Well ... I finally got my **** up off my seat and took my car to check out it's ghosting problem. I went to two places...

1st place tells me that yup, my power steering is leaking into my alternator (I've kinda expected it). So I ask, how much is the damage? 240$ to reseal the power steering pump (I'm thinking, ok, not bad); 492$ for a brand new alternator, I ask can't they use a remanufactured one? "Nope, you can't use a remanufactured alternator in a car like this" yeah, whatever; 400$+ for a new high pressure hose... 400$ for a hose?!?

I tell em thanks (for diagnosing the problem) and am on my way, laughing w/ my bro in the car about those prices

I stop by another shop (one which I trust and have went back to). 320$ for a remanufactured power steering pump, 330$ for a remanufactured alternator. Probably don't need to replace the high pressure vacuum hose. I think that's with labor, not sure. We chatted about headers and the like

The 2nd shop's prices seem a little high, but I trust them and they do good work. I would do the power steering pump myself, but I don't trust myself around it. What's the normal price for something like this? Any suggestions?

heh, my car was down to 10 volts! :eek:

 

well when I replaced my power steering pump I made the mistake of going to the dealership anyway ended up paying 900.00 total for then to replace the pump and the switch but the hoses were fine ...I ended up replacing the alternator myself for 250.00 ..this is definetly an issue for lexus I mean the amount of cars on this forum alone that have had to do this fix is pratically overwhelming

 

I bought a reman alt. w/life time warranty from Pepboys 2 1/2 years ago for around $250(give or take)... You can install it yourself in about 30 minutes.

My mechanics(2 former Lexus mechanics *7 years *3 years Nissan) at Integrity Auto "The Lexus Repair specialist" charge $250 to rebuild/reseal with a year warranty the power steering pump...

They also charge $125 to rebuild/install the altenator w/1 year warr. Or have the best rebuild shop in your city fix it with a warranty of course... Also check with Autozone...

 

Anyone needing an alternator, let me know, that happens to be one of the businesses I am involved with, I can get new or reman units, or have yours remanufactured if you wish.

 

There are only two things that often go wrong with an alternator, shorted or open diode(s) or bearing failure. The diodes can be replace for just a few dollars.

 

lex, you from NY? I dont have alternator prob yet but when it occurs, I'll ask u. Thanks

 

is it pretty easy to replace the alternator yourself?

 

are alternators on the SC3 and SC4 the same? I haven't had any trouble with mine and its got 120k miles on it now...

damn dude, that sucks... that money could go into other stuff like mods

 

Very simple... Just 2 bolts/nuts holding the alternator...

*use some jack stands or ramps..

*disconnect the battery

*remove the engine dust cover or at least half of the screws..

*disconnect the alt..

*remove the altenator (the lower in a long bolt and the top one is a nut... right behind the pulley or below the drive belt tensioner)

Install the opposite VERY EASY If I left out anything someone please add the missing details...

 

yup not a hard job at all the belt tensioner is right hand threads (turn nut right to remove)

 

Taka, where in NY are you? PM me if you need a unit, i'll set you up with a good price.

 

Oh Lex Luthor! the creator of Lexus,

Please let us know how much do you charge for a new Alternator, how much for the reman.? What about shipping to Fairless Hills, PA 19030

I may need one VERY VERY soon. Wife just report the alt light on the other day, and I had changed the p/s pump two months ago.

 

Yes, you can do it yourself. It look a lot easier than the P/S pump.

 

Ikon,

Do I need to craw under the car with the under cover off or can I take the ALt. out from the top?

 

VQT, and anyone else that needs one, here's the info.
To the best of my recollection, there were three different units that were installed in our cars (SC4). If I remember correctly, there are 90amp, 100amp, and 110amp units, all small case.
You need to reference the tag on the case of the unit and get the part number to determine which one it is. For this particular unit,
purchasing a new one is simply too expensive to be worth it, I can set you up with a high quality reman unit, unless you'd rather spend an extra $350 for a new unit that you could have spent on performance mods.
Depending on which unit any of you have, you are looking at around $145. Call Montrose Auto Electric
516-587-4200 Ask for John Brown, tell him Jon (Lex Luthor)
from Club Lexus sent you.