Rod in Southeast

I have a 07 ES with about 46k miles. I noticed a small amount of oil on the garage floor. I monitored the leak over several weeks. It would amount to about a teaspoon or two over several days. Looked under the car, was not the oil filter or oil pan drain bolt. Leak appeared to be just behind the oil pan. Took it to the Lexus dealer. They called the next day and said they needed a extra day or two. That made me a little nervous. They actually kept it for about four business days. The leak was at the backside of the gasket for the timing chain cover. Apparently, during assembly, the guy that was supposed to seal the timing chain cover was not having a good day. When I got the car home, I started to read the service ticket. The parts required included: oil pan plug, sealant, oil filter, 7 qts oil, gasket, coolant, O-ring, another gasket, brake fluid and transmission fluid. Upon inquiry, I learned that they had to remove the engine and transmission out of the car to make the repair. They dropped it down to remove the engine. Fortunately, my Lexus dealer service department has an excellent reputation. The TSB covering the repair is EG010-07. Had the engine been out of warranty, the repair would have cost about $2200. I'm sure glad I didn't ignor a very small oil leak. I also had the oil hose failure a couple of years ago. They fixed that as well.

I decided to go ahead and try this task without instructions. The biggest help for me was having the replacement taillight assembly so I could study the points of attachment. These instructions are for the taillight assembly that fits into the rear fender. The biggest help was having the replacement taillight assembly to study the points of attachment. The first thing you do is remove the small 4”x4” cover that provides access to the bulbs. After removing the cover, remove the 3 bulbs (twist ¼ turn). The light assembly has 3 threaded studs. You will need to remove the 3 nuts securing the studs. Two of the nuts are obvious when you remove the small 4” x 4” cover. The third is more difficult. It is located behind the black plastic trim piece that is attached to the taillight assembly. You will need to partially push the hard plastic trunk trim piece that runs along the bottom of the trunk opening and up the sides of the trunk opening. It is secured by 3 or 4 plastic buttons and a couple of bolts. You just need to loosen it and then push it toward the front of the car 4 or 5 inches so that you can get to the third taillight stud. You will then pull the taillight assembly to the rear of the car. The taillight assembly, in addition to the 3 studs, has a couple of tabs that secure it. Pull the taillight assembly to the rear in order to pull it out of the tabs. It takes a medium amount of force to pull it. Hope these instructions are helpful to someone.

I noticed my right rear (fender) taillight assembly was broken on my 2007 ES350. I have no idea how that happened. There is no body damage. I ordered a used one off of ebay and it has arrived. It is in very good condition. I need some help with replacing the assembly. I would appreciate it if any of you know where those directions may already exist or if you could provide those directions, that would be great. Thanks very much for any help.

I have an 07 ES with 15k miles. The engine makes a very distinctive value tick noise until the engine has been running about 10 or 12 minutes. Has been serviced every 5k by Lexus dealer. I assume they are using only oil recommended by Lexus. I have considered asking them to use a 5w rather than a 10w oil. Has anyone else experienced this engine noise?