Is the 2nd generation power steering different than 1st generation? I wanted to clean the solenoid screen because I am getting some noise. I can't find the solenoid with the screen and the big nut at the top. Is it somewhere else on the 98 or different altogether? Is there something else I need to clean that may me slowing or blocking fluid from flowing properly?

 

Yes, they changed it in 95, and again in 98. Yours is gonna be totally different than the writeups you see for all the 1st generation models.

As i have a thread asking the same question about the screens, i can't answer that, but from what i have been told the 95 and up LS400s have a more robust steering system with less flaws.

what kind of noise are you getting?

 

That's funny........I just posted in your thread as well because I didn't get any responses to my question. Anyway, squeal and/or groan @ 1st start of the day which can be fairly loud until it warms up. Noise barely perceived after it warms but it is there. Was thinking that it would be a good idea to clean screens after having read every thread there is on here regarding PS but didn't really see much for the 98-00 model years. Have been needing to add fluid every couple of weeks but I can't tell exactly where it's leaking. Underneath looks like someone took a garden sprayer full of automotive fluids and hosed it down! Car has 286K on it now so I guess I'm due to get a little involved.

 

Sounds to me like the pump is going kaput. Although I am new to the LS400 gig, i can say that i have had similar problems in other Toyotas and rebuilding the pump solved the issues.

As far as that screen goes, it's not sounding to me like its a problem that you or I are going to have to deal with.

 

Is rebuilding the pump yourself anything especially difficult or should I just get a remanufactured one? I saw a detailed thread with pictures on here from a mechanic about replacing 3 o-rings to stop his leaks and that did not seem terribly difficult. I just don't think that would get rid of the noises though.

 

if you don't have experience rebuilding pumps/hydraulics nor the proper tools to do so, you're better off with a reman.

 

I don't mind venturing in new territory and learning but I can't justify buying special tools to do something that I may only do once or twice in my lifetime. As far as remanufactured pumps go, are the A1 Cardone's from Rockauto OK? They seem to have the best price that I've seen.

 

well they certainly didn't get more robust as far as leaks, fluid is coming out of my 96 like a colander!

 

yes - but make sure your pump is actually bad, might just be the seals between pump & reservoir