LSCD

already done that... it's in the OP. Not sure what you mean by re-aligning the valve, it is a cylinder in a barrel....

Ben

python

iTrader: (4)

200?! wow...mine was 120. ask for the part number from lexus and call the toyota dealership and give me the part number and ask if they have it.

LSCD

Thanks for the tip... if it comes down to that I might follow up on that... yup 200 was the Lexus part, it didn't occur to me to cross ref with a Toy dealer.. I need to pull my pump apart to see which valve it is first.

Ben

LSCD

Update, resolution, problem solved...

And the winner is... rebuilt steering pump.

I took the car to see my wife's uncle (mechanic) and we came to the conclusion that even if I replaced the flow control valve, the bore is still scratched by the damaged valve, so best to put out the extra $80 (over the price of a valve) for a complete rebuilt pump. Sure enough, the valve was stuck again when we took it out. And we are in business and the power steering is running great, and we are enjoying our road trip.... I suppose I was being stubborn about the possibility of replacing the pump since I already re-sealed and put a new bearing in the old one, but that is how it played out.

Also installed an aftermarket in-line filter/screen that tucks into the return line right before the reservoir to make up for all the POs efforts to remove screens from the system. It was all the parts store had before we left for our trip, I was hoping for the magnetic one, and will probably get one there in the near future.

Hope this post is of some use to anyone with a sticking flow control valve...

Ben