Power steering woes, interesting...? Options

[samir0189]

So, I know I've been leaking p/s fluid, I haven't yet gotten to check from where exactly. On cold start, there is an intermittent noise that sounds like "errr-wheeeet, errr-wheeeet" with about a 1 second interval.

I'm guessing it is the pump... but also, there is an excess of white smoke that looks like condensation from the tail pipe (continuous, not valve seal startup poof, and not coolant, no sweet smell.) I've read on lexus forums that there is some sort of valve that dumps p/s fluid into the intake manifold and causes that smoke, with a fuel-like "rich" smell?

So I ask, is this what is really going on.. do I need to get this valve (if it exists) new? Or is it the bad pump that is forcing p/s fluid up and into the intake mani? Any ideas welcomed...

[mkernz22]

the screech sound is most likely your belt. Has it been cold down there lately?

If it has been cold, that's the reason for the white smoke

[samir0189]

the screech sound is most likely your belt. Has it been cold down there lately?

If it has been cold, that's the reason for the white smoke

thanks for the reply.

No, not terribly cold. and the noise is always on cold start, even on hot days, and holding the wheel at full lock doesn't make it worse.

the smoke *could* just be normal condensation .. but the smell and reading about lexus owners' similar problems got me wondering if my valve is dumping the fluid through the intake as well. I intend to trace the vacuum hoses and unplug the corresponding one and see if the smoke subsides.

The car is without doubt leaking the fluid, and I was just wondering if these things were related... never had a failed p/s pump before.

the power steering fluid is in no way able to get into your intake manifold.

okie dokie then. not gonna argue. I was just trying to consolidate all my issues into one.