I have a 1995 LS400 with 88000 miles on it. There are no current problems with the performance of the power steering. No noises. The leak is slow enough that I have not topped it off in six months and don't notice any more then a slight level change on the ps resourvoir dip stick. I have noticed seapage on the power steering rack. Is this going to be a problem soon? I am planning to flush the system and maybe remove the acv valve. Should I do more to avoid future problems. The one location shown in the picture is the only point on the rack that I see seepage.

 

I wouldn't worry about that.

 

I agree with OCH... thats nothing.... especially on a 14 year old car. That could have another 200K miles left on it.

 

I think its a good idea for you to follow your plan to flush the rack fluid and replace it if it hasn't been done for a long time. This may help preserve its longevity. Mercon/Dexron 3 compatible ATF fluid. I used Mobile1 full synthetic ATF in mine recently as have others and its been fine.

 

Another don't worry about it.

When you flush the fluid, be sure to clean the solenoid screen.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ystem-diy.html

(For now you don't have to worry about the ACV plug part in the tutorial.)

 

Thanks everyone for the input. I am glad I don't have to mess with the rack for a while. What on the rack is actually leaking? Also, at this point I was thinking I would leave the solenoid alone to save time in getting the air bled out of the system and just flush from arround the pump. My atc valve is a little moist so thats why I was planning to plug and remove it. At the age of the car however, is the solenoid screen probably blocked and needing attention? Also, the reservoir o ring probably could stand to be replaced. Again, I am loosing almost no fluid right now, but if I mess with this I want to take care of what makes sense to do. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

I wouldn't worry too much if the ACV is just a little moist, dry it off and see how long it takes to get moist again to see if it's what's leaking. The only time I would mess with removing and plugging it is if you're seeing bluish smoke out the tailpipe when starting.

If the solenoid screen were blocked, you would notice stiffer steering. When the screen gets blocked it causes the pressure in the system to build up causing other components (such as the high-pressure hose) to fail and leak. If your steering is still easy, then you may not need to do it now. While you do have to deal with getting the air out, its not that hard to do, just have something to catch the fluid (says Obvious Man).

 

One more not to worry about it. Mine has been leaky for now 100,000 miles and it does not drip on the garage floor If the boots fill up with fluid then obviously it is time to change the rack tho.