Still troubleshooting

[Lextreme II]

Here is another prospective u might consider. Its your problem only happen at night while you were driving? Have you added any type of electricity hunger devices like electric fans, new stereo systems, electronic entertainment and so on.

I have similar problem with my alternator. Too many amps were drawn and especially worst at night because head lights are on.

My oem alternator (brand new) is not giving enough amps. I have the following upgrades:

1. Three electrical fans,
2. MSD ignition
3. Upgrade fuel pump.

My engine die few times at night for this very same reason.

 

[cubanman2]

My 93 sc400 is stock. I have not added anything. My low acceleration is all the time. But i can notice the lights inside and outside dimming at night. I think the power steering pump leaking on the alternator probably caused it to go bad. I am trying to remove the power steering pump for inspection.

 

[Zuffen]

The power steering leak you have is standard Lexus issue.

The front seal in the pump fails and leaks into the alternator and damages the slip rings. Quite often it ruins the whole thing. Exchange units are available. Have a look in the electrical section someone was posting about this a few weeks ago.

The Power steering pump is held by 2 bolts on the side of the engine behind the pump and two nuts on the front. I'm sure their all 14mm. The front ones are accessible through the wholes in the pulley of the pump.

Pump overhaul kits are available from the Dealer and are quite cheap.

Visit www.planetsoarer.com and you will find a tutorial on rebuilding the pump. Quite simple to do.

I think once the pump and alternator are overhauled you will get you accelaration back.

 

[cubanman2]

I just finished removing the power steering pump, wow what a mission. It toke me loger to remove then the alternator. It is late here in virginia, i am going to inspect the pump tomorow. Zuffen thanks for the info and i hope it does bring back my acceleration.

 

[cubanman2]

I just oredered the seal kit and the bearing from lexus dealer. Can't wait to fix that problem. Hopefully planetsoarer information is correct.

 

[Muzza_NZ]

cm2,
the planetsoarer info is right on the money, just be careful when you do the snap ring that retains the bearing - get the right tool to install the new one, else you'll wreck it.

Muzz

 

[cubanman2]

Muzza what tool do i need to have?

 

[Lextreme II]

Cuba,

Great DIY job. Can you document the repair process. Love to have it as a tutorial. You also rebuild the alternator at the same time. If you need a Lexus Alternator, please let me know. I have one. Installed less than 1000 miles. I need a higher amps alternator.

 

[cubanman2]

Lextreme, do you want me to document the car repair process or the power steering pump repair process? The power steering pump repair process has been documented at http://www.planetsoarer.com/Power%20steering%20pump.htm

 

[cubanman2]

I just got my alternator back. I got lucky, it was not in bad shape at all. The rebuilder told me that all he needed to do was to clean it becasue the power steering fluid was not letting the alternator charge up. This is great because all i paid for was the cleaning. I am just waiting for the seal kit and bearing to arrive and i will let the forum know if that fixed my acceleration problem or not.

 

[cubanman2]

I just put my power steering pump and my alternator back on my car. This did not fix the problem, even worse i think i did not rebuild the power steering pump properly because my steering wheel is hard and it feels like it does not have any power steering fluid. I already drove it for a while, trying to remove the air pockets but still no luck. I am still trying to figure out what i did wrong.

 

[chrisman]

the power steering may take a while to bleed all the air out.. as long as it was assembled corectly -that is..

i found the best way to bleed it is to start the car, let it idle for a bit.. shut it off, let it sit, this lets the foaming oil/fluid settle..
then start again-repeat..
try not to turn the steering lock to lock until you think it is bled..
as for the accel problem. it may be hard to hear, but its prob something you already checked and missed.. try and go over everything again-carefully..
ive been there before- probably like 95% of the guys on this forum.. im sure you may have a EUREKA moment..

 

[cubanman2]

I was looking over my notes and i think i forgot to install a snap ring. The pump has two, a big one and a small one. I forgot to install the small one. I am going to have to look for a snap ring because i threw the old ones away. Chris i hope i do get this car fixed.

 

[cubanman2]

I fixed my power steering pump but not my car

When in the final steps of rebuilding my pump i had to pick my wife up from work and i rushed the job. Well i put the Flow control valve backwards. The backwards valve did not let power steering fluid flow through the system.