The power steering pumps on these LS400 leak all the time. If you don't repair it, the fluid will leak down onto the alternator and cause the alternator to short out. It best to perform this job ASAP along with the timing belt/waterpump.
Great video! I had a shop replace two pumps in my 98. My brother is going to under go this process for his 2000. The bad pumps eventually leak onto the alternator and will prevent it from recharging the battery in my experience with these cars. Thanks for the great detailed information! :)
At Harbor Freight, blue tarps that are about the size of the car (5' X 8' i think) are usually on sale for about $2.99. On jobs like this, you might want to put one down at the start to leave the whole time during the job and then just drop various cardboard pieces on top as you need to slide under. As they get too dirty, just replace the cardboard piece with a fresh one as needed. Then when the whole job is done, take that tarp and toss it in the trash. Your dad would appreciate how the driveway is preserved after.
Be aware that model LS is an interference motor so that timing belt should be replaced… I Great video very detailed. I own a first gen …because it’s non interference so if the timing goes no damage to the valves just shuts down….yours came with VVTI so if the timing breaks could cause catastrophic failure..thanks for sharing
You are absolutely right about breaking stuff unrelated to the job at hand. I do it almost every time. I also end up going back and forth to the auto parts store and harbor freight for tools that I didn’t know that I would need. About how many hours total? That should go into the cost as well and figure around $50 per hour.
Man... I’m doing all this really soon. Thank you for this vid! One of the best I’ve seen. Much props to you! Very detailed, forgiving and helpful. Too too cool!!!
Great work and video! For someone at a rookie skill level (minimal prior experience, no workshop, and not your trade), you did the work of a dealership (diagnose, quote, order parts, teardown, install) and a film team, using just shear talent and natural skills. It was so satisfying to hear the before and after sound of your engine! Great work! I need to replace the PS pump on my 2nd gen GS (same 1UZ-FE VVTi), and I was apprehensive about doing the work before watching your video. Now I'm ready to attack, and also thinking about inspecting the timing belts! I see that you used a plastic capped radiator, which I don't trust (the plastic eventually cracks), but I searched for and couldn't find a full aluminum radiator. How is the LS running these days?
I went with a KOYORAD radiator which I think I read somewhere was an OEM supplier for Lexus. Still running strong with almost 219,000 miles! Thank you for your comment, and good luck with your GS!
Well done. This is a bear of a job on the Lexus because access is so limited and is even worse on earlier models. The manual doesn’t say to remove the alternator but like you, there is no way to remove the second pump bolt without doing so.
this is probably a comment you wont see or will see way later but how do i go about removing the timing belt cover and what tool is needed exactly. Don’t know when or if the previous owner changed the belt but i wanna check on it to know if i should change it.
There are two timing belt covers that you can remove for inspection. I had a hard time removing and reinstalling these. The driver side cover has 3 bolts and the passenger side has 4 bolts, according to the service manual.
I believe it is recommended to change the timing belt every 90,000 miles or every 7-9 years. While you are in there it is also recommended to change the water pump, timing belt idlers, and other items.
@@generationhighoutput thanks for reply, yeah ive heard that while you’re doing the timing belt you’ll want to do other stuff at the same time just to get it out the way. Once i inspect my timing belt, if its cracked and needs to be replaced ill search up anything else besides the water pump that i could swap out while I’m already in there.
There are 3 things every LS400 buyer needs to ask about: starter, timing belt, and motor mounts. Starter is in the V of the engine and difficult to access. Timing belt, tensioners and water pump should be done at the recommended mileage. Motor mounts are fluid filled and can collapse over time, surprisingly expensive repair job. Feels like a brand new car when they are done though!
Does the reman pump have the same light steering as the original pump? I put 3 reman pumps in my 06 Corolla because all the reman pumps make my steering heavy. Should i just rebuild my original pump???
I don't notice any difference between the reman pump and OEM. If you have the skill to rebuild the original pump, it would probably save some money vs replacing it.
