Gs Power Steering

[IanCornwall]

Hi all

One for the boffins

Parking up all nice and easy, and my power steerng just stopped, yes I can turn the wheel, but it as if it has suddenly either stopped or dropped into motorway speed mode

I don't think it is the pump as I have never heard of a pump that stops as sudden and goes from all to nothing in an instant

Is there a fuse or a relay that controls the power steering that could have blown, I have checked all the fuses I can find and all seems good with them

[TigerFish]

Is the fluid level OK? and the belt turning and not loose? Other than that there is a solenoid on the system somewhere I believe which can effect low speed assistance.

[peter026]

I had the same problem. Turned out to be the A/C compressor had given up the ghost.

Turn on the A/C and if the A/C light flashes, then that is your problem, mine only did that when stationary or parking up, but when driving normally the light didn't flash, which threw the garage with their diagnostics, they eventually called an A/C specialist in and after tests found that the A/C pump was failing. £350 to repair and rebuild, or for an extra £100 a new one from Lexus, took the new one.

Hope this helps Ian

[IanCornwall]

Plenty of fluid and all seems to run fine

seems to be ample pressure in the system (quick crack of pipe joint to check) but nothing or very little at the steering end

was hoping that it would be a relay or something that brings in the proportional steering stuck

Sorry Peter how can air con hurt the steering ?

[TigerFish]

Sorry Peter how can air con hurt the steering ?

I guess if the compressor stops it will stop/slow the drive belt going to the power steering pump. You should be able to see/hear that happening fairly easily I would think on tickover with aircon on and looking at the drive belt.

[IanCornwall]

I took the pump off and the actual shaft into the pump had snapped, hence the sudden stop in pressure

A quick email to the scrap yards and a second hand unit all mine for £55 delivered inc VAT

Now that was a result if you ask me

dead easy to change, a couple of easy to get to bolts, 2 hoses and a refill with power steering oil and full power steering again

Total swap time for the job, 15 minutes, it took me longer to find my key that I dropped down between the seats

[TigerFish]

Not a bad result at all