LEXUSDOC

Your Leak that you can not find is caused by a valve on the side of your power steering pump called the idle up valve. It has two hoses that go to it one from engine vacumm and the other from the air box. What happens is the valve seals go bad and suck power steering fluid from the pump into the engine. You will see some smoke from the tailpipe as well. There is no fix for the valve just replacement.

Good Luck
Doc

blkstealthpaid4

I assume you work with the dealers.Do you have a part # for this valve?

LEXUSDOC

I used to work for the dealer. I now own a lexus repair shop. The part number for that valve is 17620-70020.
And it is also a good Toyota part# you can save about $25.00 getting it there. They will have to special order it.
good luck

DOC

LOTC

Anydangers other than smoke coming out of the tailpipes?

blkstealthpaid4

They said this is not a valied Part#.
On his screen there is no valve on the power steering and the only valve is on the power steering rack which they call the power steering control valve which has an elctrical plug attached and also the pressure control valve.Let me call toyota!

blkstealthpaid4

I got the correct part# doc and it is 17630-70020
Toyota and Lexus carries it.Toyota may have to order it but it is on the shelves at Lexus.Lexus wants $260 for the part and Toyota wants $196
He also said it was a common TSB on the Ls400 and that power steering fluid enters the exhaust manifold etc.This is why there is blue smoke on start up.This part fits most toyotas from 89 and up.It fits the Celica ,tercel and camry.
I might even check out my man at the junkyard.
I hope people don't put in additives to correct their weak seals like I did.I will let people know the outcome within a week.No wonder my mech. could not find where the leak was going.
Lexus cars are for Lexus Mech.
Thanks Doc.

LEXUSDOC

I Must have been typing too fast when I wrote down the part#. I would advise against getting that part from a junk yard. These things go out all the time. I would never buy a common falure part. Any more questions feel free to ask.

DOC

LOTC

Stealth let me know what the outcome is.I would want to know if it really stops the leaking.

blkstealthpaid4

I even got the power steering pump and the valve is on it for $25
The pump looks good but no one knows until I put it on.Yeah you have two small hoses on the side of the power steering pump that goes to the plenum and this is causing fluid to be sucked into the intake and then exhaust to cause that blue smoke on start up.I think the valve is staying in the open position and this is the cause.I will have someone install and let everyone know.

fantomd

Guys please keep us updated. I have the same problem and it seems to be getting worse. I am now adding power steering fluid every 3 to 4 days and I also have the smoke comming from the exhaust. if a new pump is the answer I will get one asap. I thought the snkoe meant I had bad valves in the engine? But after seeing these post it could just be the P/S pump. Good luck to all those trying this fix

LOTC

Stealth,Hope it works.

fantomd

Hey Guys Lexusdoc and Blkstealthpaid4 seem to be right on the money I have the Lexus Repair manual and by looking at the diagram it does seem that the fluid can be getting into the engine. I am going to get a new p/s pump next week and I will post my results. If anyone else tries this fix please post the results good luck to all . Thanks again to all that have taken the time to post response !!!

Peace

LOTC

Stealth and Fantomd,if your problems are cured by fixing this valve,then I will try mines as well.

Thanks

fantomd

Question to Lexusdoc, The valve that is bad, is it part of the P/S pump. If I get a new P/S pump will the valve also be new? Or did I have to get just the valve and replace that?

Thanks

LEXUSDOC

NO..............The valve is sold seperately!! Bummer huh?


Doc