Electric cars have only one moving part in propulsion unit and will quickly replace internal combustion engines, which are very complex mechanisms, due to years of increasing emission controls that have cluttered up the engine compartment. I love my LS400 but it was never designed for ease of maintenance or repair. With luck, my 1997 Lexus will last long enough to cover my driving years. I am the third 80+ owner of the vehicle. Both previous owners died and the car was sold in estate sales. So none of us sold our Lexus when we owned it. Why would we? Oh, yes. The work this young fellow is doing is scheduled at 10 hours plus of labor. My timing belt cost $996 alone. I should have replaced every worn part while the engine was uncovered but didn't. At 181,000 miles, engine is as quiet as the new cars alongside me at traffic lights.
I read in a book that the Lexus engineers chose a timing belt over a timing chain because it was quieter. Timing chains typically last the life of the engine, whereas the timing belt needs replacement more frequently. You are right - not designed for the home mechanic to work on!
Hey man not sure if youll see this but my ps pump has also been leaking just like yours, im never done work on my car before so I have absolutely no tools, I was wondering if you could list all the tools you used to get to the pump and replace it, I have a 98 model thanks!
Had the timing belt replaced at the dealership, which was the most expensive way to go. Cost $1800 for new belt, tensioners, and water pump. Did not want to do the repair myself as the 98-00 models with VVT-i are interference engines.
Did you replace the “Timing-Belt” as you said it’s worn out and showing cracks…. You’ve installed the belt tensioner and returned the belt cover… you forgot?
It took a couple of days. A skilled mechanic would have figured out that the steering rack was not leaking and that the belt tensioner needed to be replaced more quickly than I did. And accidentally breaking the radiator fitting only added more time to the project. So you could save a lot of time by not making a bunch of rookie mistakes like I did. :)
So , was the bearing in the pump bad or was the noise coming from the tensioner? I think the latter , nevertheless since you have to renew the seals why not then the bearing which I totally agree with that. How is the pump holding up now?
I did have the timing belt changed later, but did not replace it myself. You have to take off all the accessories plus it is recommended to replace the water pump and timing belt tensioner and rollers. On the 98-00 motors with VVTi, it is crucial to get all of the marks on the timing belt lined up right the first try, or else you might bend the valves. I wasn't willing to risk my engine on that. But it certainly can be done yourself if you are more experienced.
Agreed, I went overboard with cleaning the power steering reservoir and other bits. A professional mechanic could have done it a lot faster. I am of course not a professional.
I have a question. Which pump did you buy? And I’m having issues installing the power steering pump pulley back on again. Is it supposed to spin freely by hand when you install it or not? I need help.
good video. The only thing I would have done, is go one step further. Since, you had already removed the fan, radiator, serpentine belt, should have replaced the water pump.
Wow this is great video! Would you mind sharing the part # for the hoses? My 2nd alternator failed (6 months old), because the power steering pump is leaking right on top of it (even tried covering the alternator with a cutout made of old Chlorox bottle). Think it's time to swap the pump.
I did not buy OEM Toyota hoses for the power steering reservoir. Just went to NAPA and asked for a few feet of power steering hose, then cut to length. Make sure it's the same inner diameter as your old hose. Hope this helps.
@@generationhighoutput Thanks. I did this yesterday following your video, FINALLY no whining with the pump and replaced failed alternator. Thanks for taking your time and effort doing this video, i was about to give up on my now legal age LS400 :)
Only watched the first few minutes. Will return later. But the chief tech at a local Lexus dealership told me that no one there had ever had to replace a rack. Now that was a few years ago. I NEVER go to the dealer for any kind of service but my '98 LS400 has needed virtually nothing all these years. I wouId also never believe anything one of their "service advisors" said. I do have a leaking seal in the PS pump but added some Lucas sealer and it has been working for 5 years now. The valve cover gaskets started to seep but the covers were just loose. You noted the glazed serpentine belt. That might indicate that the noise you hear in not coming from the PS pump but a different bearing such as the tensioner.
