Power steering pump whine
#31
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
You gotta replace your ps pump if you take drain the fluid into a clear bottle you can see little black flecks in it that's the ps pump coming apart/disintegrating slowly. I would replace the ps pump and clean out the rwsveoir with gasoline and then use a air wand to blow the crap out .ca rinse again air wand again repeat one more time then rinse out the resevoir with new fluid. Install the new ps pump fill with dexron/merc 3 and call it a day.
#32
Driver School Candidate
The car I just let go had a bad power steering pump as told to me by the dealer. I experienced the same noise as you described...a light, dry whirring noise. The pitch would heighten upon acceleration however I did not have the normal noise of a bad power steering pump when turning or difficulty when turning.
#33
In regards to maintenance, I acquired an '04 LS430 with 119k. The power steering fluid looked dark and had a burnt smell. After reading the various posts on servicing and talking to my independent Lexus mechanic I did the following. I used a fluid extractor which would pull approximately 1/4-quart of fluid out of the reservoir. After each drive where the fluid would get hot, I would extract and then refill again with universal Castrol synthetic ATF (2 for $10). After 1 1/4-quarts the "whining" stopped but the reservoir "staining" hasn't completely been cleaned and the fluid still doesn't smell fresh. I plan to continue this method and finish the 2 quarts and then put it up on a lift and use a 17mm and 22mm wrench to disconnect the fittings on the steering rack. Any residual dirt or debris should gravitate toward this low point. Hopefully by then the detergent properties will have eliminated the staining in the reservoir and I can then fill it with Amsoil Universal ATF (DexII/DexIII). Since the total fluid capacity is so small (I think its about 3/4-quart?) it looks like the only way to get everything out of the system is by disconnecting the steering rack line set.I haven't seen any "O-Ring" residual in the fluid that's been extracted but then again the fluid was so nasty that the "black dirt/slime" could be O-rings. After I get the fluid cleaned I plan to extract each time an oil change is done and then disconnect at the steering rack at around the 30,000 mile mark.
#34
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
In regards to maintenance, I acquired an '04 LS430 with 119k. The power steering fluid looked dark and had a burnt smell. After reading the various posts on servicing and talking to my independent Lexus mechanic I did the following. I used a fluid extractor which would pull approximately 1/4-quart of fluid out of the reservoir. After each drive where the fluid would get hot, I would extract and then refill again with universal Castrol synthetic ATF (2 for $10). After 1 1/4-quarts the "whining" stopped but the reservoir "staining" hasn't completely been cleaned and the fluid still doesn't smell fresh. I plan to continue this method and finish the 2 quarts and then put it up on a lift and use a 17mm and 22mm wrench to disconnect the fittings on the steering rack. Any residual dirt or debris should gravitate toward this low point. Hopefully by then the detergent properties will have eliminated the staining in the reservoir and I can then fill it with Amsoil Universal ATF (DexII/DexIII). Since the total fluid capacity is so small (I think its about 3/4-quart?) it looks like the only way to get everything out of the system is by disconnecting the steering rack line set.I haven't seen any "O-Ring" residual in the fluid that's been extracted but then again the fluid was so nasty that the "black dirt/slime" could be O-rings. After I get the fluid cleaned I plan to extract each time an oil change is done and then disconnect at the steering rack at around the 30,000 mile mark.
There is not going to be debris in your ps by the rack the resevoir has a mesh screen that catches all particles, if there is debris its from your power steering pump coming apart and changing your fluid is a band aid fix.
Last edited by 05ls430518; 01-21-18 at 08:17 AM.
#35
Had an issue like that on my wife's '04 Accord. Turns out there was a service bulletin for an o-ring that, with age, allows air to enter the system. A replacement o-ring fixed the whine and I haven't had any ill effects a year down the road. Never noticed this issue on my '02 LS with 166k miles.
#36
The intention was to disconnect the return line at the reservoir and follow those procedures to flush (and also clean the reservoir) but upon trying to remove the line(s) it required significant pressure and I decided that "breaking the nipple" off the return on the reservoir wasn't something I wanted to chance after reviewing what reservoirs cost. The independent Lexus mechanic said that his normal procedure to flush is by using the 17 & 22mm wrenches at the line set. If I insert my fluid extractor into the reservoir (I have a smaller hose attached to it so I can bottom out in the reservoir) will this extract what's caught on the screen? Where is the screen located? If you have any advice on how to get the two lines off of the reservoir that lessen the chance of breaking the nipples, please elaborate as my first choice was to clean the reservoir so there wouldn't be any doubt as to whether the PS fluid was breaking down the "black ring" in the reseroir or the O-Ring on the pump itself was slowly dissolving.
#37
Moderator
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I'm fairly certain the screen isn't actually part of the reservoir. In the pic you see the tube that mounts on top of the pump. On LS400's the reservoir is mounted directly on top of this part so when they are together the screen is at the bottom. On LS430's the parts are separated by a hose.
I've found using the EVO solenoid on the rack to be much easier than disconnecting the high pressure line if all you want to do is drain fluid,,,
I've found using the EVO solenoid on the rack to be much easier than disconnecting the high pressure line if all you want to do is drain fluid,,,
#38
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I'm fairly certain the screen isn't actually part of the reservoir. In the pic you see the tube that mounts on top of the pump. On LS400's the reservoir is mounted directly on top of this part so when they are together the screen is at the bottom. On LS430's the parts are separated by a hose.
