Power Steering Issues...again!

mapman · December 10, 2003

When my pressure switch went out there was fluid in one hose but not in the other and mine was leaking really bad even with vacuum hose unhooked fluid just ran out all the time engine was running,

VMF · December 10, 2003

i dont think loosing power steering will cause any effect on the color of your exaust gas. blue smoke means your engine is leaking oil and white smoke usually means that the coolant is gettin into your cilinders under certain conditions.

mobilyte · December 16, 2003

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VMF · December 16, 2003

heh thats a good idea, i dont drive my car to work during winter times. everytime u start it during cold temps u kill the engine so i take a bus or hop a ride with some1:) as to the leaks did you check the rack? check the rack and check the difference between levels with engine on and off:)

VBdenny · December 17, 2003

Well I can certainly understand how annoying the PS problems are. My LS now leaks PS fluid on my garage floor. I have to add fluid once in awhile, but it appears about the same amount that leaks. Since I just had the PS pump and high pressure hose replaced last year I was not happy. While under the car today doing an oil change, I used a small flashlight and looked up around the pump, it didn't appear to be leaking there. The I looked at the rack. Leaking. Once of the boots is wet with PS fluid and I could see where it is dripping. I cussed at that point because I saw the two guys on two guys garage change a rack and it didn't look like fun.

I'm open to any suggestions on what I can screw around with to fix this.

90LS400Lexus · December 17, 2003

I have no leaks at all under my car, but I have noticed that the hose on the back of my PS pump is damp there at the clamp. There are no drips at all- yet. Is it just that hose that needs replaced, or is it a more serious problem?

Lextech2k3 · December 17, 2003

just that hose....that's a common leak for those vehicles

90LS400Lexus · December 17, 2003

just that hose....that's a common leak for those vehicles

OK - Thanks. Is this an expensive / timely repair? Thanks again.

mobilyte · December 18, 2003

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99lsguy · December 18, 2003

Migirdech,

Yes, Pictures would be Great!!

This procedure could go in the Maintenance Data base - step by step pictures & commentary is the best possible way to show how a project goes!

Thanks!

glenmore · December 18, 2003

I was looking at steering component prices at one of the internet sellers and they had this disclaimer for the rack and p/s pump:

"Component failure in this p/s system is often due to hose and fluid deterioration, which results in contamination of the system. It is a strong recommendation that all components of the system (pump, hoses, steering rack) be replaced at the same time. Failure to do so may shorten the life of the new unit and the component not replaced. Warranty credit will not be allowed on component for this p/s application if upon inspection, any contamination is found".

Just the hose is $370 discounted to $143!! Yikes!!

Sounds like the p/s system is something to watch out for on these cars. The 1990 LS400 that I am considering buying has had this repair to a tune of $1500.

glenmore

1991 MBZ 300CE

maybe 1990 LS400

99lsguy · December 18, 2003

OK,

I've heard enough ;)

My 60K sevice is almost due (although I DIY) so I'm adding a PS Flush to the routine to keep my baby in tip top shape.

What fluid do I buy (can I use T-IV tranny), how much, etc?

VMF or SK, didn't one of you do this recently? I'll check older posts.....

Thanks for the INFO....

VMF · December 18, 2003

i did

i used volvoline dextron III tranny fluid. dont use PS fluids they sell in the stores

use transmission fluid

99lsguy · December 18, 2003

Thanks VMF,

WAS IT IN THAT POST -- "CHANGED MY PS FLUID TODAY"?

VMF · December 18, 2003

i think so, i'm not sure if it was b4 the crash or afer. but the flush was pretty easy to do. and i used 7 bottles of the fluid to get it to the pink clear condition

99lsguy · December 18, 2003

vmf,

HOW'S this procedure:

1 - remove return hose off PS unit

2 - Put larger Diameter hose (preferrably clear) over return hose and run down to drain into bucket

3- start car and basically add equally as fluid is pumped out

4- stop when fluid is clean, turn off car

5 - replace hose to PS unit

6- keep cap off to bleed air out

As option, I may raise up front end and have helper turn steering wheel while I add fluid to help reduce "bleed" as I go.

VMF · December 18, 2003

you dont even have to raise it. i turned steering wheel while the car was on the ground. he also was starting and stopping the engine since it was coming out at the faster speed then i was pouring it in. the rest of the procedure you described is just like i did it. have fun

99lsguy · December 18, 2003

VMF,

Thank you very much. I'll cut n past all of this to a word document for safe keeping!

Merry Christmas :D

VMF · December 18, 2003

10x same for u:) i might be in europe already by that time but i will try to go online from there:) this stuff is addictive:)

mobilyte · December 18, 2003

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VMF · December 18, 2003

check pix in the gallery some1 did it but i forgot his nickname. i also saw rack for less on ebay. check autozone site as well might be cheaper there.

mapman · December 19, 2003

Where do you bleed ps fluid from? Is there a fitting on the rack to bleed from?

99lsguy · December 19, 2003

I think the term BLEEDING - when it refers to the PS systems means:

Turning your wheels full left & back full right several times with cap off the reservoir unit. This allows the fluid (AND MORE IMPORTANT, ANY AIR BUBBLES) to cycle thru the hoses and entire system. When it gets back to the reservoir, the air bubbles will rise to top since they are no longer "trapped" within the hose.

That's how my 99 service manual describes the way to "bleed" PS lines....

vmf left the cap off overnight after doing this to ensure the air bubbles would "bleed" out.

Is this what you meant or did I completely misinterpet?

mobilyte · December 19, 2003

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VMF · December 19, 2003

how the factory manual explained bleeding was to remove the return hose from the tank and start the engine for just a sec and do this procedure 2 times