Is200 - Power Steering Problems (2000 Reg)

Nafe77 · February 1, 2012

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the site so apologies if this thread is posted in the wrong area !?

I've started having problems with my power steering first thing in the mornings, after I finally get out of my parking space

it seems fine ?! Theres no real noises that go with it however it seems as though something is fighting me when I turn the wheel.

Once Im down the road its fine again !? Anyone got any ideas ?

I've checked the power steering fluid and have topped it up over the last few days however it happened again this morning ?!

It is cold at the moment and it was 0 degrees this morning , but that can't be the reason can it !?

The car is a IS200 W reg and just clicked 100k , manual gearbox 2.0 .

Thanks in advance guys.

fjcfarrar · February 1, 2012

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the site so apologies if this thread is posted in the wrong area !?

I've started having problems with my power steering first thing in the mornings, after I finally get out of my parking space

it seems fine ?! Theres no real noises that go with it however it seems as though something is fighting me when I turn the wheel.

Once Im down the road its fine again !? Anyone got any ideas ?

I've checked the power steering fluid and have topped it up over the last few days however it happened again this morning ?!

It is cold at the moment and it was 0 degrees this morning , but that can't be the reason can it !?

The car is a IS200 W reg and just clicked 100k , manual gearbox 2.0 .

Thanks in advance guys.

Power steering pump faults are unusual - and difficult to prove until severe. Leaking seals in the steering-rack often results in continuing loss of fluid, swollen gaiters at the end of the rack and/or fluid drips. Other than that, you can expect slightly less free steering at low temperatures; but not really stiff. If swivel-joints etc. are rusty/stiff, making the the steering a bit reluctant anyway, cold temperatures will only make things worse - but unlikely if everything is fine when it is a bit warmer.

Nafe77 · February 1, 2012

Thanks fjc.

The car is due a service now anyway so I will point out to them when I take it in, it just seems strange it works fine after I have driven in for a minute or so !?

burgh1 · February 18, 2012

Having same problems on IS200 SE , did you find anything?

blacktar · March 4, 2012

Hope ye got sorted but if not it's prob the power steering belt needs to be replaced or adjusted

philroche · November 22, 2012

@Nafe77 I'm having the exact same problems. Did you figure out what it was?

Princess Layla · December 5, 2012

Id just like to add my voice, I have the same problem.

It started during the cold weather last winter then disappeared as spring arrived.

Seems like its back again this year.

Anyone any ideas?

ChrisIS200SportTTE · December 5, 2012

Mines been a bit lumpy and stiff the last couple of days also. It's completely fine after about a mile or so.

sjrainsford · December 5, 2012

I'd say check the drive belt to start with. They don't always make a noise when slipping.

Second, I'd get the fluid changed. Theres often a filter in the bottom of the reservoir too, not sure if this is the case with the Lexus. On older systems this can begin to block up and cause stiffer steering when the oil is cold and more viscous. It nomally requires a clean, which should be done with the fluid change.

Wesley86 · December 6, 2012

Mines being doing exactly the same but I had my cam belt done yesterday and obviously they adjusted all the aux belts ect and now its fine so maybe get the belts tightened or loosened as don't forget rubber contract when cold

noname · January 14, 2015

Anyone got any other ideas? I had the same problem, juddery and stiff when cold last winter then OK during the summer. Now it's frosty the problem has come back. Local garage put some additive in last winter which helped a bit but didn't cure it. Car has always been regularly serviced so I've assumed they've changed the fluid if required - 1999 V Reg with 161,000 0n the clock.

I've seen a suggestion to check the reservoir for ice which I'll try and remember to do - car has always lived outside. Could it just be that the belt goes too tight when it's cold? Don't mind struggling when I'm trying to manoeuvre on my drive but it's embarrassing when trying to get out of a roadside parking space after a couple of hours on a cold day!

steve2006 · January 14, 2015

Power steering fluid as far as I know isn't replaced as part of servicing, if it is low level then it gets topped up but there is no easy way to drain and refill the system, you could try trmoving as much fluid as possible from the reservoir ( turkey baster from wilcos) and then refilling with fresh fluid to see if that improves things although it could be sticky seals in either the pump or rack which free off when everything warms up.

noname · January 14, 2015

Thanks Steve.

Unfortunately I have to rely on garages to work on the car as I have neither the ability or facilities for doing so.

I haven't checked the fluid level or whether it has ice crystals in it but will do so tomorrow if it isn't raining or snowing!

I'll also check the invoices that I have to see whether fluid has been added on any of the recent services.

lexash · January 15, 2015

I have the exact same problem. Irritating isn't it. i get a squeal too. I think I will replace belt. Wish there was a haynes manual for lexi's

marsis · January 15, 2015

hi all,I had replaced already the belt and d't get better the steering,with nothing ,so I believe like Steve ,replacing the PS liquid could be a cheap try,I will do with mine when I will figure how to do...on my previous car,a 323 mazda was pretty simple ,flush the liquid true a dawn positioned pipe and refill with new liquid and with engine on steering the wheel left and right few times,that was all