tiguy99

What the hell has happened? When I left out my wheel was fine. Easy to turn as normal. By the time I got to my destination and exited off the freeway, the wheel became a bissh to turn. Its like I have no power steering or something. There's no noise when I turn and the fluid levels are up. What could be the problem?

tiguy99

My car is 1995 ES300 with 94,000 miles. I bought it a year ago with 76,000 miles. I have not done the 90,000 mile service yet however I've done routine oil changes every 3000 miles AND the milage is all highway between Chicago and Champaign, IL.

mcelligott

The power steering pump itself may be gimping out. My friend with a 96 v6 camry had to replace his and mine is slowly going out as well. Whatever you do, do not pay dealer price for the pump -- they are sooo expensive.

amf1932

If the belt that runs the pump pulley is turning then it sure sounds like the pump bit the dust.

squarehat

I had to replace the P/S pump on my '96 last spring at about 88K. Had the dealership do it, $611 parts/labor, didn't have the time to look for a reputable independent shop and figured Toyota would want almost as much for the job. I didn't have any noticeable difference in steering, but I did have a leak on my garage floor (otherwise I wouldn't have known anything was wrong).

tiguy99

If its just the pump alone, I've found one for $182.39. http://www.lexuspartstore.com/Lexus_ES_300_19028.html

tiguy99

You guys sure we don't need anyting else like rack and pinion parts etc? We're about to order a pump

amf1932

Wow it's been about 5 1/2 months since your last post about this problem. Have you been driving this car all this time with this problem?

There is always the possibility that the rack & pinion is defective, but most of the time it is due to low pump pressure. In your case you should bring your car into a qualified mechanic and have them do their tests before you buy another pump.