Lexus LX power steering issue

I own an LX, and I had similar symptoms a while back. Before replacing major components like the steering pump or rack, have you checked the cable and plug connections to the power steering components? A defective connection can cause intermittent issues like the ones you described.

Thank you for the suggestion! I haven’t specifically checked the cable and plug connections. Could you elaborate on which connections I should focus on? Are there any specific areas known to be problematic?

In my case, it was a corroded connection near the steering pump. It's worth visually inspecting all connections you can easily access. However, if you are unsure, I'd recommend visiting a workshop so they can put your Lexus on the lift. They should be able to diagnose it quickly.

I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the advice. Following the suggestion to check the cable and plug connections, I had a mechanic inspect them thoroughly. It turned out that a connection was defective; more precisely, a corroded plug. The repair cost a mere 95€, which is significantly less than replacing the pump or rack would have been. Thank you again for pointing me in the right direction!