Steering Rack Solenoid Filter Screen

[monarch]

Does anyone know where the "steering rack solenoid

filter screen" is located on the steering rack of the 1st generation LS & SC ?

Somewhere in this picture?

http://www.saber.net/~monarch/steeringrack.jpg

[LEXIE]

monarch--

i have the same question regarding my '93 sc400. i want to change the

filter screen now that my p/s pump has been refurbished but for the

life of me i can't seem to locate the solenoid from looking at the rack

from the top. i see a device with two wires attached but it has no

resemblance to the solenoid that every1 refers to with the large hex

nut you "beat" on to remove.

hope we can get some clarification.

lx

[tansupplyman]

Solenoid is located on the bottom left side(sort-of), on front, tilted slightly down. Don't think you can see from the top side.

Small screen is on the end where it is screwed in. Chisel is required to start the thing unscrewing.

Would NOT mess with it unless you are having a problem, changing the PS pump , or changing the fluid. I cleaned the screen after the PS installation-- but have a lift.

[LEXIE]

t'man

thx for the info. i think i can locate now. when i did my seal replacement

there was a lot of crap in system. i got the resevoir squeaky clean using

engine gunk cleaner and hi press water flush. completely purged system with fresh fluid till no signs of contamination. rebuilt pump is

showing no signs of leakage but i have a very slight moan when wheels

are turned at dead stop. gut feeling with all the junk that was in system before cleaning, i just may have a buildup on screen thus my desire to

clean and also to eliminate possibility of excess back pressure on p/s

pump.

L

[99lsguy]

Richard,

I've recently flushed the PS unit - and did want to take a look at the screen ;) I've got no problems, are you still suggesting NOT to take a peak. I'm a compulsive "over-maintenance" guy

I can see the solenoid wires from the top of hood in my 99. It's located on the section of the rack that goes UPWARD IN LINE WITH THE STEERING YOKE. The solenoid IS located on the drivers side of the column, pointing to the left front wheel.

You are not the first person (or thread) I've read about using a "chisel" to break free this solenoid to loosen and get to the screen. Why is this? Is it hard to get it back on and tight so it doesn't leak after you've cleaned the screen???

Thanks bro!!

[tansupplyman]

You can do it if you want--no problem.

The repair books say use a chisel--I think. If you can so it another way--have at it.

Maybe you can get thin needle nose vicegrips there--not sure that they would work if you did--this is almost a round smooth steel fitting attached to the solenoid.

[LEXIE]

99--

i am going to be a real nice guy and let you do your solenoid filter clean

job before me so i can pick up all the details from a pro. how's that for

consideration from a fellow "maintenance overkill" forum member???

lexie

[99lsguy]

99--

i am going to be a real nice guy and let you do your solenoid filter clean

job before me so i can pick up all the details from a pro. how's that for

consideration from a fellow "maintenance overkill" forum member???

lexie

No problem, although I'm too busy for the next couple of weeks to get to it ;)

In the meantime, I'll take a look at it and probably talk to a local Lexus Tech for further knowledge - just to make sure!!

[ebridges]

Removed and cleaned solenoids on both my 96 and 91 LS - Identical. The dealer had done the 96 during my ps pump change - "discovered leak at 99,000 Timing belt change occasion). It was hard to get off, probably because the dealer had reinstalled it with a BIG hammer.

Two days ago, did the 91 and it came of with just a little tap. Never off before. It was quite dirty with 91,000 miles and nearly 14 yrs of use. Replaced the original leaking one with an autozone model. Working okay now.

The 96 solenoid was very clean, after 85,000 miles since dealer changed the pump.

Good luck, it helps to have/borrow a lift.

[LEXIE]

e--

when you say u replaced the original leaking one with autozn model

r u referring to the filter, the solenoid or a replacement ps pump.

lx

[LEXIE]

monarch--

i think i have finally spotted the solenoid from under the hood. with

reference to the power steering pic you posted above, it is directly

under the yellow plastic port cover. if you look very closely there is

a thin hex nut (not more 1/8' thickness) on the solenoid body about

an inch or so below the yellow port cover. i guess this is what you

strike to break the unit loose. i can see the number 01313 stamped

on the body of my solenoid.

tansupplyman, if you have read this post...is that the culprit we are

talking about?? see pic below.

http://www.saber.net/~monarch/steeringrack.jpg

lx

[ebridges]

Lexie,

Sorry for the confusion. I replaced the PS Pump - AZ # 5175 which was listed as "with reservoir" but came without. Price was $104.99.

It did NOT include the "air control valve" - the plastic part with the two vacuum lines.

[lex4me]

The ATSCO lifetime warranted AutoZone pump is listed as coming with a reservoir. The first time mine was ordered, it came without. The second time it was ordered, it came without. I then had Autozone call the manufacturer and got the reservoir as I was supposed to.