Lexs400

Guys,
The power steering on the 90LS400 is hard as a rock while trying to turn. especially at low speed. I had the lexus service check the power steering and they changed the power steering pump. but no use. I've searched this forum and the discussion of changing the power steering Assist Valve/selenoid came up which resolved this problem for one of the owners here on the forum.
My question is, is this a DIY ? if so are there any diagrams as to where it's located and how to replace it ?
thanks.

lextek

It's on the rack and has an electrical connector going to it, it could be unplugged or wires torn right there. Just unplug the connector and use a hammer and a chisel and tap it where it screws into the rack and it will spin, remove it with your hand. There is also a small circular filter/screen on the valve you will see when you remove it, remove the screen and spray it with some brake kleen or carb spray.

Lexs400

Lextek,
thanks for the reply ! well here's my question. have u ever seen one go bad ? and if it's not working properly will lubricating fix it ? I asked the dealer and they quoted me $650 for that valve ! I searched the web for a diagram particularly for the 90 ls400 but didn't really see any. As for taking it apart I'm thinking of taking it to the mechanic for them to use the lift and take a peak at it. But before I do that i want to make sure that the mechanic can't actually "break" it while trying to take it apart and for that reason I'm trying to get more info here.

lextek

It can't be lubricated. Most likely it has an open circuit or a short circuit inside the valve. The only thing that can be taken apart is the aforementioned filter. The filter can get blocked with "trash" and make the steering more difficult to turn. Before you buy a new solenoid valve, try cleaning this screen/filter, it may buy you some time to prepare for the 650 drop. I have seen a few of these solenoid valves go bad.

Good luck.
lextek.