I have a 1994 Lexus 300 GS. I have been told that My wheel bearings are bad.. I drove it anyway and one day I heard a pop and now my power steering is not working? I can start it and drive I just can't turn the wheel very well. I tried power steering fluid, and the belt is ok. Can it be the pump or just the wheel bearings or maybe both? I did not know if the wheel bearings had anything to do with the power steering?
No way .. No. Wheel bearings and power steering not connected at all. You need to get the hydraulics of the power steering replaced, costly affair that one. Don't risk driving with worn out wheel bearings. Sell the car if repairs are too expensive. Considering its a Lexus, it has to be expensive, no matter which part of the world you're in.
the powersteering pump could be shot, and yes it does strain the steering pump with bad bearing due to side force at the spindle, start the car and take the cap off of the steering pump and look with a flash light to see if the fluid moves when turning the wheel(help to have someone else turn it but not too fast) if fluid is flowing you have a steering system problem that could kill you and others and get it towed to a shop or get someone who knows auto mechanical to fix it. there are many things that can effect the steering(cv axles/ball joints(struts)/power steering pump/rack and pinion(possible/means no steering at 55 when it goes completely)) too many things to show and or figure here. it is a task to do the wheels bearings and they can go so bad the wheel CAN fall off, and then the poop has hit the fan and possibly someone else, so if it was just someone who said the bearings was bad, get a more educated opinion. And if single marry a mechanic (it's cheaper lol)
