Horrible Grinding Noise when Starting
#16
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Looking under my car yesterday, my first thought was the leak was coming from this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Steeri...VXduzv&vxp=mtr
But I didn't know what it did.
Then Scotty Kilmer explained it to me, and now it all makes sense
But I didn't know what it did.
Then Scotty Kilmer explained it to me, and now it all makes sense
#17
Pole Position
Thread Starter
in case you are wondering, Lexus sells the part for $694 dollars,
Toyota sells it for $48.78
Toyota sells it for $48.78
#18
Pole Position
I don't know if the SC is the same but in my sold LS400, the leaking power steering fluid will destroy the alternator since the dripping fluid is right on top of the alternator.
#20
Lexus Test Driver
In this photo, you can see what looks like two vacuum lines going to the back of the power steering pump. Check them for cracks and also make sure the valve is not leaking.
BTW, that is a good price for the valve...I saw it on Rockauto for $62.
BTW, that is a good price for the valve...I saw it on Rockauto for $62.
Last edited by Bgw70; 11-23-16 at 02:46 AM.
#21
Pole Position
Thread Starter
After I get the valve in, I will make sure to go over the area with a degreaser. I appreciate the heads up.
#22
Pole Position
Thread Starter
So I got the valve changed. Just like Bon said, 10 minutes & a 17 mm wrench from the bottom. It turns out that when you unscrew the valve, it shoots PS Fluid out right on the alternator. So 10 minutes, plus another 20 more cleaning up the PS fluid.
It also turns out that when you jack up the front end and turn the steering wheel end to end to purge the air, you REALLY need to put the PS cap on, or the fluid shoots out the top. That was another 10 minutes of cleaning up power steering fluid.
So all in all, not that bad and far better than replacing the Starter like I (and the 3 other people I had look at the car) had initially thought.
THANK YOU EVERYBODY WHO HELPED ME WITH THEIR ADVISE!
It also turns out that when you jack up the front end and turn the steering wheel end to end to purge the air, you REALLY need to put the PS cap on, or the fluid shoots out the top. That was another 10 minutes of cleaning up power steering fluid.
So all in all, not that bad and far better than replacing the Starter like I (and the 3 other people I had look at the car) had initially thought.
THANK YOU EVERYBODY WHO HELPED ME WITH THEIR ADVISE!
#23
Lexus Test Driver
So I got the valve changed. Just like Bon said, 10 minutes & a 17 mm wrench from the bottom. It turns out that when you unscrew the valve, it shoots PS Fluid out right on the alternator. So 10 minutes, plus another 20 more cleaning up the PS fluid.
It also turns out that when you jack up the front end and turn the steering wheel end to end to purge the air, you REALLY need to put the PS cap on, or the fluid shoots out the top. That was another 10 minutes of cleaning up power steering fluid.
So all in all, not that bad and far better than replacing the Starter like I (and the 3 other people I had look at the car) had initially thought.
THANK YOU EVERYBODY WHO HELPED ME WITH THEIR ADVISE!
It also turns out that when you jack up the front end and turn the steering wheel end to end to purge the air, you REALLY need to put the PS cap on, or the fluid shoots out the top. That was another 10 minutes of cleaning up power steering fluid.
So all in all, not that bad and far better than replacing the Starter like I (and the 3 other people I had look at the car) had initially thought.
THANK YOU EVERYBODY WHO HELPED ME WITH THEIR ADVISE!
did the new valve change the way the steering feels, is it the same, easier or harder to turn?
Last edited by Bgw70; 12-07-16 at 02:13 AM.
#25
Pole Position
Thread Starter
- Yeah, I had a power steering leak, which leaked on a wiring bracket attached to my alternator.
- The leak loosened up the bolt that held the bracket tight.
- When I started my car the bracket would vibrate when the starter turned over, making a metal on metal clanging noise. The noise stopped shortly after the car started.
- I had three of my friends, who do their own car repairs, look at the car and hear the rattle but not an inspection of the car. They unanimously thought it was the Bendix, though one had doubts. Bon encouraged me to look deeper and BGW said starters fail, but only rarely. Also when I tried to record the sound for the Discussion Board, I would leave my phone on the engine block and the sound was actually diminished.
- I crawled under the car and took off the underside shielding to be closer to the starter and found the fluid and the loose bracket.
- I bought a new bolt for the bracket and traced the high point of the leak to the valve.
- I replaced the valve, but do not notice any difference in steering.
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Wilson2000 (06-21-22)
#26
Lexus Test Driver
- Yeah, I had a power steering leak, which leaked on a wiring bracket attached to my alternator.
- The leak loosened up the bolt that held the bracket tight.
- When I started my car the bracket would vibrate when the starter turned over, making a metal on metal clanging noise. The noise stopped shortly after the car started.
- I had three of my friends, who do their own car repairs, look at the car and hear the rattle but not an inspection of the car. They unanimously thought it was the Bendix, though one had doubts. Bon encouraged me to look deeper and BGW said starters fail, but only rarely. Also when I tried to record the sound for the Discussion Board, I would leave my phone on the engine block and the sound was actually diminished.
- I crawled under the car and took off the underside shielding to be closer to the starter and found the fluid and the loose bracket.
- I bought a new bolt for the bracket and traced the high point of the leak to the valve.
- I replaced the valve, but do not notice any difference in steering.
BTW, great description of the sequence of events you took to locate the problem! It should certainly help someone in the future...maybe one of us!
Last edited by Bgw70; 10-18-19 at 01:24 AM.
#27
Lead Lap
Great detective work there DashingDar. Glad to hear that you got your problem(s) resolved also.
#28
I had the same problem with my 06 LS430 (leaking PS reservoir, grinding noise). After replacing the reservoir and upon further inspection, the alternator bracket bolt broke off. I had to slowly remove the remaining bolt screw before replacing it. Afterwards, the grinding noise continued but diminished within a week. I suspect the PS fluid on the alternator diminished. Should I still replace the alternator?
#29
That valve is also noted for leaking internally sending tranny fluid into the intake. I also own the LS400 and recently had to change that valve. It has a small teflon and rubber O Ring inside that crack and wear out. So, if you have an unexplained power steering fluid leak but cant find a leak, check those two hoses and make sure their not wet inside. Just something to tuck away in the back of your mind. Just in case.
Paul
Paul
#30
Pole Position
Thread Starter
I had the same problem with my 06 LS430 (leaking PS reservoir, grinding noise). After replacing the reservoir and upon further inspection, the alternator bracket bolt broke off. I had to slowly remove the remaining bolt screw before replacing it. Afterwards, the grinding noise continued but diminished within a week. I suspect the PS fluid on the alternator diminished. Should I still replace the alternator?