Power Steering Fluid Overflow

[marwankw]

Hi,

I have a 1998 LS400, when I open the reservoir cap I find the P.S. fluid bubbling and in around 20 sec. it overflows and makes the surrounding messy.

Any idea why?

Steering is not hard and no leaks

[GRAND_LS 4]

Hi,

I have a 1998 LS400, when I open the reservoir cap I find the P.S. fluid bubbling and in around 20 sec. it overflows and makes the surrounding messy.

Any idea why?

Steering is not hard and no leaks

←

Maybe you have air in the system? It shouldnt overflow, no matter what. When it does this, does it keep coming out, or do you stop it then?

[marwankw]

Hi,

I have a 1998 LS400, when I open the reservoir cap I find the P.S. fluid bubbling and in around 20 sec. it overflows and makes the surrounding messy.

Any idea why?

Steering is not hard and no leaks

←

Maybe you have air in the system? It shouldnt overflow, no matter what. When it does this, does it keep coming out, or do you stop it then?

Ah i don't know, have to try this i usually close the reservoir cap to avoid further mess.

[chubyball]

Check your fluid status, it it's need more then add more. But leave your cap open over night to let all air out.

[GRAND_LS 4]

Check your fluid status, it it's need more then add more. But leave your cap open over night to let all air out.

←

I think you need to turn your wheels from side to side to get all the air out.

[sha4000]

add more fluid then get in your car and turn the steering wheel all the way left and hold it for a couple of seconds then turn it all the way right and hold for a couple of seconds repeat this process several times and all of the air should be out of the system

[marwankw]

I finally had to replace the PS pump with the reservoir tank and the small hose between them.

total cost was $490

[AzHotLS]

Did you do it yourself or have it done at a shop?

[marwankw]

Did you do it yourself or have it done at a shop?

←

At a private shop with original parts, and $50 was the labor charge.

[ko90ls]

watch out when you open that cap! ps fluid can KILL electrical components (alternator, maybe oxygen sensor) i'd use a plastic bag to cover the ps unit just in case!

good luck!

[SKperformance]

A consistent leak of PS fluid can cause issue but a quick spill is no problem unlike the older 4.0l v8's.

Air in the PS system would not be a problem as it is not sealed and circulates the fluid to the reservoir to release air if accumulated.

I would have suspected a dirty screen /filter causing the backup.