Yeah my Lexus dealership also wanted to replace the steering rack, claiming it was leaking. I chose not to and it's been completely fine. Lucas sealer is amazing stuff. Thanks for the comment!
@@generationhighoutput Years ago I talked with the head tech at a large Lexus dealership. He said that, thus far, they had replaced no racks even on cars with 300K + miles. If you ever take your car to one for anything, check the lug nuts afterward to be sure that they haven't tightened them so much that your rotors are destroyed. Also check the brake wear indicator to be sure they haven't cut it.
that timing belt could quite possibly be the original belt, almost looks like it, sometimes people don't change them like they should, i've heard of people driving original timing belts sometimes over 200k miles, talk about borrowed time
I had the timing belt and water pump done later by a shop. That is beyond my skill level. If you mess up the timing on a 98-00 with the VVT-i it is game over.
no obnoxious music, no gibberish talk....would be nice if all DIY videos were like this. Mad props to you, man.
The power steering pumps on these LS400 leak all the time. If you don't repair it, the fluid will leak down onto the alternator and cause the alternator to short out. It best to perform this job ASAP along with the timing belt/waterpump.
Great video! I had a shop replace two pumps in my 98. My brother is going to under go this process for his 2000. The bad pumps eventually leak onto the alternator and will prevent it from recharging the battery in my experience with these cars. Thanks for the great detailed information! :)
picked up a 98 with bad alternator and leaking pump, made it home 300miles with a fresh battery though. solid car indeed
At Harbor Freight, blue tarps that are about the size of the car (5' X 8' i think) are usually on sale for about $2.99. On jobs like this, you might want to put one down at the start to leave the whole time during the job and then just drop various cardboard pieces on top as you need to slide under. As they get too dirty, just replace the cardboard piece with a fresh one as needed. Then when the whole job is done, take that tarp and toss it in the trash. Your dad would appreciate how the driveway is preserved after.
better to rinse the tarp with a hose or scrub it, they contribute a lot of waste
You deserve a Medal 🥇 well don Soldier 👍
Well done . Excellant video. Great job. I wouldn't be able to tackle that job. Thank you for your knowledge and inspiration.
Thank you for showing us the process on how to replace ps pump! VERY HELPFUL
1990 JDM Celsior, alternator went out thanks to leaky PS pump, this video is very helpful replacing both, thanks.
Be aware that model LS is an interference motor so that timing belt should be replaced… I
Great video very detailed. I own a first gen …because it’s non interference so if the timing goes no damage to the valves just shuts down….yours came with VVTI so if the timing breaks could cause catastrophic failure..thanks for sharing
I had the belt replaced not long after this video, along with water pump and belt tensioners. Thank you!
That bearing never fails just use the seal kit. I’ve had 10 of these cars take my word for it. Your original PS pump is much higher quality than reman
Thank you! I will remember that for next time.
You are absolutely right about breaking stuff unrelated to the job at hand. I do it almost every time. I also end up going back and forth to the auto parts store and harbor freight for tools that I didn’t know that I would need. About how many hours total? That should go into the cost as well and figure around $50 per hour.
I really enjoyed your video, I wish I had those repair skills...
Well the small repair snowballed really quickly lol but it's great you get to it now before it all hits you at the same time
Now that I see what’s involved, I’m having mine done by a repair shop.
Straight soldier and did it all without getting aggravated, At least not in the edited version.
Man... I’m doing all this really soon. Thank you for this vid! One of the best I’ve seen. Much props to you! Very detailed, forgiving and helpful. Too too cool!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Great work and video! For someone at a rookie skill level (minimal prior experience, no workshop, and not your trade), you did the work of a dealership (diagnose, quote, order parts, teardown, install) and a film team, using just shear talent and natural skills. It was so satisfying to hear the before and after sound of your engine! Great work!
