Pnuge88

iTrader: (1)

I was just wondering if anyone with high mileage or older year SC430's have any problems with steering? I'm assuming the power steering pump is going bad. every time i turn it makes a errkking noise. Can't sound the noise out in wording but definitely has to be it. I swear this car was only rated most reliable because theres soo few of them and their owners never drive it. I really bought a crappy SC. First my top driver side motor failed on me, then my a/c compressor went out. replaced that. then it turns out i have a leak somewhere which i did not see any (i have the dye in the system with special glasses) around the lines so it has to be from the evap case or something.. at idle it blows warm but when i drive it blows cold cause im low on freon cause of the leak. still not fixed yet. now my power steering pump is failing on me.. as of now i have 73k miles on my car. bought it with 65k miles last year in october. 2002 sc430.

I love this car but i wish i had a 2010.

side note. I have my LS400 brake calipers on, Sage RCA, hubcentric ichiba v2 spacers which are direct bolt on torqued to 80lbs and i have a freakin vibration at most speeds. really pisses me off. I'm running factory 07 ISX50 wheels which have the same size bore and everything. I know my wheels are balanced out properly and it can't be the tires. i'm really aggravated about this car

Bon

Don't know that I can help much but I sure can empathize with you as I've had cars and days like that!

First the PS pump; I assume that the reservoir is filled properly. On some cars there is a filter screen at the bottom of the reservoir that can clog and won't let fluid into the pump properly. This results in the pump groaning like it is low in fluid - because it is - but you can't see it.

Second the AC compressor; Have you taken your ride to a HVAC specialist that has a sniffer? It can quickly locate a seal leak at your compressor shaft or one from your evaporator by sniffing your inside vents. With gauges they can also quickly diagnose a stuck expansion valve etc. Air conditioning diagnosis can be frustrating without all the tools and experience to go with it.

gripau1

Flush the power steering fluid properly - could be air in the lines.
My SC430 was suppose to be service by a Lexus dealer ie has been stamped every 6 months etc

When I flush my power steering fluid it was like black coffee instead of red.

cyberlexus

iTrader: (2)

Do you only hear the noise when the steering is turned all the way?

Bon

The power steering system is self purging. The factory service manual recommends turning the steering wheel from lock to lock several times with the wheels in the air with the motor running.

A Chrysler service manual I was recently reading carefully explains that the red colorant used in transmission/power steering fluids fades and blackens over time and does not indicate that the fluid needs replacement. Rather it is best to just follow factory guidelines for fluid exchange. However, a burned smell to the fluid does indicate problems.

Pnuge88

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the response guys.. Ill have to check it monday while im at work. It makes the noise(its not very loud yet but defintiely noticeable) whenever im turning while moving or at a stop.

mandyfig

On the vibration, have you done balancing?

Pnuge88

iTrader: (1)

i work at honda as an express tech. i know they're balanced out correctly :/ i just don't get it.. i installed my wheels and brakes at the same time.. so it can't be my RCA's since i drove on the sc stocks with no problem.. this car just naturally has a vibe at certain speeds.. but now i got a vibe going at most speeds 50+. light vibes to bad vibes.. i'm clueless.

as for the powersteering. turned out to be fine, thankfully. haha. my brake dust shield was barely just rubbing against my lower control arm.

i still have the a/c issue.. too lazy to get more into depth with it.. i work in the heatt and live 5-10 mins away so i'm always sweating anyways so i drive with the windows down.. by the time i get home it finally actually gets cool so its pretty pointless. it also smells and i can't get rid of that mildew smell. the more i use it, the worse it gets cause of the heat. plus at idle it gets humid like.

mdpuff

Sounds like you are in need of a cabin air filter, when they get dirty they trap moisture from the A/C evaporator and cause a musty damp smell. It's easy to replace, drop your glove box down, takes a little prying on the sides where the stops are then you will see a cover on the heater box that just pops out after squeezing the tabs then slide out the old filter. Be watchful as to the direction it is installed and install the new one the same way. This should eliminate the smell.
Good luck!

Pnuge88

iTrader: (1)

I already replaced it a few thousand miles ago..