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Problem Reports » Power steering "growling", leaks around P/S pump and white smoke when car is first started in morning.

Problem Reports

Lexus LS400

Report: Power steering "growling", leaks around P/S pump and white smoke when car is first started in morning.

Lexus LS400 Problem

2 Reports

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Model Year Affected: 1993

Average Mileage: 158,000 mi (141,000 mi - 175,000 mi)

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kbconv, 1993 Lexus LS400, 175,000 mi

Enthusiast
If your power steering pump is making noises or leaking, get it fixed ASAP or you will likely be replacing your alternator too. The alternator is located right below the P/S pump and if fluid drips into it it will short out the alternator, this has been occured many times.

Also, if you get a puff of white smoke in the morning it may be a bad speed sensitive steering solenoid, which screws into the power steering pump and has a vacuum line running to it. Either order and replace the solenoid/switch (about $100 online) or it can be plugged with no loss of function in the steering also. *DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK*, I just plugged mine after others online reported it would work OK and it seems to steer fine.

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kbconv, 1993 Lexus LS400, 175,000 mi

Enthusiast
If your power steering pump is making noises or leaking, get it fixed ASAP or you will likely be replacing your alternator too. The alternator is located right below the P/S pump and if fluid drips into it it will short out the alternator, this has been occured many times.

Also, if you get a puff of white smoke in the morning it may be a bad speed sensitive steering solenoid, which screws into the power steering pump and has a vacuum line running to it. Either order and replace the solenoid/switch (about $100 online) or it can be plugged with no loss of function in the steering also. *DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK*, I just plugged mine after others online reported it would work OK and it seems to steer fine.

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Like | 1 person likes this1

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Problem Reports

Lexus LS400

Report: Power steering "growling", leaks around P/S pump and white smoke when car is first started in morning.

Lexus LS400 Problem