I need to replace the PS pump on my 2nd gen GS (same 1UZ-FE VVTi), and I was apprehensive about doing the work before watching your video. Now I'm ready to attack, and also thinking about inspecting the timing belts!
I see that you used a plastic capped radiator, which I don't trust (the plastic eventually cracks), but I searched for and couldn't find a full aluminum radiator. How is the LS running these days?
I went with a KOYORAD radiator which I think I read somewhere was an OEM supplier for Lexus. Still running strong with almost 219,000 miles! Thank you for your comment, and good luck with your GS!
Well done. This is a bear of a job on the Lexus because access is so limited and is even worse on earlier models. The manual doesn’t say to remove the alternator but like you, there is no way to remove the second pump bolt without doing so.
Excellent job! Now I know why they charge $4k to fix it!!
In my case the alternator got oil in it and was draining the battery as well... Recommend an alternator always to my customers when doing this job
Thank you for a GREAT video! Very detailed and easy to follow.
Don’t forget to put wheel blocks on the rear wheels ... Make it safer
Great video repair job. Do some more, you're great at it.
Very detailed video appreciate the help!
this is probably a comment you wont see or will see way later but how do i go about removing the timing belt cover and what tool is needed exactly. Don’t know when or if the previous owner changed the belt but i wanna check on it to know if i should change it.
There are two timing belt covers that you can remove for inspection. I had a hard time removing and reinstalling these. The driver side cover has 3 bolts and the passenger side has 4 bolts, according to the service manual.
I believe it is recommended to change the timing belt every 90,000 miles or every 7-9 years. While you are in there it is also recommended to change the water pump, timing belt idlers, and other items.
@@generationhighoutput thanks for reply, yeah ive heard that while you’re doing the timing belt you’ll want to do other stuff at the same time just to get it out the way. Once i inspect my timing belt, if its cracked and needs to be replaced ill search up anything else besides the water pump that i could swap out while I’m already in there.
Watching this in 2022, and laughed to myself when I saw you broke the radiator plastic fitting by leaning on it. I did the same! haha
It's surprisingly easy to break that fitting! I went with the Koyorad #2058 radiator, it is OEM quality and a direct fit replacement. Good luck!
You cant hose clamp the high pressure side of the pump... Hence the banjo bolt
Learned something new! Thank you!
Thanks for the vid. Now I know what to expect of I pick up an LS 👍
There are 3 things every LS400 buyer needs to ask about: starter, timing belt, and motor mounts. Starter is in the V of the engine and difficult to access. Timing belt, tensioners and water pump should be done at the recommended mileage. Motor mounts are fluid filled and can collapse over time, surprisingly expensive repair job. Feels like a brand new car when they are done though!
Nice job done!
Very well done,both the repairs and video
Thank you!
Do you remember the diameter of the hose from the reservoir to the pump?
Does the reman pump have the same light steering as the original pump? I put 3 reman pumps in my 06 Corolla because all the reman pumps make my steering heavy. Should i just rebuild my original pump???
I don't notice any difference between the reman pump and OEM. If you have the skill to rebuild the original pump, it would probably save some money vs replacing it.
Wow Awsome job sir. Well explained and very very knowledgable. Thank you sir.
Great Video. Any tips on what hose you used to replace the PS Reservoir hoses that connect to the pump? Thanks
Relentlexx? 👀
@@VietyF yep 🧐😉
Electric cars have only one moving part in propulsion unit and will quickly replace internal combustion engines, which are very complex mechanisms, due to years of increasing emission controls that have cluttered up the engine compartment. I love my LS400 but it was never designed for ease of maintenance or repair. With luck, my 1997 Lexus will last long enough to cover my driving years. I am the third 80+ owner of the vehicle. Both previous owners died and the car was sold in estate sales. So none of us sold our Lexus when we owned it. Why would we? Oh, yes. The work this young fellow is doing is scheduled at 10 hours plus of labor. My timing belt cost $996 alone. I should have replaced every worn part while the engine was uncovered but didn't. At 181,000 miles, engine is as quiet as the new cars alongside me at traffic lights.