I've found using the EVO solenoid on the rack to be much easier than disconnecting the high pressure line if all you want to do is drain fluid,,,
I've found using the EVO solenoid on the rack to be much easier than disconnecting the high pressure line if all you want to do is drain fluid,,,
#39
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
The intention was to disconnect the return line at the reservoir and follow those procedures to flush (and also clean the reservoir) but upon trying to remove the line(s) it required significant pressure and I decided that "breaking the nipple" off the return on the reservoir wasn't something I wanted to chance after reviewing what reservoirs cost. The independent Lexus mechanic said that his normal procedure to flush is by using the 17 & 22mm wrenches at the line set. If I insert my fluid extractor into the reservoir (I have a smaller hose attached to it so I can bottom out in the reservoir) will this extract what's caught on the screen? Where is the screen located? If you have any advice on how to get the two lines off of the reservoir that lessen the chance of breaking the nipples, please elaborate as my first choice was to clean the reservoir so there wouldn't be any doubt as to whether the PS fluid was breaking down the "black ring" in the reseroir or the O-Ring on the pump itself was slowly dissolving.
Its a tedious process take your time and it will work though.
#40
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Mine whined from day one when it was cold outside. If I were to guess, many owners have experienced the same regardless if they have noticed or not. Inherent to the brand?
#42
I have an 04. No PS noise when I bought (101). Then started hearing the whine. Had the PS totally drained and refilled (107). Once again, no noise. Couldn't tell the engine was running. Now the whine is back and getting worse (111). Bought a $10 stethoscope (great tool). No problem w/ the alternator pulley bearing. No noise from serpentine belt (done at 90). Idler pulley seems to be quiet. It's the PS pump. Using the stethoscope, can hear a high pitch whine at idle. Sounds like someone using a high speed grinder on metal. Get worse when the engine is rev'd. Changes when the steering wheel is moved L/R. New PS time.
#43
What I do and recommend is every 2 to 3 engine oil Chang, to suck the fluid from the reservoir and top up. This way the pump lives almost forever.
I did this to every care I owned, and never had a bad pump unless there is a design flow from the factory. And I had cars that I owned past 200,000 miles.
Remumber ther is no lubricant that last forever.
I did this to every care I owned, and never had a bad pump unless there is a design flow from the factory. And I had cars that I owned past 200,000 miles.
Remumber ther is no lubricant that last forever.
#44
Couldn't tell the engine was running. Now the whine is back and getting worse (111). Bought a $10 stethoscope (great tool). No problem w/ the alternator pulley bearing. No noise from serpentine belt (done at 90). Idler pulley seems to be quiet. It's the PS pump. Using the stethoscope, can hear a high pitch whine at idle. Sounds like someone using a high speed grinder on metal. Get worse when the engine is rev'd. Changes when the steering wheel is moved L/R. New PS time.
Your post inspired me to buy a automotive stethoscope made by Lisle from Amazon for about $15. When it arrives, guaranteed she'll open it up without asking me, and then ask me what the heck it's for!? That's my cue to proclaim we're going to 'play doctor', LOL.
#45
When I drive my 04 (110k), there's some kind of very high pitched "whine" at freeway speeds (70-80) when tach is roughly 1,700 - 2,500. Not super loud but just enough to be really irritating. Kind of like a dentist's drill. Michelin tires are in excellent condition. Other the "dentist drill whine", the car looks and drives well. I tried coasting in neutral. No noise. It's not the stereo. No wind noise. There's a slight vibration at idle which is probably engine/trans mounts.
So to compare, I drove an 06 in perfect condition. Elderly woman owner, full service. Didn't make any noise at idle or any speed. No whine. Just like the 01 I sold.
Can hear the PS pump on mine at idle (loud when cold, can hear slightly when the car's warmed up). Could this be the source? I've heard about 04's having a "mystery whine". Mine didn't need a trans replacement. I did a couple of D/F's. Dealer did the second. Shifts are super smooth. Other than the noise, the car is a perfect low mileage car. Any suggests on ways to solve the whine? Am ready to sell my 04 and buy the 06 (10.5). Perfect one owner but not a Sport.
Side note: the 06 isn't a Sport (mine is) but doesn't feel much different. Not much body roll. There is some road feedback. My 01 was soft. Noticeable body roll and totally insulated from the road.
So to compare, I drove an 06 in perfect condition. Elderly woman owner, full service. Didn't make any noise at idle or any speed. No whine. Just like the 01 I sold.
Can hear the PS pump on mine at idle (loud when cold, can hear slightly when the car's warmed up). Could this be the source? I've heard about 04's having a "mystery whine". Mine didn't need a trans replacement. I did a couple of D/F's. Dealer did the second. Shifts are super smooth. Other than the noise, the car is a perfect low mileage car. Any suggests on ways to solve the whine? Am ready to sell my 04 and buy the 06 (10.5). Perfect one owner but not a Sport.
Side note: the 06 isn't a Sport (mine is) but doesn't feel much different. Not much body roll. There is some road feedback. My 01 was soft. Noticeable body roll and totally insulated from the road.