Need Power Steering Help

[pk1984]

I'm having problems with my 1990 LS400 Power Steering. The Power Steering has air bubbles in the fluid, but I took it to a mechanic, and they didn't find any leaks anywhere, so i was reading this Forum with the thread 'Power Steering Leak!', and was thinking it might be the o ring too? Also the part number that was given; 90080-30040; i can't find it anywhere. Is there another part number or another website anyone can refer me to? Thanks in advance.

[1990LS400]

This webpage describes two gasket kits: http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/steering/pspumprebuild.html

Gasket kits 04446-50011 and 04446-30171, described on the above webpage, are available on http://www.parts.com for $25.89

Odd that the descriptions for both part numbers say they are for a 90-92 LS400.

[pk1984]

is that all i need? because on the thread 'Power Steering Leak!' seem to described something else, but I am very unsure,

QUOTE(steve2006 @ Dec 10 2007, 04:38 PM)

Hi,

The most probably cause is the o ring seal on the reservoir this is available from Lexus at around $6.00 Part # 90080-30040

You need to remove the low pressure return pipe and 3 bolts holding it to the pump. ( you don't have to remove the pump itself)

Remove as much fluid as you can 1st using a rubber bulb type chicken baster then put plenty of rags under the pump to catch any remaining fluid.

Here are some pictures showing the bolt locations and the o ring.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e191/ste...exuspspump1.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e191/ste...exuspspump2.jpg

Reassemble then top up the ps fluid and bleed the system.

Good luck

I am not sure what is the problem.

[pk1984]

This webpage describes two gasket kits: http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/steering/pspumprebuild.html

Gasket kits 04446-50011 and 04446-30171, described on the above webpage, are available on http://www.parts.com for $25.89

Odd that the descriptions for both part numbers say they are for a 90-92 LS400.

Thanks i'll order it tonight and hope to get it next week, I hope it works, then it save me all the trouble on asking more mechanics..

[RDM]

I doubt that's the problem. If it's pulling air into the system it has to be leaking fluid back out, there's very little possibility of one without the other. The o-ring on the bottom of the reservoir sits down into the pump, so there's little chance of it pulling in air anyway.

Air bubbles are common when the system is bleeding itself, have you recently done any repairs or had the system opened at all? I'd drive a few more days and see if the air disperses before performing any disassembly.

[curiousB]

I doubt that's the problem. If it's pulling air into the system it has to be leaking fluid back out, there's very little possibility of one without the other. The o-ring on the bottom of the reservoir sits down into the pump, so there's little chance of it pulling in air anyway.

Air bubbles are common when the system is bleeding itself, have you recently done any repairs or had the system opened at all? I'd drive a few more days and see if the air disperses before performing any disassembly.

I agree with RDM. Did the system recently get topped up? Was it very low before top up such that the pump was starved for fluid and sucked in some air? If so just topping it up and waiting for the system purge the air would seem a good next step.

[pk1984]

I doubt that's the problem. If it's pulling air into the system it has to be leaking fluid back out, there's very little possibility of one without the other. The o-ring on the bottom of the reservoir sits down into the pump, so there's little chance of it pulling in air anyway.

Air bubbles are common when the system is bleeding itself, have you recently done any repairs or had the system opened at all? I'd drive a few more days and see if the air disperses before performing any disassembly.

only let a mechanic check my car if there was a leak, but it didn't find any leak anywhere. i have not done anything to it. It is happening for about 2 - 3 months already, and it seem to be faster and faster, everytime i drive now, I need to put power steering for my wheel to turn. it is tight and it won't turn at all, i thought power steering was just for the wheel to turn back if you make a turn, but it is tight where i have to use a lot of force to make a turn at a corner.

[RDM]

Well to begin with, if you're adding fluid, it's leaking somewhere. Fluid doesn't disappear. Secondly, if you're adding power steering fluid, no wonder you have problems. Toyota/Lexus power steering systems are NOT designed to use regular power steering fluid. You should be using ATF, automatic transmission fluid. A lot of Japanese cars are this way. The owner's manual clearly states that if you read it.

