Howdy folks,

I have a 98 GS400 with an alternator problem. To identify the problem,
i started the car, pulled the positive side of the battery and the car basically died.

There is either oil dripping or power steering fluid leaking onto the existing alternator. Im not sure which. I have disconnected everything to the alternator including removing the power steering pulley. I cannot seem to
get the alternator out of the car. There is something in the way no matter
which way I try to get it out.

Anyone know how to get this baby out?

And better yet, how can I at least identify what is leaking. It has to be either a power steering pump leak or cam seal in my opinion.

Thanks in advance,

KS

 

Its most likely the power steering fluid. It's a common problem for many Lexus. Apparantly, Lexus thought it would be a good idea to put the power steering above the alternator.

If you can search the GS forum, I posted a manual for removing the alternator. Seach 'DIY alternator" under the 2GS section.

 

Thanks GSTeg. I did download the pdfs which helped disassemble but did not show how to drop the alternator out of the bottom of the engine bay. That puppy is wedged in there and I spent two hours turning it every which way trying to get it out. Any recommendations on how to get it out. Right now its just hanging from the top bolt. I had to stop b/c I was frustrated.

If it is the ps pump, any DIY for that? Is that hard to do?

Thanks

KS

 

Left you a pm

 

You have to remove the power steering pulley. No way around that.

 

Thanks - pulley is already off. I can get it off the post but it wont drop out of the car. Its stick between the power cables, the power steering cables, the engine block, the fender well, etc. It just wont drop out. I have not dropped the sway bar yet and will do that soon. Its like no opening it quite big enough....I even tried to get it out of the top of the engine bay and got it wedged in the fan shroud. Got it back off the shroud and hung it back on the post and called it a night.

 

If it's anything like the SC400, it might be beneficial to take the power steering line brackets off and push them out of the way...