Steve Chambers

I just replaced the strut bushings on a 1998 LS400 (with Poly). I haven't driven much yet, but initial testing does show harsher ride over potholes, etc, and a harsher sound. One thing I found during the replacement work though, was that the bolts holding the (old) bushings were somewhat looser than spec (121 lb-ft), especially on the right side. It's simple to re-torque these 22mm nuts (after removing the undercover) and I think these should be checked first. My most obvious symptom was a lot of creaking sound while turning sharply at low speed - primarily in parking lots. In retrospect, I think a simple tightening would have curtailed a lot of that creaking. (I posted this on another Lexus site also)

Though this may be posted elsewhere, I wanted to inform people who may not know of a neat way to read OBD-II info using an android device - I have a Google Nexus 7 tablet - with a Bluetooth OBD-II Wireless Transceiver Dongle and a $4.95 Android app called Torque Pro. It gives you realtime readouts of various functions while driving or idling, and error codes etc if you have any. I use it on my 1998 LS400. Go to play.google.com (the Google app store) and search for Torque Pro to find the program. I got the bluetooth device (ELM327 Bluetooth OBD-II Wireless Transceiver Dongle) from Meritline for $16.99. It's a cheap dongle, but seems to work well.

Well, let me apologize for my original post in which I was basically just seeking information. I had no intention of starting a thread on the efficacy of airbags. I guess you just never know where things will go ...

Interesting thoughts on the airbags and their usefulness (or lack thereof.) My wife did sustain a bruise on the side of her head near her eye, caused by the airbag. She was looking slightly to the side when the accident happened. The seat belts with their instant tightening (they have an explosive in them) really held us in place. But this was a low speed accident. The tips on buying from a salvage yard are good. As far as going in person, I may end up finding the parts out of state - they don't seem to be very plentiful.

Thanks for the links. I did find the ToyotaDIY site recently. The part numbers are helpful in determining if other years (e.g. 1995-97) parts are compatible, that is, have the same part number. Airbags and seat belts are different between 1998-00 and 1995-97, even though the interiors are very similar. I do have a Lexus manual so it would guide me pretty well in doing the replacement work. It's not always clear, however, exactly what parts must be removed to get to certain other parts. I will be interested to see, when removing the instrument panel, if it can possible be straightened. Right after the accident, the IP just in front of the passenger airbag "door" on top of the dash was depressed downward. I was able to pull it out and up, and it looks fine now. The remaining deformation is above the airbag door, towards the windshield. It bulges upward about an inch at its most deformed point.

I've been registered on LOC since 2005 and have enjoyed reading the forums and have gotten a lot of interesting and useful information from them. I have never posted until now, not having anything I thought of enough interest to post. We've had three LS400's (a white 1991, totaled in an intersection collision, other driver at fault; a gold 1995, sold at 207k miles; and our current white with tan interior 1998. All were purchased used). A few weeks ago our 1998 suffered an unfortunate frontal collision with the car ahead (heavy traffic, less than 10 mph, totally my fault as driver) that deployed the two front airbags and front seat belts, and distorted the Instrument Panel (the dashboard as commonly described) on the passenger side when the airbag deployed. There was virtually no other visible damage (not even a scratch on the bumper!), other than under-the-hood tabs on the front bumper which I can remedy and am fine with. The insurance company totaled the car. As a side comment, let me say that the airbag deployment "experience" was a little like you might imagine an I.E.D. in Iraq - noise, smoke and violence. Obviously not like an I.E.D. in terms of danger, but still a pretty startling experience. I've looked for a 1998-2000 model replacement car, but haven't so far been able to find one fitting my criteria (must have a Nakamichi, no Nav, and color of white, gold, or dark green) at a price that makes sense. We have already "purchased" our car back from the insurance company at salvage value, so we now have the choice of either repairing the car for our use (replace the airbags, control module, seat belts and dash, and of course the car will have a salvage title), or selling the car as is. The car is cosmetically very nice, and I'm sure I can sell it for more than we paid the insurance company, if we choose to sell. Has anyone out there pulled the dashboard out of an LS400, and can share their experience? As far as I can tell, getting to the passenger airbag and the control module requires dash, components, and center console removal. Also, I am not sure whether the left and right collision sensors (also in the interior front area) must be replaced. I have gotten conflicting information on that. If anyone has any info on this it would be helpful. The seat belts seem relatively simple-I have already removed and reinstalled the driver side to extend the belt length for temporary use. So, I'm also looking for the components to replace the restraint systems mentioned, used, from a 1998-2000 with Tan interior. Finding these items used is essential, as purchasing at new prices doesn't make financial sense. I tried to post on the "Buy-Sell" forum but I seem to be blocked (apparently because of my lack of posting in the 4 years I've been registered here.) If a moderator or anyone else can tell me how I might post on the Buy-Sell forum for these parts, that would be appreciated also. Thanks (from Orange County, CA)