So I bought my 93 LS about a month and a half ago, and it is starting to turn to crap on me. Power steering pump is going out and I believe the valve stem seals are on the way also. Are there any other issues with the PSP other than it leaking into the alternator? I heard a rumor somewhere that there is a vacuum line that goes from the PSP to the intake manifold (not sure why) and that when it starts to go out will leak into the manifold causing a puff of smoke on startup. I'm really hoping its not the valve stem seals but am expecting the worst.

 

Now is your car only eating up power steering fluid, or do you actually have a leak?

If a leak - Leaks onto your alternator, your alternator is going to fry also. If its minor right now, get PSP rebuild or replaced as it will cost you more for replacing both the Alt and PSP.

If eating PS fluid then - This is where the vacuum line leaks PS fluid into the air intake manifold and a puff of smoke is seen at start up only, that can be fixed by replacing the air control valve located at the bottom of the PS pump. The way you can verify is by removing the hose located in front of the air intake manifold, if PS fluid present, air control valve needs to be replaced. If not sure, you can follow the hose at the front to see where it end should go to the bottom of the PS pump. I don't think you valve stem seals are going out, you are probably seeing the greyish smoke that is caused by the PS fluid going into the air intake manifold (chamber).

Now remember your car is over 10yrs old, so parts are going to start to go bad, just fix them and enjoy your Lexus.

 

I know its leaking, but its still minor right now, and i guess its eating it also. Guess I'll be doing a new power steering pump this weekend.