I guess I wasn't too clear with the steps I took to verify in fact it was defective pumps. This is what I did...

1. Replaced the pump ONLY with OEM NEW then bled the system and I didn't have trouble bleeding. (WORKED PERFECT!)

2. I then decided to replace the hose as a PM. Hopefully, I don't have to mess with steering for a while...

Thanks PureDrifter for quick comments...

 

ahh icic.

replacing that hose is a pita sometimes, when i did it on my 95 it required hands several sizes smaller than my own

 

Quick question for you... what was the bearing part# for your 95?
Nevermind, found it.

 

I killed the PS pump in my Grand Am by doing that...I knew I shouldve stopped to get batteries for the flash light

Often times when you replace a PS pump, they will still whine for a little while becuase the fliud needs time to work the foam/bubbles out. You will notice a somewhat notchy or on/off tpe of feel in the steering until this happens. Power steering fluid is really power steering fluid. Its hydraulic Fluid. High quality products should have an anti-foaming agent in them, however many dont, and in reality you shouldnt notice any difference between them once the foam has settled. While its doing so, youll need to constantly add fluid to maintain a safe level and avoid running the pump dry.

 

Bought my used 1995 LS400 in Dec 2007 with 131K miles.
A few weeks later the screeching sound and the leak stain on the driveway.
Found a great Lexus mechanic and knew the problem immediately. He allows the owner to put aftermarket parts on the car so you'll save $$ but will only install Lexus OEM power steering pump and parts. The reason being that ALL the other stuff you buy fails in a short time period and doesn't want the customer complaints. For all Lexus owners out there- stick with the OEM.
Pay a little more than you want, but have peace of mind and confidence.
techmech74

 

I'm in a very similar position. I'm afraid a new PS pump isn't going to be my cure all -- But hopefully it will.

I just find it odd that you had that many 'bad' remans. Even your own rebuild was 'bad' ? lol..

How difficult is replacing that High pressure hose?

 

Some one told me years ago to run mobil one synthetic trans fluid in my power steering on a 91 ls400 with 199,000 miles I change it every 25-30 thousand miles pumping and filling till I have used 2 quarts of tranny fluid. The snythetic fluid will help keep the pump clean and the rack also stays clean. I ran a toyota cressida to 425,000 miles with the same ps pump and rack also changing the mobil one fluid every 25,000 miles. The trans and rear end of the cressida also went 425,000 miles with no problems using mobil one synthetic fluid. All the fluids in my 91 lexus is mobil one snythetic fluid and I haven't had any problems so far. I use toyota red radiator fluid with distilled water changing it every 2 years and I have all the orignal hoses and radiator after 17 years.

 

My PS is sooo stiff. its an arm workout turning the wheel and i make turns like an 18wheeler. these is no noise at all. i was told to cycle my PS fluid and i have been. there has been little improvement but it has plateau.
what do i do? its driving me crazy