So you have a leak, and you're using the wrong fluid. My guess is if a qualified mechanic can't find a leak, it's the steering rack seals that are leaking, I bet if you pulled a rack boot loose on one end you'd get a nice pouring out of fluid. The boot is sealed to the rack so when the inner seal leaks, the boot just fills up with fluid. Mine does this but it's a very slow leak, not enough to warrant pulling and replacing the rack. The leak has been caused by age and wear, but also due to the wrong fluid being used, as regular PS fluid doesn't have the same properties as ATF. It boils over sooner and faster, breaks down easier, and doesn't have additives to reduce varnish buildup.

So pull one of the boots and see just how fluid is leaking, then decide if it's ready for a new rack. If so, go ahead and flush the entire system thoroughly and refill with the correct fluid.

[pk1984]

Well to begin with, if you're adding fluid, it's leaking somewhere. Fluid doesn't disappear. Secondly, if you're adding power steering fluid, no wonder you have problems. Toyota/Lexus power steering systems are NOT designed to use regular power steering fluid. You should be using ATF, automatic transmission fluid. A lot of Japanese cars are this way. The owner's manual clearly states that if you read it.

So you have a leak, and you're using the wrong fluid. My guess is if a qualified mechanic can't find a leak, it's the steering rack seals that are leaking, I bet if you pulled a rack boot loose on one end you'd get a nice pouring out of fluid. The boot is sealed to the rack so when the inner seal leaks, the boot just fills up with fluid. Mine does this but it's a very slow leak, not enough to warrant pulling and replacing the rack. The leak has been caused by age and wear, but also due to the wrong fluid being used, as regular PS fluid doesn't have the same properties as ATF. It boils over sooner and faster, breaks down easier, and doesn't have additives to reduce varnish buildup.

So pull one of the boots and see just how fluid is leaking, then decide if it's ready for a new rack. If so, go ahead and flush the entire system thoroughly and refill with the correct fluid.

"You should be using ATF, automatic transmission fluid" what is the full name? let me try it, I usually just buy the regular power steering fluid, i didn't know it will have problems.

what is a 'rack boot'?

sorry for all these noob questions, thanks for your help. I really appreciate this.

[90LS400Lexus]

I love the power steering systems on the gen 1 LS400s.

I love my car, but the PS systems are crappy and complex. They are good when they are working, but how many people have not had issues? If they havent, they will soon! ;)

Sorry, I dont know whats going on with your PS system... cant even figure out my problem of occasionally stiffer steering. I was able though to stop the leak. :)

Good luck.

[RDM]

Well to begin with, if you're adding fluid, it's leaking somewhere. Fluid doesn't disappear. Secondly, if you're adding power steering fluid, no wonder you have problems. Toyota/Lexus power steering systems are NOT designed to use regular power steering fluid. You should be using ATF, automatic transmission fluid. A lot of Japanese cars are this way. The owner's manual clearly states that if you read it.

So you have a leak, and you're using the wrong fluid. My guess is if a qualified mechanic can't find a leak, it's the steering rack seals that are leaking, I bet if you pulled a rack boot loose on one end you'd get a nice pouring out of fluid. The boot is sealed to the rack so when the inner seal leaks, the boot just fills up with fluid. Mine does this but it's a very slow leak, not enough to warrant pulling and replacing the rack. The leak has been caused by age and wear, but also due to the wrong fluid being used, as regular PS fluid doesn't have the same properties as ATF. It boils over sooner and faster, breaks down easier, and doesn't have additives to reduce varnish buildup.

So pull one of the boots and see just how fluid is leaking, then decide if it's ready for a new rack. If so, go ahead and flush the entire system thoroughly and refill with the correct fluid.

"You should be using ATF, automatic transmission fluid" what is the full name? let me try it, I usually just buy the regular power steering fluid, i didn't know it will have problems.

what is a 'rack boot'?

sorry for all these noob questions, thanks for your help. I really appreciate this.

ATF is automatic transmission fluid. I don't know what full name you mean, there's no other way to call it anything else. There's no point going to get any now if the system is full of power steering fluid unless you plan to fully drain and flush it. Adding ATF on top won't do a thing.

The rack boot is the rubber accordion looking piece on either end that slips over the tie rod.

[pk1984]

This webpage describes two gasket kits: http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/steering/pspumprebuild.html

Gasket kits 04446-50011 and 04446-30171, described on the above webpage, are available on http://www.parts.com for $25.89

Odd that the descriptions for both part numbers say they are for a 90-92 LS400.