I read in a book that the Lexus engineers chose a timing belt over a timing chain because it was quieter. Timing chains typically last the life of the engine, whereas the timing belt needs replacement more frequently. You are right - not designed for the home mechanic to work on!
Greet job brother your Are a Genius👏👏👏
After cleaning the alternator with that spray, does it still work? I'm planning to do the same but want to know if it works or have to buy another.
Yes the alternator still works. The spray is safe for use on electrical components.
Great video!!! And WOW this car just looks like a biggest pain in the ass when it comes to doing the maintenance.. wowowow
Hey man not sure if youll see this but my ps pump has also been leaking just like yours, im never done work on my car before so I have absolutely no tools, I was wondering if you could list all the tools you used to get to the pump and replace it, I have a 98 model thanks!
did you do it? im in the same boat never done any car work but fuckit im going to do it
Did you have to slide the ac compressor to the side to get access to the tensioner?
I did not disconnect or move the AC compressor at all.
Excellent video you made. I learned a lot! Thanks!
Gust changed it on my 1999 ls400 and it cost me 35 Omani rials R.O (100$)
Great first time atempt
Awesome job.
This became a BIG job bro geez 😂
Well done!
Hi mate, good job 👍 can you share you maintenance manual?
Great video. What size were the hoses that you cut from the power steering reservoir?
What ever happened to the timing belt?
I was also wondering the same question.
Had the timing belt replaced at the dealership, which was the most expensive way to go. Cost $1800 for new belt, tensioners, and water pump. Did not want to do the repair myself as the 98-00 models with VVT-i are interference engines.
How did you get the PS Pulley off?
Very smart guy congratulations brother I have one too.
How were you able to remove the pulley? I tried to do it and it was a pain to get the nut off
buy 2 jaw puller
I’ll just leave this to the mechanics, I have a short fuse and would lose my mind trying to fix that shit all day.
yes...I did exactly the same thing. Leaned on the radiator and snap. Broke off the overflow tube
Whoops! It is quite brittle and in a bad location.
Did you have an idle air control valve issues?
Well done......
Did you replace the “Timing-Belt” as you said it’s worn out and showing cracks…. You’ve installed the belt tensioner and returned the belt cover… you forgot?
Timing belt is NOT a do it yourself job on the VVT-i engines. I took it to the dealer and had it done along with the water pump.
you sire are the man.
I didn’t know Jessie Eisenberg was a Lexus guru
how did you bleed the power steering pump?
With the reservoir cap off, turn the wheel back and forth several times. Check the fluid level and replace the cap.
Does anyone know what thread pitch the power steering pulley nut is?
@generationhighoutput any ideas? I know it’s uses a 17mm socket, but mine is stripped and need a new one.
What about your timing belt? It could break anytime.
Timing belt and water pump were replaced soon afterwards.
wish their was a video for my 91s maybe ill upload one!
How long did it take for you to complete this job ?
It took a couple of days. A skilled mechanic would have figured out that the steering rack was not leaking and that the belt tensioner needed to be replaced more quickly than I did. And accidentally breaking the radiator fitting only added more time to the project. So you could save a lot of time by not making a bunch of rookie mistakes like I did. :)
So , was the bearing in the pump bad or was the noise coming from the tensioner? I think the latter , nevertheless since you have to renew the seals why not then the bearing which I totally agree with that. How is the pump holding up now?
As i progressed in the video you showed it was the tensioner making the noise...sorry
Thank you 😊👌🏻
Amazing video
Also, did you do the timing belt yourself later since it was visibly cracked?
I did have the timing belt changed later, but did not replace it myself. You have to take off all the accessories plus it is recommended to replace the water pump and timing belt tensioner and rollers. On the 98-00 motors with VVTi, it is crucial to get all of the marks on the timing belt lined up right the first try, or else you might bend the valves. I wasn't willing to risk my engine on that. But it certainly can be done yourself if you are more experienced.
