VBdenny

I got a kick out of this. We spent last week in Kitty Hawk, NC and a friend of my daughters drove down in an old Chrysler minivan (which he carries his surfboards in). Instead of the Chrysler emblem on the back, he had a Lexus emblem. He said he was out to the junkyard, so he got it and glued it on his van. We then went surfing, then enjoyed some AB's. Other than locking the keys in the trunk of my Chevy, It was cool.

For what it's worth, I just went out and jacked up the car and disaasmbled the rear brakes. The pads don't seem to have any abnormal wear. I cleaned up the caliper and I hope it will last awhile. I'm going to replace it anyway as things like that bother me. It looks to be a straight forward easy job except for the fact that I'm in New Jersey this week at our apartment and I really don't have a convient place to do the job. I'll have to take the car back to Virginia Beach when I have all my tools and such. Hopefully I won't smoke the rotor driving down since it's 350 miles. How about a suggestion as to where to order a new caliper?

I can't say if the oil change dudes get upset about having to remove the splash pan for each oil change because I have always done it myself except for the time the dealer changed it. I told them NOT to change the oil as I had just changed it the week before. They went ahead and did it anyway and then, put in regular oil. As soon as I got home I had to rechange the oil and filter, kinda teed me off. The reason I don't let other people change it, is that I don't trust anybody to do it correctly. Must of the quick change oil guys don't give a damn if they get all the bolts back in (ah, they don't need all of these type of thinking). Then the strain on the remaining bolts causes it to sag. It really sin't too big of a hassle to take it off. To top it off, when you do it yourself, you at least know it's done right! What does bother me is that there isn't any lube nipples on any of the suspension components. I'm afraid I'm not much of a believer in "lifetime lubes." I know on some cars that come without lube nipples, you can install them yourself, but there isn't any way on these cars. To get rid of used oil, just take it to any auto parts store and I think it's some kind of federal law that they have to accept it for free. It is really bad to dump it as it causes serious environmental problems. I live by the Chesapeake Bay and it runs into there eventually and kills the fish I would rather kill myself. Besides, I don't want to eat contaminated fish!

Man, can't be too happy about this. My right rear brake caliper seems to be hanging up again. Even after a short drive, the right rear rim gets hot (the left side stays fairly cool). I would be interested to hear if anyone has replaced a caliper, and if anyone has any technical information on doing so. I have replaced calipers on other cars and I have tools. I would appreciate any information. Thanks, Denny

I must agree that I would try switching the back tires to the front. Sometimes tire wear is not very noticable. I rather doubt that it is a bent rim causing the vibration as they are cast and not stamped steel. My Lexus also has a slight vibration at 80 even after an alignment and balance. The dealer said it was because the upper control arms were "weak." They also said they could correct the weakness for a wad of cash. I declined as my cash supply is also "weak."

Uh oh, from my experience, sweet smells usually involve anti-freeze. You might want to check that there isn't a leak. The splash pan actually prevents stuff from dripping, especially if it's minor. Just check to be sure. Just a thought from years of broken cars.

Too bad we can't all win the lotto, I can think of a bunch of ways to spend money on the Lex. Since that isn't the case I'm going to do all the mechanical stuff first, then I'd have to opt for the tunes. I guess that tires and rims would come last since they still work okay. I really appeciate all the info y'all have. Rock and roll, you guys are inspiring!

On the early cars the rims were made specifically for each side of the car. Left side and right side were different. You spare rim might be for the side that is damaged. I was told that although they fit either side that it had something to do with the brake cooling. I'm not sure what year they went to rims that fit either side. Anyone know?

Hey Brooklyn, I looked at this site and it is indeed good. My question is which catagory you signed up for? It looked as if there was a owners price which was cheaper. By the way, I enjoyed the pictures you posted on your last project.

he Lexus dealer in Virginia Beach told me that they will do an analysis of any used (previously owned) Lexus for $75 and tell you exactly what it needs. I'd call up a dealership near you and ask them if they also offer this service. As the previous post stated, they WILL give you a long expensive laundry list which should about equal what you paid for the car. I also learned that for State Inspections, it is not a good idea to use the dealer as they will find things. For inspections, I wax the Lex up and go to some local gas station guy who is use to inspecting junk. They will be so impressed with your car that they do a $10 inspection as opposed to a $1000+ inspection at the dealer.

he REC button mean recirculate. This is essence is the same as hitting the MAX button is American made cars. Many people think that max does some supercharging or the A/C system when all it really does is put the fan blowere on super high and recirculates the air inside the car therefore starting with already cooled air rather than hot 95 degree outside air. If you need to run this to get cool air, your Freon charge is possibly a little low. Also most A/C units use a circuit breaker which cuts off the compressor when the charge is low to prevent damage.