I am going to try to buy this seal kit to try too, and...

Well to begin with, if you're adding fluid, it's leaking somewhere. Fluid doesn't disappear. Secondly, if you're adding power steering fluid, no wonder you have problems. Toyota/Lexus power steering systems are NOT designed to use regular power steering fluid. You should be using ATF, automatic transmission fluid. A lot of Japanese cars are this way. The owner's manual clearly states that if you read it.

So you have a leak, and you're using the wrong fluid. My guess is if a qualified mechanic can't find a leak, it's the steering rack seals that are leaking, I bet if you pulled a rack boot loose on one end you'd get a nice pouring out of fluid. The boot is sealed to the rack so when the inner seal leaks, the boot just fills up with fluid. Mine does this but it's a very slow leak, not enough to warrant pulling and replacing the rack. The leak has been caused by age and wear, but also due to the wrong fluid being used, as regular PS fluid doesn't have the same properties as ATF. It boils over sooner and faster, breaks down easier, and doesn't have additives to reduce varnish buildup.

So pull one of the boots and see just how fluid is leaking, then decide if it's ready for a new rack. If so, go ahead and flush the entire system thoroughly and refill with the correct fluid.

"You should be using ATF, automatic transmission fluid" what is the full name? let me try it, I usually just buy the regular power steering fluid, i didn't know it will have problems.

what is a 'rack boot'?

sorry for all these noob questions, thanks for your help. I really appreciate this.

ATF is automatic transmission fluid. I don't know what full name you mean, there's no other way to call it anything else. There's no point going to get any now if the system is full of power steering fluid unless you plan to fully drain and flush it. Adding ATF on top won't do a thing.

The rack boot is the rubber accordion looking piece on either end that slips over the tie rod.

if you can help me find the part number and the site or place to order it, i'll try both from 2000LS400 and you (RDM).

is there anything else i need?

[AzHotLS]

It hasn't been asked yet, are you seeing smoke come out the exhaust when you start the car?

[RDM]

if you can help me find the part number and the site or place to order it, i'll try both from 2000LS400 and you (RDM).

is there anything else i need?

You're kidding, right? Read it again. A T F . AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. Every single auto parts store sells it. KMart sells it. WalMart sells it. Target sells it. It's FLUID. Where do you buy your power steering fluid? Go back and buy ATF instead.

Seriously? A part number for a bottle of liquid???

Am I the only one who thinks this is the most bizarre request ever?

[AzHotLS]

A little frustrated are we, RDM? :chairshot:

To get the PS fluid out and replace it with ATF, do a flush....

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...st&p=372435

Here's another link:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls400/3438...system-diy.html

[Brett in AK]

if you can help me find the part number and the site or place to order it, i'll try both from 2000LS400 and you (RDM).

is there anything else i need?

You're kidding, right? Read it again. A T F . AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. Every single auto parts store sells it. KMart sells it. WalMart sells it. Target sells it. It's FLUID. Where do you buy your power steering fluid? Go back and buy ATF instead.

Seriously? A part number for a bottle of liquid???

Am I the only one who thinks this is the most bizarre request ever?

RDM, if you go back and re-read his post I believe he was asking for the part number for the seals not for ATF as you surmised. Take it easy on the guy, he's obviously quite new and not very mechanically inclined. A car as complex as ours can be pretty damned intimidating to many. This is a great and informative forum, but if we flame someone who is asking for what appears to be very basic information they're not going to be very encouraged to come back. Go have a seasonal hot toddy!

Regards,

Brett

[eatingupblacktop]

if you can help me find the part number and the site or place to order it, i'll try both from 2000LS400 and you (RDM).

is there anything else i need?

You're kidding, right? Read it again. A T F . AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. Every single auto parts store sells it. KMart sells it. WalMart sells it. Target sells it. It's FLUID. Where do you buy your power steering fluid? Go back and buy ATF instead.

Seriously? A part number for a bottle of liquid???

Am I the only one who thinks this is the most bizarre request ever?

RDM, if you go back and re-read his post I believe he was asking for the part number for the seals not for ATF as you surmised. Take it easy on the guy, he's obviously quite new and not very mechanically inclined. A car as complex as ours can be pretty damned intimidating to many. This is a great and informative forum, but if we flame someone who is asking for what appears to be very basic information they're not going to be very encouraged to come back. Go have a seasonal hot toddy!

