sgretchko

Ok, let me reply to each of your points.

1. I buy my all of my parts from Lexus of Pembroke Pines. Generally, the prices are similar to Parts.com. On the mounts, they were about a dollar higher per mount. For me, price is not the only factor. I like them and feel they provide me with superior overall value. You get the services of a factory trained parts professional. I generally speak to Dennis and he is wonderful. They check my order against the VIN to make sure I have the proper parts and provide helpful information. The website is cleaner, easier to use and a pleasure to do business with (http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ind...amp;catalogid=0).

2. You bring up new brake parts. The local Lexus dealer has done the two brake jobs required since purchasing the car with 27,000 miles. OEM pads, hardware kits and Toyota spec brake fluid was used. When they suggest replacement of the rotors, I will do it.

I raised the brake question because I am concerned with the other parts of the brake system. If pads, hardware and rotors are good, maybe other parts of the brake system need attention. I am concerned about the brake booster, master cylinder or other parts. A similar problem on my 1980 Corolla SR5 Sport Coupe was solved by replacing the "slave cylinder", unrelated to pads, rotors, etc. I was just looking for ideas from experienced owners.

3. I have a strong relationship with the service advisor at my local dealer. He understands my desire to properly maintain the car for the long run and I trust him. When the strut mounts were replaced at approximately 100k, I asked about replacing the struts. My advisor and the senior technican recommended against it. They explained that the struts were fine and that any labor savings would be minimal. Remember, they earn their living by selling parts and labor. If they say no, I do not do it.

4. I had my little brake and muffler shop ASE certified mechanics do my mounts using the OEM parts. They are honest, experienced and have worked on my families cars for over 20 years. They are a better choice for some jobs, like replacing the egr tube. The job doesn't require a senior Lexus tech and they appreciate the work. In this economy, they need the business and I like to support local small business.

I hope this clears up your confusion. With a little luck , I would like to take this car to over 300,000 miles and appreciate any suggestions or help along the way. Thank you.

Replaced engine and transmission mounts on 97 LS with 175k. No pressing issues, just a loss of smoothness and little rumble at startup. Engine and transmission smoothness is back. Transmission mount was in two pieces and one motor mount fell apart when it was removed.

Next issue is suspension. Ride has become floaty and not as absorbent over bumps, etc. Strut mounts replaced a while ago and dealer checked out control arms, said they were ok. I am thinking it may be time for new struts. OEM parts are about $525, KYB about $300. I am not sure what fair labor is for my little brake, muffler and shock shop to charge. Opinions?

Last question on brakes. Seem to have lost some braking power lately, more pressure on pedal is needed. Pads are 50% worn, have always turned rotors. Thoughts?

Thank you for your help and information.

I have looked through the posts and have not seen this problem. My tilt and telescoping wheel does not work consistently. The problem gets worse as the car is cold. The tilt works 3 out of 4 times, pressing the memory button (car in park) when it doesn't fixes the tilt problem.

Telescoping is the more serious issue. It doesn't work in the morning when the car is cold, neither does the manual control (although the tilt works manually). After the car is driven for a 30 to 45 minutes the telescope works manually and automaticlly as designed for the remainder of the day.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you in advance and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

Hey,

Wondering if anyone has heard of this.. or heard this...

In slow turning or parking situations i can hear loud thocks, or clicking sounds. One of my friends thinks its the ball joints but i have no idea! Any ideas??

I have the same problen and/or question for a '97 LS with about 167k.

1997 LS400 with 167,000 miles. A couple of developing concerns:

First, when starting in the morning I get a little vibration from the engine area. It lasts a few seconds and then everything is smooth. It may be time to do engine and transmission mounts.

Second, a high pitched "shuttering" (I hate to call it grinding) seems to come from the front suspension when turning slowly.

Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks.

Should I switch to high mileage oil? 1997 LS with 162,000 miles. I have always used regular oil changed every 5k or so. The high mileage oil sounds good, since I think it is too late to switch to synthetic.

In any case, thoughts and opinions are plentiful (thankfully) on this forum. I would like to hear some on the high mileage oil issue. Thank you in advance.

Should I switch to high mileage oil? 1997 LS with 162,000 miles. I have always used regular oil changed every 5k or so. The high mileage oil sounds good, since I think it is too late to switch to synthetic.

In any case, thoughts and opinions are plentiful (thankfully) on this forum. I would like to hear some on the high mileage oil issue. Thank you in advance.

A quick question here on flushes versus a drain and fill. I had my transmission flushed around 50k miles and it's now past due at 138K miles. Lexus is telling me that I should not flush it while some other guys are telling me I can (jiffy lube). Moreover, Jiffylube is saying that they can use a fluid that's the equivalent of the Toyota type IV that will last longer. Two questions:

1) Should I flush and fill or drain and fill?

