RX330 - intermittent power steering problems
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
RX330 - intermittent power steering problems
]Just got my first Lexus in June (it's a 2005 RX330 with 68K) and I am brand new to this forum. Last week, I replaced all four tires (discovering some of the joys of an all-wheel vehicle and had it aligned. Approximately 3 days later, I started to feel an intermittent lack of power steering. At least I think that's what it feels like -- just not smooth on the turns, a little "grabby." Tire/alignment shop says no way they could have done anything. I read some posts and the p/s fluid is black, so I will change that today. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
Do several turkey baster suction out old fluid. Add new fluid with Mobil-1 Synthetic atf. each time. Made my steering smooth as glass. Also check to make sure your belts are tight and not worn. only other thing I could think of is the rack/pinion could be the culprit. But try my suggestion`s first.
Last edited by lexus114; Sep 24, 2013 at 09:50 AM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 680
Likes: 0
From: Redmond wa
]Just got my first Lexus in June (it's a 2005 RX330 with 68K) and I am brand new to this forum. Last week, I replaced all four tires (discovering some of the joys of an all-wheel vehicle and had it aligned. Approximately 3 days later, I started to feel an intermittent lack of power steering. At least I think that's what it feels like -- just not smooth on the turns, a little "grabby." Tire/alignment shop says no way they could have done anything. I read some posts and the p/s fluid is black, so I will change that today. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Since your Rx doesn't have a VC to provide AWD functionality that isn't likely to be the problem.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Power Steering fix
Do several turkey baster suction out old fluid. Add new fluid with Mobil-1 Synthetic atf. each time. Made my steering smooth as glass. Also check to make sure your belts are tight and not worn. only other thing I could think of is the rack/pinion could be the culprit. But try my suggestion`s first.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
Thanks so much! I drained and refilled with Mobil1 ATF, and will do it again. (Saw a recommendation to use the top of a spray bottle and that worked great). No diff yet, but I will continue on that path for now. And then have those belts checked. Hope it's not the rack/pinion -- sounds pricey. I really appreciate the feedback. Thanks again!
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 37
From: FL
When I started doing mine I started with a basic DEXRON II/III ATF fluid per the manual to get some clean stuff in there. Every few months I would pump out the dirty stuff and put in clean. Just left the engine cover for that area off since I was constantly going back in there time-after-time. Even ran some Sea Foam Trans Tune to help cut some of the varnish which had built up. Was hard to read even what the level was due to the varnish. Continued with this until the fluid stayed fairly clean between changes. Only then did I switch to the Mobil 1 ATF. Did not want to waste good synthetic that was only going to be removed again in short order.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 37
From: FL
]Just got my first Lexus in June (it's a 2005 RX330 with 68K) and I am brand new to this forum. Last week, I replaced all four tires (discovering some of the joys of an all-wheel vehicle and had it aligned. Approximately 3 days later, I started to feel an intermittent lack of power steering. At least I think that's what it feels like -- just not smooth on the turns, a little "grabby." Tire/alignment shop says no way they could have done anything. I read some posts and the p/s fluid is black, so I will change that today. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
The power steering fluid is something easily overlooked by owners, and it seems dealerships, when it comes to regular maintenance of their vehicle. If you inspect the Scheduled Maintenance section of your Owner's Manual you will see that there is not even a service interval to change out the fluid.
If I had to venture a guess, I would say a number of the power steering rack failures discussed about here at CL could have been prevented or at least delayed by a regular servicing of this essential but forgotten about fluid.
I had left it to the dealership to make sure all things like this were addressed while my vehicle was under warranty and I was busy working. Once I reduced my work schedule and my RX was out of warranty I had more time to notice neglected items such as this. After four years the fluid was black and a varnish had covered the inside reservoir and the cap.
This could take awhile for you to clear out the old stuff doing it as you are since you are only removing a little bit at a time. See my previous post. Personally, I do not recommend a power steering flush due to all the varnish which may now be in the system which may clog things up if you try to get it all out at once. Slow and steady.
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Welcome to Club Lexus, mcmani4.
The power steering fluid is something easily overlooked by owners, and it seems dealerships, when it comes to regular maintenance of their vehicle. If you inspect the Scheduled Maintenance section of your Owner's Manual you will see that there is not even a service interval to change out the fluid.
If I had to venture a guess, I would say a number of the power steering rack failures discussed about here at CL could have been prevented or at least delayed by a regular servicing of this essential but forgotten about fluid.
I had left it to the dealership to make sure all things like this were addressed while my vehicle was under warranty and I was busy working. Once I reduced my work schedule and my RX was out of warranty I had more time to notice neglected items such as this. After four years the fluid was black and a varnish had covered the inside reservoir and the cap.
This could take awhile for you to clear out the old stuff doing it as you are since you are only removing a little bit at a time. See my previous post. Personally, I do not recommend a power steering flush due to all the varnish which may now be in the system which may clog things up if you try to get it all out at once. Slow and steady.
The power steering fluid is something easily overlooked by owners, and it seems dealerships, when it comes to regular maintenance of their vehicle. If you inspect the Scheduled Maintenance section of your Owner's Manual you will see that there is not even a service interval to change out the fluid.
If I had to venture a guess, I would say a number of the power steering rack failures discussed about here at CL could have been prevented or at least delayed by a regular servicing of this essential but forgotten about fluid.
I had left it to the dealership to make sure all things like this were addressed while my vehicle was under warranty and I was busy working. Once I reduced my work schedule and my RX was out of warranty I had more time to notice neglected items such as this. After four years the fluid was black and a varnish had covered the inside reservoir and the cap.
This could take awhile for you to clear out the old stuff doing it as you are since you are only removing a little bit at a time. See my previous post. Personally, I do not recommend a power steering flush due to all the varnish which may now be in the system which may clog things up if you try to get it all out at once. Slow and steady.
Last edited by alchemist; Dec 11, 2013 at 06:27 AM.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,398
Likes: 455
From: GA
I do a suck and fill on my PS fluid on all of my cars. I do it every oil change. This after an aggressive frequency of suck-fill when I bought my used Lexus'. Now they are pinkish and smell fresh.
I use this:
I use this:
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