Power Steering Solenoid

[jbarhorst2]

Well, I finally decided to remove my PPS solenoid and clean the screen. I flushed my power steering system about a month ago, so I knew I needed to go in and do it.

I had noticed over the past year that my steering was a little stiffer than it used to be, so I am hoping this fixes that situation. I'll find out in an hour or so when I take it out for the first drive.

I read all the posts that I could find on here before I started. I tried tapping for about a half hour with no luck. It would not budge. So, I came inside and read some of the posts again and went back out. Still no luck with the tapping. Because of all the hoses and brackets in the area I was not able to get a good grip with the vise grips. After another 15 minutes I decided to do the best I could with the grips. About 6 tries with no grip. Finally, I was able to position the vise grips well and it held. I tapped the grips with the hammer and after about 10 taps it broke loose. I was relieved.

My screen was really dirty. I wonder if the dealer sells just this screen? I got mine pretty clean, but it still was not like new. The next time I do this I'll check with them and I'll also get some new o-rings.

I'll let you know how the drive goes. If anyone has questions, it's pretty fresh in my mind right now.

Tom

[jbarhorst2]

Wow.

I am normally one of those people who doubt something until I see it for myself.

The difference in my steering effort is incredible. I'm defintely glad I put in the effort.

Tom

[monarch]

I'd be willing to Paypal you $20.00 if you posted a picture showing hot your vice grips were position on the nut and showing you tapping on the grips in the manner that finally made the nut loosen.

So far, no one has been willing to do this and that's why iit has been taking newbies hours / days / weeks to learn how to budge the solenoid loose. One newbie even ruined his solenoid.

[jbarhorst2]

I don't have enough time this coming weekend to take the picture (because of travel), but I'll try to get one taken next weekend (March 25th or so). No payment necessary. I'll want to take the engine under cover off again anyway just to make sure my solenoid has not begun to leak after reinstallation.

Tom

[monarch]

Thank you very much Tom. Hope I can return the favor someday.

[lenore]

I have a question, does the RX300 have one of these screens too? I havent

looked, but was wondering.

[monarch]

Only the LS400 & SC400 have a steering rack solenoid & filter screen

[lenore]

Only the LS400 & SC400 have a steering rack solenoid & filter screen

Thankyou for that info monarch

[jbarhorst2]

Well, I finally had the opportunity tonight to take a picture, but I am not really pleased with the results.

I took off the engine undercover and placed the vise grips in the location I had used before.

You'll notice in the picture that there is a plastic piece to the left of the grips. This must be removed for this to work.

You will also notice that the grips are not in the best orientation for turning the nut, but it did work for me. Just try not to hit the grips too hard and break them loose. Firm pressure along with gentle to firm taps with a hammer worked for me.

Don't attach the grips to the solenoid housing. Make sure you actually are attatched to the nut.

Hope this helps.

Tom

[monarch]

Thanks for the photo jbarhorst2. Now I am wondering if you could tell if you pushed upward with the vice grips to loosen the solenoid or pulled downward on the grips? Thanks.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/mastertech/sole.jpg

[jbarhorst2]

Good point Monarch,

push upward.

And, when you're in there you will see that you do not have much room at all to push up. There is a thick bar that is in the way. I think it is a roll bar or something. Anyway, the grips won't turn much. Maybe 10 degrees. But, that is enough. Once the solenoid is broken loose you will see that it is very easy to turn. There is an o-ring that makes contact when the solenoid is tightened and that rubber against the metal really sticks tight. Because it is a rubber o-ring, you don't really need a penetrating oil to break it loose. It's not like it is corroded metal that you need to get through.

Also, try not to use the housing of the solenoid to turn it until you have broken it loose. It is not designed to spin and your could be ruining an otherwise good solenoid.

If anyone has questions, feel free to ask. I'm sure I am still forgetting to tell something.

Tom