Hey i have a 1997 ls400 and im trying to replace the power steering pump due to the fact that its leaking on my alternator. However im having trouble getting the pump pulley off. Do i need a pulley puller?
when i looked online it said i could just use a 17mm. Any suggestions?
oh and i heard this is a common problem.

 

stick a wrench through the pulley so it keeps it from turning, then the nut on the pulley should come off.

power steering leaks are a very common problem with these cars, but with preventative maintenance they can be avoided

 

The PS pulley "normally" comes off very easy. Slide something like a socket extension through one of the holes in the pulley so it can't turn and remove the nut as it's not heavily torqued. After the nut is removed is should slide right off...

 

You might have to tap it with a rubber mallet to loosen it up. I speak from experience.

 

You don’t have to remove the pulley on the car, you can do it on the bench. I have to assume you are using an aftermarket pump. Good luck with that. They are garbage. You’re much better off rebuilding your OE pulp with a kit from Toyota.

 

Very useful post. It may be slightly different for 97 but just in case.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...0-ls400-s.html

 

We could go on for days about the issues surrounding the PS pump on the LS400. Banshee is exactly right the aftermarket pumps are crap. I wouldn't install one if it were free!

Also the pump itself may or may not be leaking. There's a high probability the leak is coming from the ACV which is mounted on the bottom of the pump.

Google LS400 Air Control Valve it'll pull up a ton of helpful info...

 

All he asked is for advice on how to remove the pulley.

 

Forgive us for trying to save future grief. He has one post and may not know better.

 

This is correct tool to prevent wrenching the pump shaft /bearings. After removing nut, lightly tap from behind pulley..but DO NOT apply leverage
A link;

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-1st-and-2nd-gen-1990-2000/870101-correct-pulley-holding-tool.html

 

I’ve replaced my pump with an after market one smh. Should be fine though im praying. I just replaced it like yesterday. Still leaking badly. Bought a new ACV valve. Still leaking, tightened everything down with all of my might. Still leaking, now I have not replaced the hoses that come off of the ACV, that run to the instake. To my understanding these are just vacuum lines? Meaning there should be no fluid exiting these correct? Should just be straight air. Then again im not sure, man I cannot find this leak if someone has an idea of where in the world it could be leaking lmk😁😁😁