Hey all,

So my wife's GX470 with 160k started having intermittent power steering failure, until we lost power steering altogether. Lexus manual diagnosis has you checking power steering pump pressure and replacing everything, but the real problem is just a clogged filter on the PS reservoir.

The PS reservoir is has a filter inside it, but it is not serviceable. A1 Cardone makes a direct replacement reservoir for about $60, so I replaced the reservoir and flushed the system, everything was back to perfect again.

Moral of the story is that if your PS reservoir looks dark and cruddy like mine (see below), better to replace it before things go wrong!

 

PS fluid is the one fluid I don't change on a scheduled basis (don't hate me). I usually wait until it looks awful or around 10 years.

Chip H.

 

Good info. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind. Does the Cardone unit appear to have the same filter?
I was planning to change my PS fluid on my 150K mile GX in the next week or two, but wondering if this filter thing -- the fact that yours was clogged, apparently as the result only of normal use -- warrants replacing the reservoir as part of the service. Seems that perhaps it does....

 

Take a look at the reservoir... if it is clear and transparent after 150k (which I doubt) then leave it, but if it looks cruddy, then replace it.

Yes the A1 Cardone replacement reservior looks identical to OEM and has a filter. I also added an additional Cordone magnetic inline filter.

Rafi

 

Awesome! Thank you very much.

 

I think I will replace it when I change the fluid. I'm not one to use aftermarket parts very often, but seems like this is a case where it should be just fine - just ordered the Cardone one that you've already validated.

Thanks for the info.

 

Mine looks just as gross. Reading this, I'll probably change it. I've done a few drains and refills to cycle fluid, but that's about all.