Power Steering Pump Seal Replacement

ehancock · January 18, 2004

After fixing my 91 LS400 starter I noticed my PS fluid is low. The seal is starting to leak. I see from pictures in the lexus service manual that it may be possible to simply pull out the shaft and bearing, then the seal, without complete dissassembly. Then I would press in a new seal and reinsert shaft and bearing.

The shaft has a spline fit into the pump rotor and should just slip out and back in, at least it looks that way.

Has anyone done this successfully?

Ernie in Vancouver BC Canada

GreyBeard · January 18, 2004

almost every old LS400 has a leaky PS pump, that's why people put the plastic shrouds over them. is there anyone out there who's replaced the seal, cos then a few words and pictures and we can all do it!

ehancock · January 27, 2004

Is the power steering shroud you mention for the alternator or for the alternator? Is it an item available from Lexus?

My leak seems to be from other than the shaft seal, probably from the reservoir O-ring seal. I looked carefully at the shaft bearing area and it was dry and clean.

I have temporarily put a spong between the pump and alternator while I get things sorted out.

Ernie in Vancouver

ehancock · January 27, 2004

spong should have read "sponge".

GreyBeard · January 29, 2004

sorry about the wrong word, yes shroud is for alternator! apparently it's easy enough to make one from a large plastic bottle, suitable cut with scissors (not very Lexus, but it's their fault for yet another design fault!)

i understand there is a lexus part, including a metal clamping plate to keep it in place, but probably costs 35 quid!

you should see the recent posting in engine and transmission about leaky vacuum valve to the PS pump - it'll affect you one day too!

GreyBeard · April 17, 2004

i've just had a seal kit fitted to my power steering pump, and it's stopped the dripping leaks. kits about 15 quid plus VAT, plus labour.

will_uk · April 18, 2004

Greybeard,

Thanks for the heads-up on the PAS seal kit. Any idea on how much the labour was (or how long it took to have fited?)

Cheers,

William

GreyBeard · April 18, 2004

due to the numerous mess-ups the garage made with my car, they did the labour free while they were doing the heads, but i think they said it would be about 2.5 hours if done on it's own. my garage only charge £45 an hour, but i'm sorely tempted to go to lexus next time, and pay their £99.

Edited April 18, 2004 by GreyBeard