Terrible Noise In The Engine

[Edgar]

Hello folks.

I'm new here and hoping to get some advice on the problem I have.

I have bought my lexus ls 400 93 (american) about 6 months ago. It has 112K on the clock. Recently I started having noise coming from the power steering pump area, and it's really loud. Impression is so that metal rubbing at metal with no lubrication. It only appears occasionally when I start the engine cold , it's there for around 20 sec to a minute then something switches and the noise disappears.

And also my limate control module is not working, so got a restored one from us. Wondering if it's worth replacing it myself if I'm a noob to this car.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[The-Acre]

Hello folks.

I'm new here and hoping to get some advice on the problem I have.

I have bought my lexus ls 400 93 (american) about 6 months ago. It has 112K on the clock. Recently I started having noise coming from the power steering pump area, and it's really loud. Impression is so that metal rubbing at metal with no lubrication. It only appears occasionally when I start the engine cold , it's there for around 20 sec to a minute then something switches and the noise disappears.

And also my limate control module is not working, so got a restored one from us. Wondering if it's worth replacing it myself if I'm a noob to this car.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Welcome to LOC

An obvious first question, but have you checked the fluid level?

The early LS is prone to leaks from the pump.

[AdeV]

If it's not the PAS pump making all the noise, it may be the A/C compressor - that would also tie in with your climate control not working.

PAS noise is usually a lowish whine, which gets louder as you turn the wheel (especially if you try to turn more than full lock). It would normally be worse after a bit of use, as the oil (if any is left) froths up & becomes a bit useless.

[Edgar]

If it's not the PAS pump making all the noise, it may be the A/C compressor - that would also tie in with your climate control not working.

PAS noise is usually a lowish whine, which gets louder as you turn the wheel (especially if you try to turn more than full lock). It would normally be worse after a bit of use, as the oil (if any is left) froths up & becomes a bit useless.

That's a good point, didn't come to my mind. Thanks a lot guys. I forgot to mention about the fluids, I check them regularily. But the power steering system is leaking though. The leak is down in the steering rack, through one of the pressure connections on the left hand side. Maybe worth putting some thread isolation on it.

[beavisrules]

isnt the mk1 the model where leaking PS pump leaks on tp the alternator? ,if so could also be alternator bearing shot and whineing under stress.

[steve2006]

It may be worthwhile removing the drive belt then turning all the idlers and pullies by hand listening for noise or roughness in the bearings,a common cause of squeaks is the top idler pulley,it tends to do it more when cold and usually goes after a few minutes.

The belt is autotensioned and the routing of the belt should be on a label under the front of the bonnet

[Edgar]

Yes i have removed the belt and done what you said but didn't notice any squeaks on any of the pulleys. I think I'll stick to the fixing of the climate control system then see if the noise is still there.

Noticed that the belt is due changing. Do you know if it's a must to replace the autotensioner also? I would like to avoid changing tensioner as it's a bit pricey for a roller - around 50 quid.

Also noticed that the spark plugs are different from each other and look a bit shabby. I'm thinking about replacing them with bosch super 4 plugs that are listed on eBay. Anyone have experience using them on Lexus?

Link:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LEXUS-LS400i-4-0-32v-89-00-BOSCH-Super-4-Spark-Plugs-/170379433015?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D228489541795929639

[Edgar]

isnt the mk1 the model where leaking PS pump leaks on tp the alternator? ,if so could also be alternator bearing shot and whineing under stress.

I have read the forum before and inspected this point. Removed the alternator, even spinned it on my air compressor belt, but it was spinning really quietly. Also the PS pump is not leaking on the alternator. So that's not a problem, but your concern is appreciated.

[Edgar]

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