Someone pls help with this question..
and rtd111 you HAVE TO clean it.. i have been suffering of the PS steering problem for 2 years now. had the PS pump changed from the dealer 3 times, the dealer never heard of the solenoid screens even.. my steering is hard as a rock for the 4th time for last 3 months. i am looking to take it to a different shop this time and have them clean the solenoid.
the dealer suggested me to sell the car cause they replaced the PS pump every six months for 2 years and the problem comes back. they said gotta change steering rack-pinion PS pump again. btw, after a huge fight with 3 of the dealar those middle-man guys and a woman, they finally called "lex-tech" or whatever(thats what they said). apparently the lexus people higher up told them to flush with some special liquid and the dealer did that the 3rd time. 3rd time it took longer for the PS pump to go bad :) was good for about 6.5 - 7 months ;)
I have several post about this issue on this SC400 post and several kind hearted people responded, sent links, and pics. I have them printed out, and showed them to a local mechanic.. pls respond one more time with suggestions on how to get around the cramped area so i can try it myself or take it to the local mechanic person.
thanks and good luck to rtd111, hopefully you get it cleaned and never have this problem.