Bought car and drove er 500 miles and now the steering is whining and slow at low speeds sporadically more than others.

Any idea on shop time to replace the pump? 2 maybe 3 hours?
After market quality replacements I can trust?
Does Lexus offer reman units or are they any better than after market?
Cost of new Lexus pump?
I plan on going to Yota dealer who are always fair just trying to be prepared, as my last one I rarely had to repair.

 

In my opinion, first check for obvious leaks, maybe it's just a hose leaking. Second, check ps fluid level, color of fluid and smell of it, if its dirty/smells burnt do ps system flush. Diagnostics are important in our car since parts/labor can be very expensive. Good luck.

 

Sewell was like 406 , my dealer was talking 800 but agreed to go after market. Little bottle of Lucas steering sealer, red thick fluid, has worked pretty well for 10 bucks. Change yur fluid, real easy with a suction tool. I guess the stuff runs low evaporates?, gets hot, gets thin seals dry out if ya don't. Thanks for some of the PM's I will look for a used pump on a low mileage rear end wreck for like 50-60 bucks if I eventually need it.

 

For whatever it's worth, mine has been making a whining sound for the last 3 years when cold, and then dissipates once warm. I've learned to live with it and know the bearing is worn. The good thing about our cars are that even when they are symptomatic, they can be driven sometimes for ages before complete failure occurs, if it ever does. Good luck with your issue. I too would try a flush before anything else.

 

Thanks! How much fluid is in the pump hoses and rack? Looked on line little info. Prolly try the manual tomorrow.

 

Warm - I'd try multiple drain and fills first to see if problem goes away. The PS system uses ATF fluid (Dexron II compatible). I'd start doing PS reservoir drain and fills maybe every day or other day until the fluid in the reservoir stays completely nice clear red color after driving. In addition I'd likely use a full synthetic HQ ATF or maybe a specialty PS fluid like this one
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=79&pcid=27
to do the drain and fills.

 

before you do anything try this old trick. Make sure its filled all the way. Turn the wheels while stopped all the way in one direction and hold it there against the stops for about ten seconds and ten do it the other way. If there is any air in the system it sometimes forces it out. Then check fill mark again. In your case it may not work but you never know!

 

you can blow the valves this way... 3sec at stops max!!!!
ideally, if you want air removed, raise front wheels off the ground, open reservoir cap, then turn wheel from end to end about 30 times slowly.

 

Thanks for all the help and "Lynzoid" for the PM's. Home sick took er for a drive did a couple 3 seconders, will get the Redline, and I need an oil change so I get the wheels off the ground.

It has improved almost completely. When I turn the wheels without the car moving there is some studdering and noise, but I really drive like this anyway I am always moving when I turn. I can't remember if my 04 made any noise at all but again I am always moving when I turn. It is greatly improved with yur help and the Lucas stuff.

I like Lynzoid's PM,s .....better to get a slightly used Lexus pump for like 60 bucks than the aftermarket stuff when/if I need one.

The dealer was like" flush prolly won't help", I will call ya back with a quote on a pump and labor, been 4 days now no call.

Cheers Warm

 

pump replacement is really diy if you're ok with tools... only 'hard' part is to pry the tensioner to loosen the belt...

edit: and wheels/steering wheel should turn silently and silk-smooth.. it is high-end lexus after all )

 

+1 Too much of a strain standing still.

 

So I am driving the tractor in a sleet storm pulled into the garage and took the LS out for a quick spin thinkin hum wonder what the pump is doing these days.. Power steering is perfect, your usual bump noise at end range then nothing, silence is golden. The Redline will go in next week, and Kudos also to Bennetts Auto for the Lucas red slime suggestion and your help with getting the air out!
Got my buddies kid to help me do the brake pads front and rear, he is a bit of a home wrench and my new purchase should be golden. Knew I came to the right place.

 

Problem eventually came back just a little bit so a new salvage part with 50k miles/60 bucks sat in garage for 1 1/2 years. When they did my T Belt I had em toss in the new OEM salvage PWR STR pump. Guess what it was worse than the one it replaced. 800 bucks for a new pump, no way, was gonna have em put in the aftermarket for 400 but they got the wrong one ordered. I got my LS back for X Mas week and was gonna go back after the first. Was home in Brewtown, reserviour was empty all I could get was Bahrs stop leak at Walgreens Xmas Eve.

Guess what all good now no probs at all, no leaks, no wining, no stiff steering. 2.99 fixed it. Go figure seals must of dried a little in the garage Bahrs woke the seals up Ahr! Ahr!!!!

 

Interesting.

I'm dealing with a power steering leak in the 97 LS400. I removed the solenoid in the power steering rack and cleaned the filter screens. They were completely plugged. It makes sense to me that those plugged screens raised the operating pressure in the steering and caused the leaks.

Reason I'm telling this story..... Does the LS430 have filter screens anywhere in the power steering system? I don't see any threads about them.

 

I'm back =) My lex is still going strong.