty from PepBoys back in 2011 for my GS, it's been doing fine ever since.
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Thank you for that!
I was having trouble finding any general info on which port/hose off the pump this is, and what part-description is being replaced ... called a dealer that called it an "e-shaped" gasket (assuming I described correctly). I was expecting something like "crush washers" and/or maybe a banjo-bolt seal or similar (?).
Wonder if you'd know, or have time to shed light on:
*which port off the pump body is it
*what type of seals are looking to be replaced (washer, gasket or like)
In my case, it turned out to be the battery this time. I had gone to Auto Zone hoping for their free battery/alternator test to tell me something useful this time. Why I don't know, the few past times I can remember the diagnosis was always wrong - I'd go in a few days before the component gave out and their "tests" had shown all was "good". I think the test is only as good as the "test-person", and these are not exactly experienced personnel doing them. Anyway, went to an independent garage who's opinion was the battery - which I then replaced for free (under warranty) ... and they were correct. Meantime I know where to get the alternator rebuilt when does happen, for less than a generic Chinese knock-off or a remanufacture with inferior parts.
Thanks for your time ... as always I think these posts will help others in the future, when in need. Thank you for that as well :-)
John
I was having trouble finding any general info on which port/hose off the pump this is, and what part-description is being replaced ... called a dealer that called it an "e-shaped" gasket (assuming I described correctly). I was expecting something like "crush washers" and/or maybe a banjo-bolt seal or similar (?).
Wonder if you'd know, or have time to shed light on:
*which port off the pump body is it
*what type of seals are looking to be replaced (washer, gasket or like)
In my case, it turned out to be the battery this time. I had gone to Auto Zone hoping for their free battery/alternator test to tell me something useful this time. Why I don't know, the few past times I can remember the diagnosis was always wrong - I'd go in a few days before the component gave out and their "tests" had shown all was "good". I think the test is only as good as the "test-person", and these are not exactly experienced personnel doing them. Anyway, went to an independent garage who's opinion was the battery - which I then replaced for free (under warranty) ... and they were correct. Meantime I know where to get the alternator rebuilt when does happen, for less than a generic Chinese knock-off or a remanufacture with inferior parts.
Thanks for your time ... as always I think these posts will help others in the future, when in need. Thank you for that as well :-)
John
Last edited by johnnyho; 08-28-17 at 12:10 PM. Reason: typos, improved wording
#4
Edit - The design and layout on a GS 3 is different. My manual shows a totally different looking pump. The below is only helpful on a V8 GS.
I just replaced two leaking O-rings on my '98 GS4 power steering pump. See this LS 400 thread, which is what I used to navigate. The GS appears to have the same pump, and doesn't have any brake components in the way:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...0-ls400-s.html
My pump was leaking from two places, so I replaced O-rings 1 and 3 from this thread. Of course, the key is to determine where the leak is coming from first, then order parts and tear into it. I don't think all the torque values are included, and I'm a stickler with the torque wrench... For reference, the torque values are:
Rear bracket (back half of pump housing), 4 bolts: 29 ft. lbs.
Bracket for return hose, 2 bolts: 9 ft. lbs.
Bolt for Pressure hose, 1 bolt: 36 ft. lbs.
Mounting bolts to engine block, (2), and mounting nut behind pulley (1): 32 ft. lbs.
Hope this helps!
I just replaced two leaking O-rings on my '98 GS4 power steering pump. See this LS 400 thread, which is what I used to navigate. The GS appears to have the same pump, and doesn't have any brake components in the way:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...0-ls400-s.html
My pump was leaking from two places, so I replaced O-rings 1 and 3 from this thread. Of course, the key is to determine where the leak is coming from first, then order parts and tear into it. I don't think all the torque values are included, and I'm a stickler with the torque wrench... For reference, the torque values are:
Rear bracket (back half of pump housing), 4 bolts: 29 ft. lbs.
Bracket for return hose, 2 bolts: 9 ft. lbs.
Bolt for Pressure hose, 1 bolt: 36 ft. lbs.
Mounting bolts to engine block, (2), and mounting nut behind pulley (1): 32 ft. lbs.
Hope this helps!
Last edited by 98GSOwner; 09-02-17 at 04:08 PM.
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That's just awesome, thank you for taking the time to share!
Great to know the LS400 pump is similar - expands the possibilities for info and think I've seen a lot of videos posted on Youtube for the LS.
Many thanks to you 98GSOwner :-) As well as to Kevin3344
Not to "Segway" this too long ... but what I learned meanwhile is not to trust the "free battery and alternator" check you get at the large Parts-store chains, the results are only as good as the employee doing the test - who can be pretty inexperienced. Despite the "Battery - good, low charge" result, I went to a local shop for a second opinion...which was to replace the battery. I was able to replace the battery for better than "free" under its warranty, they had to refund me $8. Present problem (no-start power from batt) is solved, but still have PS fluid soaked hoses and still needs done.
Great to know the LS400 pump is similar - expands the possibilities for info and think I've seen a lot of videos posted on Youtube for the LS.
Many thanks to you 98GSOwner :-) As well as to Kevin3344
Not to "Segway" this too long ... but what I learned meanwhile is not to trust the "free battery and alternator" check you get at the large Parts-store chains, the results are only as good as the employee doing the test - who can be pretty inexperienced. Despite the "Battery - good, low charge" result, I went to a local shop for a second opinion...which was to replace the battery. I was able to replace the battery for better than "free" under its warranty, they had to refund me $8. Present problem (no-start power from batt) is solved, but still have PS fluid soaked hoses and still needs done.
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