Excellent video. Thanks!
Great video I’m about to be doing all this tomorrow minus the tensioner!
You don’t have to pull off all those parts to get the alternator off or the power steering pump
Agreed, I went overboard with cleaning the power steering reservoir and other bits. A professional mechanic could have done it a lot faster. I am of course not a professional.
good job
where did you get the re manufactured pump?
Bought it at Rock Auto for $165.
Hello, is it possible to provide me with the manufacturer number of seals and gaskets in order to buy them?
I have a question. Which pump did you buy? And I’m having issues installing the power steering pump pulley back on again. Is it supposed to spin freely by hand when you install it or not? I need help.
did you find a solution?
I bought the AC Delco pump from RockAuto.com. $165 if I recall.
good video. The only thing I would have done, is go one step further. Since, you had already removed the fan, radiator, serpentine belt, should have replaced the water pump.
Yeah, I probably should have done that myself. I ended up paying a shop to do it when they did the timing belt also.
I see i am one of a couple thousand with a powersteering on a celsior/ls
Wow this is great video!
Would you mind sharing the part # for the hoses?
My 2nd alternator failed (6 months old), because the power steering pump is leaking right on top of it (even tried covering the alternator with a cutout made of old Chlorox bottle). Think it's time to swap the pump.
I did not buy OEM Toyota hoses for the power steering reservoir. Just went to NAPA and asked for a few feet of power steering hose, then cut to length. Make sure it's the same inner diameter as your old hose. Hope this helps.
@@generationhighoutput Thanks. I did this yesterday following your video, FINALLY no whining with the pump and replaced failed alternator. Thanks for taking your time and effort doing this video, i was about to give up on my now legal age LS400 :)
Only watched the first few minutes. Will return later. But the chief tech at a local Lexus dealership told me that no one there had ever had to replace a rack. Now that was a few years ago. I NEVER go to the dealer for any kind of service but my '98 LS400 has needed virtually nothing all these years. I wouId also never believe anything one of their "service advisors" said. I do have a leaking seal in the PS pump but added some Lucas sealer and it has been working for 5 years now. The valve cover gaskets started to seep but the covers were just loose. You noted the glazed serpentine belt. That might indicate that the noise you hear in not coming from the PS pump but a different bearing such as the tensioner.
Yeah my Lexus dealership also wanted to replace the steering rack, claiming it was leaking. I chose not to and it's been completely fine. Lucas sealer is amazing stuff. Thanks for the comment!
@@generationhighoutput Years ago I talked with the head tech at a large Lexus dealership. He said that, thus far, they had replaced no racks even on cars with 300K + miles. If you ever take your car to one for anything, check the lug nuts afterward to be sure that they haven't tightened them so much that your rotors are destroyed. Also check the brake wear indicator to be sure they haven't cut it.
u dont want that timing belt to snap. u got a interference motor.
that timing belt could quite possibly be the original belt, almost looks like it, sometimes people don't change them like they should, i've heard of people driving original timing belts sometimes over 200k miles, talk about borrowed time
6:30 MAAAAAANNNNN you done fucked up
I am not an actual mechanic, I just play one on TH-cam.
awesome video,, i have a 95 ls400 i'll throw u some money to fix it for me lmao
Lol just gonna leave that timing belt like that though??
I got it replaced shortly afterwards. Was not willing to tackle that one myself!
@@generationhighoutput prolly a good call haha
22:07
shouldve changed the o ring first
bro skipped timingbelt lol
I had the timing belt and water pump done later by a shop. That is beyond my skill level. If you mess up the timing on a 98-00 with the VVT-i it is game over.
@@generationhighoutput I just did it following this dude th-cam.com/video/k7V-QrwiTqI/w-d-xo.html
@@generationhighoutput you were almost already there might as well just a few more steps
كفو 400