WDoherty

Just completed several maintenance items on my sc400. On the new steering rack there is a small leak at the connections, can't tell if it is the pressure connection or return because of their proximity. The pressure line is now a Driftmotion unit. It is different than the stock banjo design. It has a fitting that goes into the rack and then it screws onto that fitting. I reused the stock copper washers as the ones that came with the Driftmotion line were too large. Well, given there is a leak I suspect the washers. I just ordered some aluminum oil drain plug washers through Napa that have a 16.5mm I.D. (what i measured the old bango I.D. with calipers). The original were copper, but a look at few forums said now auto manufacturers are using aluminum and it deforms better to other materials. Also, the copper washers Napa had were slightly larger 17mm I.D. Aluminum a safe way to go?

good2go

iTrader: (6)

IIRC, the last time I did this (on a sc300), the two banjo bolts were different sizes and took different sized washers accordingly. I too looked for a properly sized aluminum ones (thinking they'd be inexpensive) and only came up with something that was 'close', but not rperfect like the factory washers. I decided that since the washer only has a very small seat area that crushes, I didn't want to skimp on it and risk having to re-do it again do to a less than perfect fit. Therefore, I bit the bullet and bought the ridiculously overpriced ones from the dealer and called it a day.

.02

MidloSC

iTrader: (1)

Are the old copper washer the right size? If so, try to anneal them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annealing_%28metallurgy%29

That process is used on copper head gaskets so they can be reused.

6SOARER

iTrader: (20)

It doesnt matter if the crush washers are copper or aluminum. I am using the aluminum ones, there oversized and dont leak. I bought a P/S hose like the one DM sells(I actually bought it from the guys who makes them for DM) but shorter.

I spoke to Cliff(who makes these hoses) and he told me as long as I tighten the fitting, make sure that the washer is centered and dont overtorque the fitting or else you'll mess up the washer.

Havent had it leaking yet.

WDoherty

How much torque did you give it? I may have over torqued. There is no way I will be getting a torque wrench in that tight area.

WDoherty

Well, I guess I'll measure the two when i pull them again and see if they are different on sc400. I couldn't even find the washer on the any dealership sights and i don't live near a dealership. I did find a power steering hose seal kit which may have been it, but they wanted $27 plus shipping. I did find a third party sight a few weeks ago that has every single lexus part itemized, but could not find the sight again.

good2go

iTrader: (6)

I usually use this site for part lookups: (you'll notice they don't give full part numbers though)

http://www.lexuspartsnow.com/Page_Pr...onentsIndex=31

and then I compare them to this site: (which has exact same list with full part numbers, but minus the pics)

http://www.*******.com/parts/p_U_199...PZKA_4503.html


Then, armed with exact part numbers and a few prices for reference, I just shop the usual targets for online deeply discounted Lexus/Toy parts.

G/L

WDoherty

You found it. That is the site I was talking about (lexuspartsnow), but didn't previously have luck relocating it. Note to other members, this site is excellent for finding parts, part numbers! Thank you.

good2go

iTrader: (6)

Bookmarks

6SOARER

iTrader: (20)

Your right, theres no way you can get a torque wrench over the fittings.

I did it by eye and feeling.

Dula

what i found useful was to make marks on the top of the banjo bolt and on the power steering hose where the holes are do the same to the banjo bolt that way all you need to do is match up the lines and if it is still leaking when you insert the bolt you will know how far to turn the bolt hope this helps

csalazar87

got a set of washers (copper) at harbor freight $5. it was SAE but the 5/8" washer fits