LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Help with Power Steering!

Old 10-18-17, 11:01 PM
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MrLowpez
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Default Help with Power Steering!

Hello All. Looking for some help on the infamous Power Steering on these LS4's. I've searched thru a ton of threads and forums but none with this particular issue have come up. Bare with me here as this is a lot to go thru but any advice or tips will be appreciated.

Rack and pinion was leaking heavily from the boots. I had some time and figured I'd overhaul the whole thing. Power steering pump,hoses,and finally the Rack Assembly. Ordered a MAVAL Reman which remans for Toyota. Installed and...Leak. From the boots nonetheless. Swapped for a second rack. Leaked again? At this point. I'm questioning the EVO component and wondering if the pressure just maxes out all at once and blows a seal? I've been transferring it from the old rack to the last two REMAN ones but in my head the new racks should be sealed regardless of the pressure. Am I missing something? The pump is new with the vacuum solenoid blocked off. Everything's plugged in. Is it just my luck that I had 2 bad racks already? Any insight or advice would be helpful. Can I just pull the fuse to the PS-ECU? Thanks guys.
Old 10-19-17, 11:38 AM
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timmy0tool
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sorry to hear of the frustration, what kind of ATF fluid are you running in the system? who makes the pump you are using?
Old 10-19-17, 08:37 PM
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MrLowpez
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Toyota ATF. Literally happens within seconds of testing new part.
Old 10-21-17, 07:07 AM
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fixmiester
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Default Wrong fluid

Originally Posted by MrLowpez
Toyota ATF. Literally happens within seconds of testing new part.
Toyota specifies Dexron III/IV for the PS, not Toyota T-IV. May not be the total cause, but they are very specific about this.
Old 10-24-17, 10:19 AM
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RA40
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+1 with fixmiester. This isn't the first instance where improperly spec'd o-rings/seals have been used in remanufactured parts. To have two failures at the same place the suspicion is the fluid is not the proper viscosity for the steering system. This may be creating higher pressure than spec'd for. Drain out the Type IV for the Dexron spec'd fluid and see how it does.
Old 10-24-17, 05:33 PM
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UNCNOR
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Originally Posted by RA40
+1 with fixmiester. This isn't the first instance where improperly spec'd o-rings/seals have been used in remanufactured parts. To have two failures at the same place the suspicion is the fluid is not the proper viscosity for the steering system. This may be creating higher pressure than spec'd for. Drain out the Type IV for the Dexron spec'd fluid and see how it does.
Have tried to buy the Dexron 3 or 4 power steering fluid several times but the local Auto Zone,Advance, and O'rileys do not carry the product.Where are you guys buying?
Old 10-24-17, 06:15 PM
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Moarpower
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it's also labelled as dx.strange that auto zone don't have it.
Old 10-25-17, 11:45 AM
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RA40
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Weird they don't have the ATF fluids. Walmart should have the proper spec Dexron available too. I've been using Mobil 1 ATF.
Old 10-25-17, 12:09 PM
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bradland
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+1 on Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF
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