You shouldn't need to cut any hole to drain the oil as the drain plug is accessible. The problem is changing the filter. Speaking only for myself, I always change the filter with each oil change. I also clean the pan every time I change the oil and treat it with some NoTouch tire protector to keep it nice looking. My neighbors think I'm anal but there cars are usually dirty. This helps to identify any small leaks which is a good thing.

Hey Todd, are you planning to upgrade your speakers? I'm sure that when these cars were new the speakers were considered excellent however any speaker after 13 years really get burnt. I had a Kenwood in another car and when I cranked it (which I also enjoy) I blew out the two front speakers. Let me know whatcha think. Denny

I've noticed that the times posted on this forum are always incorrect. They seem to be about four hours off. I just posted something at 9:30 AM EDT and it shows up as 1:30? Maybe one of your moderators has an explaination. Thanks Denny

What makes these displays go black? I thought it was the heat, but perhaps it is the cold. I think the dealer charges around 600 to replace the module but that's just what I've heard.

By the way, when I took my car to the Lexus dealer in Virginia Beach one time, they left the splash shiled off the car. I looked when I got home and it was not there! I took it back and they said "oh, sorry and put it back on. Use care to always check it after you have the oil changed as it must be removed to do so. There are 13 10mm screws, 5 across the front two on each side in the middle and two on each side on the rear. Even if your shield is okay, I would still recommend putting on large washers for support to avoid future problems. This is a very easy DIY project, but you do need the front of the car on ramps. Speaking only for myself, I would never operate the car without the shield as it protects components and keeps your engine clean. Denny

Ouch, well all I can say is that the paint on my pearl white 90 LS 400 is still perfect. Sounds like Lexus is using Ford paint now. What color is the paint? and where are you?

I KNOW women are attracted to a sweet LS 400. In fact, when I bought one, my wife (the sweet Brooklyn girl) took it right over. Guess I'll have to be on the lookout for another one.

It looks as if I'm part of the larger group. I'll check in as Generation 1 with my 1990 here in Virginia Beach and in Caldwell, NJ. Interesting poll VMF.

Just wondering if anyone has ever heard a LS 400 with a modified exhaust. With the V-8 and duels I''m willing to bet they would sound fairly mean. I'm not talking about putting those stupid looking stovepipe the kids put out the back of Honda's, perhaps just some magnaflow or thrush hus high performace mufflers which give a vehicle a little more pipe when you are on it. A little audio clip would be too bad either.

My neighbor has a handheld scanner which I have used on my GM cars. Works great, has a book that explains all the codes and how to use. Actually, it is very easy to use. I'll probably buy one at some point in the future but right now I have lots of other uses for my $. I'll have to check to see if his scanner fits Asian cars, then I'll just borrow that. From my experience, handheld scanners work great. I also know there is a way to check codes with a testlight probe. You have to count the number of flashes when you jump to terminals. I found this on the Internet a long time ago, but only used it on my Caprice. Might be worth a look-see.

I appreciate all the replies. I guess what I need is the diagrams and instructions for replacing the following items. A/C compressor, clutch, and specs (I have the R-12). I could also use the info on the upper control arms. Sun 7/19 I will be on vacation for ten days in the Outer Banks of NC and will have no connection to the net, so the fact that I don't reply won't mean I'm not interested. I may stop back here to check on Tues. Thanks Denny

I have used Valvoline Full Sytherntic for years in all my vehicles. My Cadillac went 303,500 and was still running good when some lady flew through a redlight and rendered it inoperabale. I have found that all synthetics are excellent. I get the Valvoline at Pep Boys and I thinks it's about four something dollars a qt. For a filter I use A Fram. I found synthetic provides better start up, and better gas milage. I also get a good feeling from knowing I am doing the best I can for my babies! Luckily for me, the original owner of my Lex is a friend of mine who I know used Amsoil since the car was brand new. Great move Todd!

Hey OBERGC I appreciate that information. You ought to post that on a new topic. I need to do an a/c compressor on my 90 400. I would like to hear any specific details on problems you encountered. Thanks. Denny

Hey Sam, are you trying to replace the bulbs, or the whole headlight unit? I know exactly what you mean about all the screws and bolts.... I just wan't sure what you mean't by the "yellow" part. The light from the bulbs or that the lens is yellow. Kind of strange for a car with 59K? Mine has 130K and they are still very clear. Your car sounds very sweet, I know you are going to be very happy. Denny (from VB)