drad3

The GS430 is a dream to drive. makes me wish I had gone for the GS400 the first go around. Thanks, Jason.

I have had a similar gremlin in my '98 GS300. The noise sounds like a "clunk" from the right rear of the car when braking aggressively. It is intermittent and no mechanic seems to be able to track it down. The rear brakes were done to try to cure it (new pads and machined rotors) without result. All suspension components were inspected for bolt tightness and bearing and bushing problems. Again, nothing was found. Sorry I couldn't be more help. If you find the problem, be sure to let us know!

I just had the 90k service performed on my 98 GS300 at a cost of $900. This work was done by an independent shop (staffed by Lexus trained mechanics). The cost would have been about $400 more if I had needed the water pump replaced. Since it had been replaced at 67k miles it was not necessary. As far as doing the work yourself, I cannot help you as I am not a DIY kind of guy. If it makes you feel any better, the 105k service on my Mercedes E320 wagon just set me back $1100. The good news is that these Lexus cars are incredibly reliable when kept well serviced. My Benz has had more than $5,000 in maintenance and repairs over the past 13 months.

I had Jason at JP Importz do the 90k tune-up on my 98 GS300 yesterday and could not have been more satisfied. He is a very qualified fellow (seven years at Park Place Lexus in Plano) and a very nice guy who obviously cares about his customers. He went over every aspect of the service with me in detail and then took a test drive with me to insure that I was satisfied. The service was well done and the car returned when promised. The added bonus was the complimentary detail. In this case the freshly detailed car really did drive better! Many thanks Jason!

I also had the same problem with my '98 GS300 about two years ago. After a couple of tries at lubrication, the dealer finally removed and replaced the plastic gear drive under warranty. The noise was terrible and not something that you could easily ignore. Best of luck.

I have just joined this group and hope that one of the knowledgeable old-timers here can help me diagnose a problem that started recently on my 1998 GS300 (90k miles). When I brake there is a distinct, one-time "clunking" noise that seems to come from the right rear of the car. This is especially noticable when braking aggressively or when turning to the left while braking. The shop diagnosed it as worn pads, which did not do the trick. They did not see any suspension problem, although this is my guess. I worry about doing significant damage driving the car, but no one seem to be able to figure it out. Your thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated!