cliffy

The Bridgestones where on there when we bought it. She only put about 12,000 on them when we changed the out- they weren't bald but they I felt like they were slipping in the snow / slush. We bought it Dec of 2005 and that winter they were fine but after the first weather of 2006 they had to go- at that point we put on the Hankooks- not sure which ones. But they were great- much better in the snow. (However in all fairness to Bridgestone I did not drive them new) She just changed them last summer after around 50,000 miles and put on Hankook Dynapro HP. These I can say are quiet, handle great- really grips the road, great in rain and snow, and give a smooth ride... overall I'm happy with them. She drives the car like she stole it, so I actually expected the tires to be worse than they were. With that said, I had Bridgestones on my GS400. Put them on new and was never really happy with them. I felt like they were good in the rain, but that was about it. They wore quickly. I replaced those with Hankook Ventus and was much happier. They were just as good in the rain, they gripped better dry, and they are lasting longer. I'm right around 50,000 on them now and don't plan on changing them. Now my GS is terrible in the snow, but I'd say both tires performed equal. Hope this helps. Post back what you end up going with and what your thoughts are on them

Swaped out the knuckle assembly and bearing with an other one. Problem solved. Chaulking it up to a bad bearing. $85 well spent!

Thanks for the reply lenore- I picked up another knuckle and bearing. Going to swap them tomorrow after work. Figured since I'm taking it apart anyway might as well. I can always return the one I don't use. I'll post back results.

Hi-

I replaced the antenna on my wifes 99 RX300 twice (car wash). Bought them on ebay. Try turning on the radio with the car running. Then using flathead screwdriver turned sideways like a lever, unscrew the the antenna retainer (the chrome base with slots) when loose pull the antenna out. Check the white plastic teeth and see if any of them are broke.if they are order a new antenna and replace- if not, feed the line bcak down to the motor, then have a helper turn off the radio while you guide the plastic teeth back into the motor... it should catch and lower the antenna. when down tighten the nut back up. Note: you can also use a pair of needle nose to loosen. If the nut it too tight youcan use the flat head and tap it lightly with a hammer just be carefull not to break it.

We had the Bridgestone's on my wifes 1999 RX300 and they were ok. We however replacerd them with Hankook's from town fair tire when they went, and these have been great! Even in the New England winter. Town Fair Tire- under $600 for all 4 with 4 wheel alignment, etc.

Hi Guys:

Here's my problem: I was changing out my wife’s rotors and pads on her 1999 RX300 AWD when I noticed a crack in the front right spindle knuckle- right on the arm that holds the caliper retaining bolt. I picked up a used knuckle at a salvage yard, which had the wheel bearing, and ball joint attached. I removed axle nut, the tie rod, the two bolts that hold the knuckle to the strut, and the bolts holding the ball joint to the lower arm and pulled out the knuckle. I put the used knuckle back in place, and secured everything in reverse order. Replaced the rotors and pads finishing the brake job. Upon test driving, I noticed immediately that something isn’t right, sounds like the axle is not catching somewhere- either at the right front hub or at the transfer case. It’s making a clicking - borderline grinding noise. Note: only when in forward gear not in reverse. Anyone know what I should check? I pulled it apart and put it back together again-Everything seems tight. I haven't been driving it. Thanks!

A good independant shop should do it for about $500 or $600.

Old subject but thought I would post.... Had similar problem, mine turned out to be the battery bracket. Worth a look.

My 98 GS400 has 155,000 and still strong.

I have 135,000 on my 98 GS400........ best thing I ever bought!!!! Timing and water pump done at 120,000

There are posts going back and forth on this issue.... Mercedes puts cross drilled front rotors on thier S500's as a standard feature.... not that much more expensive... why not give it a shot?

Haven't had to change them on my wifes RX.... but did them on my GS... simple.... I used some after market and do not like them.... going back to stock this spring to go with new cross drilled rotors I piced up on ebay... some good posts here regarding them... just drilled not slotted

Bought the rx for my wife....

Happens in my gs..... There's posts out there regarding this issue..... I remember reading about it.

Make sure the uncut key comes with programing instructions. I may have the instructions that came with mine..... I'll check around if you need them.

