Mike523 Posted February 23, 2004 Share Posted February 23, 2004 Hi, The steering wheel moves or rotates left and right rapidly. Only felt while driving straight and most notiably 25-35 mph. It’s not enough for a passenger to feel or really even the driver, except the drivers hands are on the wheel. It does move enough to see though. I’m also losing power steering fluid. I rebuilt the power steering pump a few years ago. I was losing fluid back then, the rebuild fixed that. Now I have a leak at the rack, specifically out the seal directly below the u-joint from the steering column. I turned the rotors, new brake pads and had the tires balanced. At first I thought this reduced the problem with the rocking steering wheel, but no. After doing this work, the car is pulling to the right now. QUESTION – Can something failing in the power steering system cause the steering wheel to move like this? Also, how difficult is it to rebuild the rack/valve assembly? Thanks in advance!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike523 Posted February 23, 2004 Author Share Posted February 23, 2004 FYI - It's a 92 with 102,000 miles. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPI Posted February 24, 2004 Share Posted February 24, 2004 Check your lower ball joints and strut rods. JPI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike523 Posted February 24, 2004 Author Share Posted February 24, 2004 Check your lower ball joints and strut rods. JPI JPI How do I check the ball joint and strut. When the car is up and the wheels are free, I can't feel any play when grabing the tire with both hands. In & out, right, left, up or down. Hopefully you understand what I'm try to say. Do you think I have separate problems? Leaking rack & steering wheel woble. Thanks! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike523 Posted March 2, 2004 Author Share Posted March 2, 2004 I spoke with a Lexus person today. After speaking with him I have a feeling that fluid is leaking at the valves inside the assembly along with the leak that is visible. At first I was going to rebuild the gear assembly, but Dan had a good point that the next week link will give out. I'm going to replace the whole rack, hose and pump. About $600 Also, I checked the lower ball joints specs say .012in, I have .030 - .034. Dan at Lexus thought that doesn't warrant a change yet. What have you expericed with the ball joints? I'll post when I figure out the wobble. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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