Regards,

Brett

Brett, you're right about the OP's asking for a part # rather than an ATF #. As for misunderstanding exchanges on these threads, I think it happens often and mostly with as pk describes himself, "noob questions". I've read quite a few posts that were so confusing that I didn't have the time to decipher them or conduct a class 101 on the subject before getting to any advice that might have helped the OP. I'm sure RDM wasn't intending to flame him as is obvious from his attempts to offer advice, but rather a misinterpretation and perhaps a bit of frustration that such basic information seemingly wasn't getting through.

PK, I see you've done some research. Props to you and a suggestion to do a bit more, especially with definitions of terms and parts you're concerned with. It will help you to properly describe your prob and to understand the pertinent advice you receive in return. This site is loaded with info. Invest some time reading up. It's worth it!

PS - Only a fool walks away pretending to understand something he's been told. Never hesitate to ask for an explanation for advice that's not entirely clear.

[pk1984]

if you can help me find the part number and the site or place to order it, i'll try both from 2000LS400 and you (RDM).

is there anything else i need?

You're kidding, right? Read it again. A T F . AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. Every single auto parts store sells it. KMart sells it. WalMart sells it. Target sells it. It's FLUID. Where do you buy your power steering fluid? Go back and buy ATF instead.

Seriously? A part number for a bottle of liquid???

Am I the only one who thinks this is the most bizarre request ever?

RDM, if you go back and re-read his post I believe he was asking for the part number for the seals not for ATF as you surmised. Take it easy on the guy, he's obviously quite new and not very mechanically inclined. A car as complex as ours can be pretty damned intimidating to many. This is a great and informative forum, but if we flame someone who is asking for what appears to be very basic information they're not going to be very encouraged to come back. Go have a seasonal hot toddy!

Regards,

Brett

Brett, you're right about the OP's asking for a part # rather than an ATF #. As for misunderstanding exchanges on these threads, I think it happens often and mostly with as pk describes himself, "noob questions". I've read quite a few posts that were so confusing that I didn't have the time to decipher them or conduct a class 101 on the subject before getting to any advice that might have helped the OP. I'm sure RDM wasn't intending to flame him as is obvious from his attempts to offer advice, but rather a misinterpretation and perhaps a bit of frustration that such basic information seemingly wasn't getting through.

PK, I see you've done some research. Props to you and a suggestion to do a bit more, especially with definitions of terms and parts you're concerned with. It will help you to properly describe your prob and to understand the pertinent advice you receive in return. This site is loaded with info. Invest some time reading up. It's worth it!

PS - Only a fool walks away pretending to understand something he's been told. Never hesitate to ask for an explanation for advice that's not entirely clear.

Thanks

I was asking for the part number for the rack, or the thing i need to replace, i understand what is ATF, It is already leaking even if i fully flushed it and it will still leak, there must be something in there that is broken, I appreciate for your help and everything. I was just asking for help, I feel like I am a bother, if you feel annoyed talking to me, I am not forcing you. I just want to say sorry for my stupidity, and I didn't mean it on purpose. I just want to get a better understanding on how my car works. There is more problems with my car, I am reading this forum, there is a lot of help from everyone. I really love this site, and really got a lot of help, ex. changing car seats, changing ring for power steering, learning about other car and other years, and seeing everyone's old car has high mileage and loving their car. I just changed hid on my car, I read other sites too. I know I am stupid, you can talk about me all you want. I will accept anything you call me if that makes you feel better. I don't want anyone to be mad at me for my own stupidity. Thank you everyone who replied here. I might ask another thread, I want to keep my car, but there is so much problems. As time goes I will try my best to repair as much as possible on it. And again, thanks everyone who tired to help me.

[joebob1]

if you can help me find the part number and the site or place to order it, i'll try both from 2000LS400 and you (RDM).

is there anything else i need?

here is a link with the 2000 steering system information.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=N9H2DZXK

[pk1984]

if you can help me find the part number and the site or place to order it, i'll try both from 2000LS400 and you (RDM).

is there anything else i need?

here is a link with the 2000 steering system information.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=N9H2DZXK

Sorry thanks for the info, but the car i had is a 1990 instead of a 2000, the person i was quoting to his username is 2000ls400, sorry for the misunderstanding i want trying to post..