Gang-

I had the misfortune this week of being stranded. My alternator failed me and from what my mechanic says, it was caused by a leaking powersteering pump. Has anybody else had this happen (I did a search and noted that perhaps DaveGS4 had the same issue)??

Apparently, my PS pump was slowly leaking fluid which caused the alt. to fail. Needless to say, I was really bummed. The tow back to the OC cost $300 plus the repairs set me back another $1000(R/R Alt + New PS pump and fluid).

Just a heads up to everyone to monitor the ps fluid level to guard against this happening to others-

Doug

 

This was a common problem with high mileage Lexi.

It happened to my mom's '90 LS400 at around 325,000 miles (second PS pump). The dealer noted that the PS pump was leaking and suggested merely refilling the PS fluid until the pump failed. When the alternator failed, my dad was a little pissed at the dealer.

 

this is not a common problem with lex models after aroound late 96 or so .. the ls had it , the sc had it up to thoe above date

our 2 gen gs has been reworked so this is more of a isolated case

 

BTW-

I have a 98 GS400 with 100,xxx miles currently. 100 k service was done earlier this year as well.

Doug

 

Yep, I had the same problem. I think though by the time the symptoms from alternator getting leaked onto manifest themselves its too late. Until now, I think I was the only person I'd read about that happening to. Mine didn't happen until after I had the supercharger installed, so I chalked it up to extra stress on the PS pump.

 

doug,

im sorry to hear that buddy, that really sucks but thanks for the heads up

 

As Jonathan as others have stated this was a common problem with the early versions of the 4.0 L V8 engine. The power steering pump is directly above the alternator and the weep hole where fluid leaks when the seal fails is at the lowest point in the housing of the pump. So, when the seals go out as they invariably will with high mileage (usually over 100K) the fluid leaks directly onto the windings of the alternator causing a failure of both items virtually simultaneously. Resulting in a repair bill in excess of $1000 at the dealer. Lexus recognized the design flaw and moved the location so PS fluid no longer leaks into the alternator.

 

I have a first year (1998) second generation GS 400 with 127,000 miles that I have owned since 14,000 miles. While in for an oil change and replacement of the driver's side door lock actuator (which I self-diagnosed as a result of joining this forum this week), my non-dealer mechanic noted the power steering pump leaking onto the alternator. Apparently it has not damaged the alternator yet, as the mechanic proposed "replacing the seal" before this happened. I wasn't sure what to make of his suggestion as the cost for replacing the seal is about $600. After reading here, I guess I have to count myself lucky the alternator had not yet shorted out and added another $400 to the bill.

 

Happened to me.

 

PS leak is normal for high mileage 4.0L engines especially the LS 400. IMHO, lack of changing the ps fluid. And the age of the whole ps components like hoses, rack and pinion, ps unit gets worn out over time. I heard if you use the Lucas PS stop leak, it helps. GL!

 

I had the same problem with the RX, the PS pump was slightly leaking and went bad around 80k, it was about $1k at the dealership. I guess I am lucky that it didn't affect the alternator since it's located on the other side for the RX.

 

Is there any kinda of plate that someone made to keep from leaking on there ?

 

hal9000 your first post and you brought THIS back from the dead lol?

 

I had this happen to me as well. Luckily I knew the local parts guys and they hooked me up with an alternator and only charged me install fees. Now, should I purchase a remanufactured PS pump for a total of $400 installed, or buy a brand new PS pump for $500 plus the cost of install?