v12mac

My brother has a 1995 LS400 with a typical leaky rack. He has been putting off the repair but suddenly he has no power sterring at all.

I know he needs a new rack (very common) but will that fix this problem or just stop the leaks?


Mac

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

Let's go through the steps here.
First of all, check that the serpentine belt is on and connected to the power steering pump.
Next, check the fluid level in the reservoir.
I'm assuming that both of these are OK and the car still doesn't have any power steering -
What might have happened is an internal clog on the PS rack solenoid filter. That has been blamed many a time for stiff and non-existent power steering.
If you ran the fluid level low enough for long enough, you could also have damaged the pump.

v12mac

Fluid and belt are good, he "says" that the fluid didn't get too low. But I am not sure...

Can you direct me to a post or pic on how to locate the PS filter?

Would you agree that step 1 is fixing the no power before replacing the rack? Is there any way to test the pump?

Where is the best place to order the rack? I have seen prices all over the place from 280 on up to 800 bucks. What price point is junk vs good oem rebuilt?

v12mac

Is this good info for the 1995? (older post here)

4. Solenoid Cleaning Procedure

This info has been taken directly from from the post linked above by 914Lps. He details the procedure he used to check the solenoid electrically as well as how to clean it. That info has been duplicated here to be comprehensive. Thanks a lot 914lps! Link to original post and other comments.

How to service Solenoid:

Disconnect the wires

Take a sharpie and mark a registration line across the nut & on the steering rack for positioning.

The Solenoid is connected by a thin nut, use either very thin channel lock pliers or just take a flat screwdriver or small chisel and "tap" the nut to loosen - then remove by hand.


Behind the solenoid or attached to it, will be the screen and a gasket, just be careful with it and remove. You'll loose 1/4 quart+ of PS fluid....a little messy, so be ready!

Clean the screen, replace, and tighten solenoid back to registration mark. Tap it back tight with the screwdriver or chisel you used.

Good cleaner to use:
Suggest 3-M Adhesive Cleaner instead of Brake Cleaner. The brake stuff is fairly 'mean' with toluene in it !!!! And it evaporates too fast for an overall cleaner. The 3-M product # is 08984 in a qt. or 08987 in a spray can

Reconnect electrical.

Then flush system.

Directions on flushing system:
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...ower++steering

Or:
http://www.lexls.com/psflush.html

It takes about 7 to 8 quarts to flush most systems clean one time. Use Dextron III Transmission fluid. Valvoline makes a good one for High Mileage cars.

After flushing system it is best to re-clean the screen again.


Checking the Solenoid electrically:
Measure the resistance on the solenoid. It should be between 6 and 11 ohm. After this check the operation. Connect battery terminals to the solenoid. when you look at the connector the left one is - and right one is +. Check that the solenoid makes clicks sound.. don’t apply voltage for more then 30 sec otherwise you will burn it.. if you have to repeat the procedure wait till it cools down so you can touch it with your hand. If there is no click sound replace the pressure control valve with the solenoid valve.

Checking the power steering ECU. There is a PPS ECU specifically put there for the purpose of switching the solenoid on and off. Its located under the steering wheel right next to tilt & telescopic ECU. Check the voltage between the ECU - and ground connectors. - connector is in the upper left corner and ground is in lower left corner if you look at the connector while its plugged in into the ecu. voltage should be between 0.15 and 0.2 V with the engine idling. lift the car and put it in Drive. check the voltage while car running at 60 mph. it should be between 0.04 and 0.16 V. If its no you have to get yourself a new ECU. Don’t forget to check the wire from the ECU to the solenoid and make sure its ok might be just a wire problem


Picture of solenoid and nut (in this photo here he asks is this the Solenoid and do you pound here, the answer is yes) :
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...cmd=si&img=217


If needed rebuild of Power steering pump:
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...showtopic=9851

If needed information on the Air Control Valve (located on the side of the Power Steering Pump).:
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...6&hl=air+valve

and:
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...opic=10364&hl=

and this guy states he can get parts… I have no idea if he is good or bad…….
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/show...hreadid=125839

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

You're definitely on the right track! Looks like you found everything you need to get started.

v12mac

I found a used "good" rack for $125 is it worth the risk?

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

The used rack will have the same exposure to heating/cooling cycles and age as the one currently on the car. I'd either rebuild the used rack with a reseal kit or just get a reman one and be done with it.

v12mac

So how about this.... It just started working. Been working for a month! Still has a small drip but it looks like the tooth fairy came by and poof! it is working again.