Steering rack problems again (?)
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,864
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From: Massachusetts
Steering rack problems again (?)
Hey guys,
I had my steering rack replaced last year on my '93 SC400 (233,400 miles). It's now having the same symtoms. It has a fairly loud electronic like hum when the wheel is turned. This was like an $800-$900 job just last year for the new rack and I'm broke right now!
I haven't brought it in to the shop yet but I just wanted to see if any of you guys know anything about this or what causes it and if it is possibly anything other than the steering rack since it is only a year old.
Thanks for any help.
I had my steering rack replaced last year on my '93 SC400 (233,400 miles). It's now having the same symtoms. It has a fairly loud electronic like hum when the wheel is turned. This was like an $800-$900 job just last year for the new rack and I'm broke right now!
I haven't brought it in to the shop yet but I just wanted to see if any of you guys know anything about this or what causes it and if it is possibly anything other than the steering rack since it is only a year old.Thanks for any help.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,864
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,864
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
One other point I forgot to mention;
It seems cold sensitive. There was nothing wrong until the first real
cold day came this year. It has continued since and is worst on cold
mornings (loud hum is there without even steering on cold start).
It seems cold sensitive. There was nothing wrong until the first real
cold day came this year. It has continued since and is worst on cold
mornings (loud hum is there without even steering on cold start).
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 378
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It is a leak in your power steering system. Check the hoses and reservoir. My car was making an obscene whining noise at idle, and it was entirely due to the reservoir area having a small leak. Fixed that...now my car is quiet again.
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Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,864
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From: Massachusetts
Also, if it is driven for a little while longer, do you think it would be very damaging to the power steering?
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Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 378
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Well...my reservoir is a newer unit, purchased about 2 years ago. The leak was along on the the attachment points where the reservoir and hose meets. Just cleaned it up, refilled power steering fluid, checked for leaks...and presto!
I'll still keep an eye out for leaks for the next few weeks.
But it can be damaging if neglected. Air and moisture gets into the rack this way.
I'll still keep an eye out for leaks for the next few weeks.
But it can be damaging if neglected. Air and moisture gets into the rack this way.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,559
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
Not so fast. Remember each problem is unique. The system consists of reservoir, hoses, pump, regulator/divertor [part that connects with the sterring column, then the rack (which itself is a sub-system).
The problem can be anywhere. Tell tale sign of a trouble spot is a leak and worst still a hole through which air is sucked in (pin hole which is not large enough to leak out oil). OLT was potentially talking about that.
The stearing pump is actually the acheilies (sp?) heel for sc. A few months back I replaced the pump [with hesitation that the problem could be some-where else] and luckily it fixed the whining problem.
I still stand bye my earlier suggestion .... go the place who replaced the rack and let them diagnose the problem.
Salim
The problem can be anywhere. Tell tale sign of a trouble spot is a leak and worst still a hole through which air is sucked in (pin hole which is not large enough to leak out oil). OLT was potentially talking about that.
The stearing pump is actually the acheilies (sp?) heel for sc. A few months back I replaced the pump [with hesitation that the problem could be some-where else] and luckily it fixed the whining problem.
I still stand bye my earlier suggestion .... go the place who replaced the rack and let them diagnose the problem.
Salim
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