1999 LS: Rebuilt Power Steering Pump Problems
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6
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From: GA
1999 LS: Rebuilt Power Steering Pump Problems
My son's 99 LS400 w/ 150k miles just experienced an alternator failure. I replaced the alternator and power steering pump at the same time (plenty of old fluid covering the alternator). The power steering pump is a rebuild from AutoZone.
Problem: I'm 99% sure I bled the PS system fully. No noise, no foam/bubbles. However, at idle, the power steering pump seems to surge and pulse when turning the wheel at parking lot speeds. In park, the symptoms disappear at about 1000-1200rpms.
I plugged the ACV port with an oil drain plug. From reading posts this shouldn't have any effect. Is it a possible bad power steering pump? I wouldn't think there's a break-in period, but this is the 1sr PS pump I've replaced.
All input welcome!
Brian
Problem: I'm 99% sure I bled the PS system fully. No noise, no foam/bubbles. However, at idle, the power steering pump seems to surge and pulse when turning the wheel at parking lot speeds. In park, the symptoms disappear at about 1000-1200rpms.
I plugged the ACV port with an oil drain plug. From reading posts this shouldn't have any effect. Is it a possible bad power steering pump? I wouldn't think there's a break-in period, but this is the 1sr PS pump I've replaced.
All input welcome!
Brian
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 81
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From: California
Try this. Make sure the system is full of fluid. start the car and turn the steering wheel all the way one way and lock it for a couple of seconds and then turn it all the way the opposite direction and do the same. Try doing this 5 time to each side. Turn off the car start it up again and see if it still is doing it. sounds to me like you still might have air in the systerm
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 418
From: CALIFORNIA
99 LS400 P.S. pump started leaking at 145k. Weighed pro and con new vs. used/rebuilt.
Elected to replace with a brand new P.S. pump from Lexus..around $400..over double rebuild price.
Quiet, smooth, no issues for another 150k
You never know the conditionof the core used for rebuilds..what was replaced other than o-rings and a bearing..highly unlikely replaced components are from Toyota/Lexus OEM supplier...and Autozone does not advise tolerances of other internals for comparison, or whether specs are in range contained in Lexus shop manual.
Also, if Lexus pump fails within warranty period, the replacement is a new part and not a random rebuild.
Elected to replace with a brand new P.S. pump from Lexus..around $400..over double rebuild price.
Quiet, smooth, no issues for another 150k
You never know the conditionof the core used for rebuilds..what was replaced other than o-rings and a bearing..highly unlikely replaced components are from Toyota/Lexus OEM supplier...and Autozone does not advise tolerances of other internals for comparison, or whether specs are in range contained in Lexus shop manual.
Also, if Lexus pump fails within warranty period, the replacement is a new part and not a random rebuild.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6
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From: GA
I've gone lock-to-lock about 100 times. With the engine off as well as running. Tires off the ground and on. Holding at lock for several seconds and not. The fluid level hasn't changed since I initially bled the system.
Not sure if this is normal, but I left the reservoir cap off once while engine was running and made a mess. Looks like fluid surged up. Maybe 1/8" of the reservoir.
Not sure if this is normal, but I left the reservoir cap off once while engine was running and made a mess. Looks like fluid surged up. Maybe 1/8" of the reservoir.
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Joined: Apr 2016
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From: California
I've gone lock-to-lock about 100 times. With the engine off as well as running. Tires off the ground and on. Holding at lock for several seconds and not. The fluid level hasn't changed since I initially bled the system.
Not sure if this is normal, but I left the reservoir cap off once while engine was running and made a mess. Looks like fluid surged up. Maybe 1/8" of the reservoir.
Not sure if this is normal, but I left the reservoir cap off once while engine was running and made a mess. Looks like fluid surged up. Maybe 1/8" of the reservoir.
remove the end of the return line from the pump and hold it over the reservoir..have someone start the car and watch the fluid flow..should be a nice stream, like a 20 year old taking a ****..not a 85 year old with prostate issues. if its spits and sputters u have blockage. that pump u bought was rebuilt by BBB most likely..they are plagued with qc problems.
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,856
Likes: 87
From: TX
I'd have to day I'm close to experiencing the same problem and about come to the conclusion it's the pump....
I replaced the pump on my 98, bled the system and have not had a problem. I purchased a rebuild from O-Reilly's... I have had previous poor results with Autozone and drive past them on my way to O'Reillys.
My son in law had the pump replaced on his 2000 Tundra and a few weeks later, it's back doing the same thing as before. Looks like it's working, but does not assist the turning at all.
I'm about ready to replace the one in the Tundra as I don't know the source of the prior replacement.... but it really should work longer than a few weeks.
I think you got a bad pump and you just need to replace it.... again.
I replaced the pump on my 98, bled the system and have not had a problem. I purchased a rebuild from O-Reilly's... I have had previous poor results with Autozone and drive past them on my way to O'Reillys.
My son in law had the pump replaced on his 2000 Tundra and a few weeks later, it's back doing the same thing as before. Looks like it's working, but does not assist the turning at all.
I'm about ready to replace the one in the Tundra as I don't know the source of the prior replacement.... but it really should work longer than a few weeks.
I think you got a bad pump and you just need to replace it.... again.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: GA
Problem Solved
I fixed the problem by installing a brand spanking new OEM pump. Took 5 minutes to bleed the system. Immediately felt 'normal' at parking lot speeds.
5 hours of my time wasted having to re-do work because of a faulty pump from AutoZone. The Lexus parts manager said that tolerances were so tight that most rebuilds have the same problem. If OEM will last another 150k miles, I guess it's worth the $450.
5 hours of my time wasted having to re-do work because of a faulty pump from AutoZone. The Lexus parts manager said that tolerances were so tight that most rebuilds have the same problem. If OEM will last another 150k miles, I guess it's worth the $450.
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