Lexus Ls400 98 Steering rack

[MagicTurtle]

Hi,

After inspecting my car on a ramp, mechanic noticed slight leak from steering rack. There is a little play in the steering and obviously it needs to be sorted out. Problem is , new steering rack comes only from Lexus and it costs.. wait for it .. £1800.01 !!! I though that reconditioning would be a much better option. If anybody knows any places where this could be done, or maybe know other ways around my problem, please let me know. I'm from Birmingham but distance is not a problem, I love my car and hopefuly with all your help I could sort it out.

 

Many thanks!

[The-Acre]

I would have thought a rack from a breakers would be your best bet.  There have been some MK4's breaking lately. I can't help thinking that trying to get one reconditioned would cost more.  They're generally very reliable steering racks so getting one from a breakers may not have too much risk.

[shanra]

I'd make sure that it is the steering rack and not the steering pump which will leak onto the rack. I know it was a problem on the Soarer/SC400 and the LS400 shares the same engine etc. It requires the pump reconditioning or as has been done with mine a power steering stop leak additive used. If the car is being kept for a while I'd go with the reconditioning, a choice I didn't have as the previous owner used the stop leak.

[Matt1986]

On 2017-2-1 at 4:37 PM, MagicTurtle said:

Hi,

After inspecting my car on a ramp, mechanic noticed slight leak from steering rack. There is a little play in the steering and obviously it needs to be sorted out. Problem is , new steering rack comes only from Lexus and it costs.. wait for it .. £1800.01 !!! I though that reconditioning would be a much better option. If anybody knows any places where this could be done, or maybe know other ways around my problem, please let me know. I'm from Birmingham but distance is not a problem, I love my car and hopefuly with all your help I could sort it out.

 

Many thanks!

Hi magicTurtle. I just had my PS pump back from a company called Kelly bray steering group in Cornwall. All done via post. Fully refurbished my pump for £138 Inc vat. The specialise in pumps and racks. They have a website so give them an email. A lot cheaper than a new one and my pump looks brand new now. 

I'm just a happy punter and have no connection with them by the way. 

[Az1]

Ouch. I would suggest looking at parts from the usa, quick search and you can get them for around £200 plus postage and customs charges I still think that will set you back a lot less. I bought a full timing belt kit from America and it was almost half the price Including postage and customs charges.