m2pc

I am going to switch as well. So what mileage intervals are you going to change oil at?

Don't know if this is true for Toyota's but I have seen it on a couple of Hondas. I have seen the Taillight assembly gaskets go bad and allow a minute amopunt of water to drip. So in a big rain, a bit of water accumalates. Not sure on the taillight assembly on the es300, but this is what was done to check. 1. remove panel to get access to rear of light assembly. 2. Put lots of towels at the bottom/base of the assembly. 3. Wait for rain 4. Check if only the towels get wet. 5. If this is true, remove light assembly and check gasket (in this case, you can see the path path of water flow as it left residue). 6. Buy a new gasket, or be frugal, in the case of the Hondas, you can flip it around, and that worked in this case. If his is the case, let us know, I haven't heard about Toyotas/ lexus having this issue, but I have seen it on a few Honda/Acuras. In any case, good luck and hope you find the problem.

Just put on some Bridgestone LS-Vs. Can't wait to try them out in rain or snow, but here are my thoughts on them so far: Pros - 1. Much better than stock Bridgestones RE88 on the 98 es300. 2. Very Grippy, excellent on dry pavement, will see if it holds up in rain and snow conditions. 3. Takes corners and acceleration very well. 4. Very quite and smooth ride. Cons- 1. Don't think to be as responsive as other tire like Michelin Pilot MXV's (on another vehicle) or the stock re88's. 2. Price (we'll see if they are worth the price). So far, very happy with them.

If you do not know if they did it at 60k, you should check it out at a minimum. I would not go past 90K to replace it, as well as you might as well replace the water pump since your at it.

JPI, you are right regarding using only the specified ATF type. There is a Lexus TSB003-98 (and 99) that states that they are not interchangeable. Is it OK to use synthetic ATF Dextron 2 or 3 like Mobil 1's ATF? When I looked at my sales receipt for my 30K service, looks like they used hypoid 75W-90? Why would they do that?

Well, been driving with the Amsoil free flow and notice no increase or decrease n MPG. This can be due to 1. Oil needs to be changed soon as opposed to prior numbers taken after a fresh oil change. 2. Summer time - I'm using the AC (this will bring down the MPG's) where the prior numbers I didn't crank it on.

That should have been replaced at 90K. I am sure this is a figure which gives some leeway, but you may be nearing the end of the life for the belt. if it goes, you are talking PROBLEMS. I would also replace the water pump while your at it, I have seen recommendations that the pulley??? be replaced as well - I have never done that though.

I can confirm that the 97 & 98 (most likely the 99 as well) is quite a pain in the @$$ to replace. Need to be flexible to get underneath and remove a phillips screw to remove a cabling assembly which is in the way of access. Then remove the filter cover. Since I bought my 98 new, I know I did not remove the filter. My friends 97 was bought used and his was empty as well (he head a few leaves and things in the cavity as well Yuck!). When I get a chance I will either stop by my local Lexus dealer (since he was good enough to give me the part number and advice on where to find the filter), or order from Irontoad.com.

StevieJ, when they sell the filters, is it in a pack of two? The dealer quoted me $44 for "two filters". Or is that like in a charcoal & a filter element=two?

I think your right. Most post that I have read for 97-99 model state that the slot is empty. Once I found the slot, I also checked my friends 97 and it was empty as well. So its ok to buy the filter and pop it in? It does look like you would have to remove the cover as well as remove a screw for a wiring harness that is in the way.

Thats a good idea. I have read that the stock radio probably won't have a code, but it is possible to be set with a code, so constantly supplying power would bypass that. I guess that is why it says anti-theft deterent where the tape goes. Someone must have changed out the battery on their ES and know wether or not a code for the radio was needed? Anyone want to share their thoughts on this?

Thanks JPI, yup, parts guy just confirmed what you said, he does NOT reccommend using anything other than whats stated in the manual. He also gave me a hint on the ac air filter on a '98, I will post that on that link after I check out what he said.

Thanks StevieJ, I'll check them out! Jhauck, I believe there are three drains for the radiator, one on the radiator itself under the covering near center, one on the front, and the hard to find one at the rear. So by turning the nut, it releases the fluid via the small extended pipe? And yes, the tranny fluid says to use Dex 2 or 3, but a Lexus parts department e-mailed me back saying that the Toyo Type-4 is safe for all applications, still not sure on this point.

On another forum, found some post that mentioned that a code is not needed for the radio. If this is true, then I'm all set! :D

If anyone has the CD's and can say they are decent and year model specific, I would think thats pretty good. Also, I found this site that is a yearly subscription: http://www.alldata.com/

As a side question in replacing batteries, especially for a '98. Does the radio need a security code to re-activate after power has been cut-off? Other vehicles I have have this feature, but I can't find this in the manuals and I have no security code. I am hoping that it doesn't have a code otherwise, I will have to get it from the dealer.

I agree about the Diehard gold. But the OEM Panasonic is still ticking 5+ years later, not to shabby for an OEM. I may just replace it to be sure though.

StevieJ, Any suggested Toyota shops for Lexus Maintenance in the Mass area?

Well, I just placed an order for the Bridgestone Turanza LS-V's. I'll see if they are any good.

I will be in the same situation in a year or two and I will NOT pay 900-1200 for those items. I also have a 98' beauty :) 1. Oil change is easy. 2. There are some good post on plug removal. The rear 3 are difficult but do-able. I would like to know the torque spec as well. Plug wires????Should they replaced as well at 60K??? 3. I asked about the Anti-freeze service and the price they quoted me was only for a "drain". Flush is extra. So drain it is! 4. I would drain the transmission fluid, but I have seen places say use Toyo type 4 but the manual states dextron2 or 3, confused here, help! 5 . I would also drain and fill the differential fluid, I believe it is 75W-90. 6. Replace air filter with stock, or a washable like K&N or Amsoil. 7. Check your Power steering fluid, most likely nothing need to be done there as long as fluid level is constant and not burnt or dirty. I am sure I will think of some other things.

Pilots are excellent. I had V rated for another car and they were excellent for the first 40K. (I drove them to the ground to 70K!) If they made V rated for the es300, I would buy them. I want the V rated for a stiffer sidewall. How are they in snow/winter driving? The Vs were not that good unfortunately.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...t=ST&f=7&t=399& An attached link would probably be helpful. :whistles:

Here is a link on how to replace on a '98 es300. Don't know how much its changed for your model. Take a peek and let us know if its the same for your year.

I see your from Scituate, I in metrowest Mass. After the last winter we had last year, and my slipping and sliding on the 92's, I want something better. The LS-H & V's look decent for snow and water, but still kinda pricey on Tire rack. I was leaning towards the V's since they would have a stiffer sidewall. I'll probably buy withing two or three weeks, I'll let you know if the tires I get are any good.

OK, need to replace my tires. Looking into Bridgestone 950's, or LS-V (maybe H) Anyone have the LS-V's? Recommendations? I want a good all season tire becuase of the snow we got last season.