I just bought a 97 ls400 recently with 225k miles. Needs a timing belt, water pump since the timing belt is coming out and a power steering pump soon. I also noticed what sounds like an exhaust leak from behind the engine on the passenger side, hopefully not a bad egr pipe. But I also notice the idle dies down whenever I brake suddenly or when I bump into a curb when parking, any feedback will be appreciated.

 

The exhaust leak sound sounds exactly where you would hear a leaking EGR pipe. And the mileage points to that also if it had never been done.

 

if you are mechanically inclined, do the water pump and timing belt yourself. Since you will be in the same working location, check your radiator. Replace it if need to. As for the P/S pump, check to see where the leak actually is coming from. Is it making a growling noise? Alternator is likely drenched in P/S fluid...aka AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. lol

 

the previous owner experienced the p/s leak on the alternator and changed it. He wrapped the hoses where I’m assuming the leak came from and doesn’t leak, but it’s on my to do list to get replaced, but the pump isn’t making any noises. I hear a clicking noise when I turn the wheel, but that could be suspension related