Power Steering Pump Replacement Options

[greenhills]

My 1st post - wanted to share my experiences and seek knowledgeable advice. We've been the proud owners of a 96 Ls400 since June 2000. Its a black on black beauty and while showing her age a bit at 160k, I'm determined to keep her running till 2021 at least. For a 16 year old vehicle, it still rides better than most any other car I've ever been a passenger. I feel its an acheivement to maintain such a classic for many years.

The history began in June 2000 at 72K when I bought it from a specialty auto dealer in Miami - sight unseen except for the webpage photo. Price was $23,500 plus $500 shipping to Nashville. We got a car that had sold for well over 50 grand when new. I'm not sure what that translates into in 2012 depreciated fiat, but I diverge.

We visited the Lexus dealer for service till 105k. At that point, I developed a mutual trust with an independent mechanic who performed all routine maintenance. In 2009 and 144k, I had him replace the timing belt along with a water pump, hoses, plugs & wiring, front suspension parts, plus Arnott replacement struts. Add in new Yokohama Avids - about $4600 altogether and it ran like a dream - except for this odd vibration at highway speeds. Using the resources of this site, we were able to determine that new engine mounts plus a transmission mount were required. Then, nirvana!

So, my cost so far (going on 13 years) is about $30k - plus gas and oil changes. And its a good thing because I retired a couple years ago. Now my challenge is to overcome a leaking power steering system. I know the PS pump needs replacing and a Toyoda mechanic told me today he would only recommend installing a new OEM pump at $685 (= $745 with tax) plus about $225 labor. OK?

I've found OEM rebuilds online for about $185 - net of core. For the $500+ difference I would prefer instead to also add a new high pressure line plus maybe a rebuilt rack for $240. What do you think? Is anything other than a new OEM pump a bad idea? If it was an 8 year old vehicle, I'd be willing. But at 16+, I think taking a risk on an OEM rebuild makes more sense.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[landar]

If the rack is not leaking and working fine, why replace it? If the pump is leaking, just get a rebuilt OEM or better yet, just get your pump rebuilt and keep it all original.

And welcome to the forum!

[TA in KC]

The last time the power steering pump failed on my previous 92 LS, I wasn't too interested in paying ~$700 for a new OEM pump either. I purchased a remanufactured OEM pump for around $150 and paid an independent Lexus mechanic to install it (and bypass the trouble-prone speed-sensitive steering system with a oil drain plug bolt). If I remember correctly, the total cost was a little under $400 and everything was still working great when I sold the car two years and about 50,000 miles later.

[dasha1]

You might also consider replacing the power steering air control valve. I've been told that this valve fails and leaks usually before the pump. Here is a link to this part at Sewell Lexus:

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accessories-catalog/Service/LS400-1996/4415.html

By the way, you can get a decent discount at Sewell if you register there as a member of this club. For example, the price for a PS pump for members of this forum from Sewell is $534.11. parts.com is also very competitive.

I share your sentiment about wanting to keep the car a long time. I have a 99LS400 with about 155K and hope to keep it another several years. I test drove a new LS460 a few weeks ago and it's just not that much smoother, quieter or better than my 99, imo. My 99 rides like new, though, since I replaced nearly every suspension part on it with OEM close to 3 years ago. I also had the PS rack rebuilt at that time, which also improves handling. I've now had going on 3 years in which my only expenditures for the car have been routine maintenance.

Best of luck to you.