'04 Lexus RX330 198K miles. The power steering moans when turning. It sounds like a ship noise. I fixed a small leak by tightening a clamp and replaced the fluid per Scotty's video. I used a siphon. I didn't get all of it out though, I tried to replace red with clear, the same brand the shop was going to use. Half baked on my part.
The shop wants to replace the pump and steering rack. They did a leak test and it was at the front hose and in the back. There is no leak now after tightening the clamp. What now?
Id prefer to do the work myself.
I had the rack replaced 7 years ago after an accident.
If the moaning is coming from the pump replace it.
Did you go through the process of bleeding the air out of the pump?
No, I followed Scotty's video on siphoning the steering fluid out, and replacing with new. I thought that process didn't need to be bled.
You still have to bleed the system. Jack up the front end, start the car and turn the steering wheel full left and right lock to lock 6 or seven times. Top up the fluid and do it again. If this doesn't help, like @chucktobias said, your pump is defective and needs replacement.
I see there are refurbished power steering pumps. Is this a case where it is okay to get a refurbished one or do I need to get OEM?
I would get a new pump. OEM will probably be prohibitively expensive but you can check pricing and make a decision between that and a new aftermarket part. Unless the belt is very new replace that as well. Hoses - if you can get to them at the steering rack end easily for replacement probably not a bad idea on an 18-year-old vehicle.
As long as it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, it should be good.
https://www.autozone.com/suspension-steering-tire-and-wheel/power-steering-pump/lexus/rx330
@doc and @chucktobias I see there are refurbished power steering pumps. Is this a case where it is okay to get a refurbished one or do I need to get OEM?
I will look at the Haynes manual, but do you recommend changing hoses and belts, or whatever parts it needs at the same time?
Thanks for all the help. You guys and Scotty have saved me thousands of dollars. I even bought a project car and am going to resell it. I got it for my son but he decided not to drive. I'm not sure where got that from, I love to drive.
Have a great day!