Is it an old key or did you have one made? Reason I ask is because I have an extra key that I bought uncut on ebay and had a local locksmith cut.... he must have not cut it correctly because it will only turn with the emblem facing the wheel... wont work with the buttons facing the wheel...... your key may be worn.... will it work in the door locks??

I got a set on ebay for my 98 GS400..... $54 shipped for the set..... search for hood supports.

I bought a 2000 GS300 in January and my wife wants an RX now. I searched the forums and found many RX's with problems.

My GS is pretty much trouble-free. Should I stay away from the RX? What are the most trouble prone areas in the RX???

Thanks.

The JOSH

Hey there,

well there have been several posts just like this one inthe past few months and theres some very detailed info in them. If I were you I'd simply skip to the 01 model by then the majority of the common RX maladies had gone away. If you find an dabsolutely exceptional deal on a 00 then maybe but the 01's should be available at a decent price by now.

My wife hasn't had any trans. problems thus far with her 99 RX300. We bought it with about 60k on it 2 years ago, and we put 35k on it. Picked it up pretty cheap too. Just had the water pump and timing belt done around 92k and our machanic (too much time for dyi) said the car looked extreamly clean.... I guess it's hit or miss... I'm happy with it.

Hi,

I recently purchased a 2003 rx 300 awd. a few days ago my VSC light & check engine light when on. I first check the gas cap as I heard that could be the problem. But lights are still on. I had it checked by a mechanic and it come up with a code 135. He said it was a bad oxygen sensor, bank 1, sensor 1. They want $203. at autozone for this sensor (bosch). I looked on line and they sell a DENSO one (not a direct fit) for 1/2 the price. Has anyone ever used this brand before? any problems? Has anyone have this problem before. Would this sensor cause both of those lights to go on? Car only has 47,000 miles on it. I also heard this would be covered under emissions warrany but lexus said no. Any help would be appreciated.

The VSC light comes on with any CEL, factory has never explained why.

I had a similar problem with my wife's 99rx300 I did a search and found some posts regarding the mass airflow sensor. I cleaned it with some throtle body cleaner it's been fine for a bout a year now. Search posts for mass air flow sensor; they'll have where to locate it and how to clean it. I just sprayed... DO NOT TOUCH the little threads of wire... they're fragile!

Hello all,

Could anyone tell me if the Lexus dealer still can make master keys if I lost both of them? I just purchased a 2003 Lexus LS 430 on Friday. But this dealer lost the master keys and the flat key. All I got is this valet parking key to used. The dealer clamed that they will call Lexus dealer and have it make 2 master keys for me, but I have to bring the car in to have it reprogram. I have just heard rumor that it cannot be made without another master key, is this true? Any idea what else I can do?

Thanks

Our key broke so we purchased two keys off ebay and they were cut by a local key company. The Dealer wanted to charge a ridiculous price so we looked around.

Same here. I'd check ebay.

Just thought we'd have some fun. Blake918 has 250k on his car. Congrats....

I have 112k my 91LS-kinda feel like a rookie. What do the rest of you have?

:whistles:

I have 130,000mi on my 98 GS400. My wife has 95,000 on her 99 RX300. Both drive like we just broke them in!!

Had the starter replaced... got lucky, they quoted me $280. for the job and stuck to their word..... i guess it's about a $600. job for the gs400. Anyway no more problems as of yet, but I do notice a big difference at start up....

i am trying to replace my serpentine belt on my '99 gs400, anyone with repair instructions... please help!

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Valvoline did mine for $69. it was worth it since I didn't have the time.

I thought it was my battery.  Bought one last night, put it in, car doing same thing.  When I turn the key to start the car, it will click once.  I turn the key back, and turn again, then it will start.  Again, I have bought a new battery thinking that was the problem.  What could it be?  Please help!  :(  1996 GS300...

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I am having the same problem with my 98 GS400 replaced the battery and it is still happening. Also, it seems like this problem is causing my battery to drain because if i put my rear defroster on right after starting it the battery light comes on for a few seconds but seems to be charged back up enough after a few seconds for the light to go out... I am going to have the starter replaced, as it has never been replaced and the car noe has 102k on it..... other than that the car still drives like it is brand new.