loss of power steering

[mark5S]

I have a 1990 LS400 that loses power assist. This usually happens after driving on freeway for 10 miles or so and then I exit the freeway. Has I begin to get off the freeway there is no power assist. I keep turning and finally the power comes back on. This is the first time I have ever experienced this type of power steering failure. The PS pump spins freely, the belt is new and tight, I hear no belt squeal when the symptoms occur, the fluid is clean and at proper level, no leaks and I cannot duplicate the problem in the driveway. Any help on this would be appreciated.

 

[Lextreme II]

This get little tricky. I would double check the rack and pinion selnoid. Its very common the cause of the power steering related problems.

 

[jibby]

Bye Bye power steering pump. I am waiting for mine to go out any day now myself. Common problem in older sc,ls's.

 

[mark5S]

thanks for the replies

Thanks for the suggestions. I will investigate the PS solenoid. Are the PS pumps hard to rebuild? Can you easly obtain the rebuid parts?