HI,

I have a 92 sc400, and I have a leaking power steering. It has always been leaking ever since i got the car that was about 5 years ago. before when it low I would just add power steering fluid about once every 3-4 months and it would be normal again. Each time adding about 1/4 of a quart so a bottle last me a year or so.

Recently my alternator just went out, I had to change it. I was reading on the forum a leaking power steering can cause the alt to go out. and fixing that issue is just replacing the o-ring. I am not sure which o-ring it is refering to A or B All I know is that while i was changing my alt it was very very dirty and a somewhat of a thick layer of oil around it.

And where can I get/order the o-ring or can I just get it at the local dealers?

also I read somewhere that lexus doesn't use power steering fluid but use ATF fluid. For the last 5 years or so I have been adding just regular power steering fluid. Would that cause any trouble down the road?


thank you

 

Just replace the whole PS pump. It's harder to repair it than to replace it. Will save you alot of trouble. And also if it has been doing that for 5 years, more likely its already clogged up from dirt, that's why the pressure is forcing it's way out else where leading to it leaking. Check the boots of your rack & pinion as well, loosen the screws that hold it, then move it to the side, if there's PS fluid there leaking as well change the rack & pinion as well. I just went through all this a few months ago, never had any problem with it anymore. Also, as long as the PS fluid you're using is Dextron II then you're fine. There isn't an OEM PS fluid available. I called Lexus about this when I did mine and they also use aftermarket stuff.

 

replacing it is always the easier way to go, but I am looking to save a few bucks if possible. I don't mind the trouble / work if needed?

 

I just replaced my PS pump last week. I simply bought a used unit with 33k from the classified forums for $60 and had a shop install it for $90.00. They included all of the proper gaskets, flushed my system, and refilled with Toyota ATF. The car turns and sounds a little better now. Plus, I no longer have a leak.

 

B. The kit is inexpensive, and took me less than 30 minutes to replace.

 

When you do this, flush your system out! You should only use atf fluid.

P.S. If you need help locating the rebuild kit, pm me and I'll point you in the right direction.

 

@Tabaka-Yup! Definitely the way to go. And how much is the repair kit for the PS pump, like $25-$30 and it's not even OEM yet.

 

Iirc o ring A is the trouble causer and easy to change as well. very cheap fix