2) Would you recommend any fluid other than OEM?

Thanks.

1. Flush rather than drain and fill

2. Only use the Toyota fluid. I have even bought the OEM material and had the quick oil change place credit back a portion of the price. I do not trust the aftermarket equivalents that work on "all imports".

I have a 1997 with 160,000 miles, I have all service records from mile 1.

While trans has been flushed every 30 to 40k, my lexus dealer service rep has suggested a B&G "Power" Flush and refill of the entire system. Fortunately, this person has treated me well over the years. He has encouraged my mix of DIY (oil, air, cabin filter changes, broken antenna fixes, etc) and dealer service (timing belts, etc). He has matched parts prices to those found online at Lexus of Pembroke Pines (a great source for OEM Lexus parts). In other words, no complaints.

I am having no transmission problems but have probably lost a litttle "smoothness" over the years. I would like to drive the car to 300,000 and maintain it accordingly. If anyone has an opinion or experience with this type of service for trans, brakes or otherwise, I would appreciate it. The information from this site has been invaluable, thank you.

P.S.: If you know of a good independent shop in the Metro Detroit area, I would love to know about it.

Excellent choice on doing the powerflush. One thing I would recommend is to always use OEM tranny fluids. They really do make a difference. BTW, clean your throttle body and MAF sensor ASAP. My 2000 LS400 had a huge build up on carbon inside. Use Valvoline cleaner...there is a thread on the forumn that will guide you through the process. Also, I like my KN filter too.

GDF

I have a 1997 with 160,000 miles, I have all service records from mile 1.

While trans has been flushed every 30 to 40k, my lexus dealer service rep has suggested a B&G "Power" Flush and refill of the entire system. Fortunately, this person has treated me well over the years. He has encouraged my mix of DIY (oil, air, cabin filter changes, broken antenna fixes, etc) and dealer service (timing belts, etc). He has matched parts prices to those found online at Lexus of Pembroke Pines (a great source for OEM Lexus parts). In other words, no complaints.

I am having no transmission problems but have probably lost a litttle "smoothness" over the years. I would like to drive the car to 300,000 and maintain it accordingly. If anyone has an opinion or experience with this type of service for trans, brakes or otherwise, I would appreciate it. The information from this site has been invaluable, thank you.

P.S.: If you know of a good independent shop in the Metro Detroit area, I would love to know about it.

The top mount brake light bub on my '97 LS-400 has burned out. I tried to access it from the trunk but had no success. Their does not seem to be any way to remove the housing from the top, inside the passenger compartment.

I am wondering if the housing just snaps off? I do not want to do damage. In other words, help. Has anyone else replaced these bulbs before?

My '97 LS with 100,000 miles has a slight rumbling noise from the front. This occurs at idle, turns at very low speeds and when the car starts moving. I read about worn engine mounts on this forum and wonder what their repair cost is. A similar sound in a previous non-Lexus was power steering related. Any thoughts or ideas? Timing belt and major tune at 85,000, other maintenance is up to date with the exception of tires that will be replaced next week. Any thoughts would be appreciated, thank you.

My beloved '97 LS seems to be leaking a very small amount of oil. In the last couple of days, I have seen a very thin layer of oil on the garage floor. It is about the size of a saucer (3 to 4 inches around). I originally thought it might be spillage from a recent oil change, but it has persisted for a day or two so I begin to wonder. Any ideas before I visit my infamous local Lexus dealer? Timing belt and major tune-up

done at the dealer about 14,000 miles ago.

I would like to remove the headrests on my 97 LS so that I can install some sheepskin seat covers, does anyone know how or have a suggestion?

A friend gave me a set of seatcovers and I would like to use them to keep the seats in pristine condition on my beautiful '97 LS. Thank-you

My beloved 97 LS needs a tune-up and timing belt replacement. I would like to find a good independent mechanic in my area to perform the work. Trouble is, the shops all refer me back to metro Detroit Lexus dealer and I don't want to pay dealer price.

Is there something so difficult about this work that the dealer has special equipment, training, etc? Based on what I read in this forum, others seem to find viable alternatives. I suspect the local mechanics are merely unfamiliar but not unable. In addition, I have factory service manuals that they can refer to.

Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated, particularly on a good mechanic in metro Detroit, Toledo, Lansing, etc. Thank you.

My beautiful 1997 LS400 needs a tune-up and timing belt replacement. Does anyone know a good mechanic or shop in the Michigan area. I would rather not pay Meade Lexus approximately $2,000 for this work. Thank you in advance.