Jeffrey Davis

SOLD Thanks, New in box, still sealed in factory foil wrapping. $200 shipped to lower 48. Fits 2001 LS 430 and others. Please contact me via email if interested: jpdavis@earthlink.net Thanks, Jeff

Thanks for the one response. Jeff

Yesterday I stopped by my local Lexus dealer to ask about a creaking noise when going over a bump. They diagnosed it as the lower control arm bushings and said it would cost $1400 to replace both lower control arms (parts and 5 hr labor). They also lubricated the bushings and the noise stopped. The service writer told me that the bushings couldn't be replaced and the whole arm had to be changed. When I do a google search I find lower control arm bushings available for about $65 - $70. My questions: Are these the same thing? Will it take 5 hours to replace them? (I'm guessing they aren't easy to replace.) Since the car only has 82k how long can I go on lubing them? Thanks, Jeff

I've got 260k on my 98 LS 400. For the last 200K I've used full synthetic at 7500 mile intervals. Either Valvoline or Mobile 1. I drive 50k/yr, all on hwy. I can't see that it burns any oil at all. Jeff

I've got 250,000 miles on my '98 LS400. I changed the plugs at 90K but not since. I'm getting 27+ mpg on the highway so I'm leaving well enough alone. Jeff

What is the difference between draining and filling and pumping and filling? Jeff

My '98 LS 400 has 250,000 miles and the transmission fluid has been changed every 30k. My local oil change place has stopped using the T-Tech machine and is now just pumping it out through the filler spout. The Lexus dealers want $250 for a flush. I have several peristaltic pumps that will easily pump transmission fluid. I'm thinking about buying a bunch of T-IV from the Toyota dealer, pumping out 2-3 quarts and refilling it with new every couple of months. Apart from the fact that I'll be working off "purification by dilution" are there any problems with this method? I've looked at the video: http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/transmission/ but don't want to get under the car - if my pump method will work. Thanks, Jeff

250,000 miles on my '98 LS 400. Has only had reg. gas since 80k. 27 mpg on hwy. Maint performed at factory intervals. Timing belt, tranny, coolant, etc. Valvoline synthetic every 7500 miles ( I only drive on highways). Only now needs first non-scheduled fix: Rear upper control arm. The bushing is squeaking. Great car. Jeff

I finally replaced my locking lugnuts on my 98 LS400 with normal ones. If somebody wants my old locking lugnuts and tool they are welcome to them. I imagine everybody with a Lexus has these but if you want them email me : jpdavis423@myway.com I want $3.00 to cover shipping. They are heavy! I'll be away until Jan. 12 so let me know by then if you are interested. Jeff

I do almost 100% highway driving and I use the 7500 mile service interval in my 98 LS400. I've been using Valvoline full synthetic. It runs fine and I can't see any oil loss between changes. I'm currently at 136K miles. With my driving it gets changed about every 6 weeks. Jeff

Anybody recommend a salvage yard. I need a passenger door ecu for 98 LS400. Jeff

I realize this isn't south St. Louis but I have my 98 LS 400 worked on by AM Clark in Webster Groves, 961-7500. They did the timing belt, water pump, etc. for much less than the dealer. Jeff

Thanks!, I found the lights. I'll check the bulbs but I'm afraid that it is more than that because both are out.

This evening I was parked in front of a plate glass window and noticed that I had no lights on in the front when I turned the parking lights on. There were lights on in the rear and all the other lights in the front are working, head upper and lower, turn and fog but no parking lights. My question is which of the lights are the parking lights in the front and what fuse controls them? The owners manual shows them as being part of the headlamp cluster but I only see the 2 headlamps. Is it one of the headlamps but a lower wattage? Or is it the turn signal although it only has 1 filament? If it has any bearing on the matter I replaced the left lower headlamp yesterday, but I really don't know if the parking lights were working before then. Thanks in advance, Jeff

:) Today I had the front struts replaced on my 98 LS 400. All seemed well until I drove over some bumps and then I noticed a clunking sound from the right front. The shop was closed so I looked at the tops of the struts and decided to check the torque. The 3 bolts attaching the top plate to the body were fine on each strut. The left strut suspension support center nut was torqued correctly but the right strut suspension support center nut (one with the noise) was loose and when I tried to tighten it it just spun the rod. I noticed that it was screwed down about 3 threads less than the left. My question is could this be causing my problem and how do I fix it? I wonder if there is a bad thread on either the nut or rod? All help is appreciated and the sooner the better - if possible I need to drive this car about 600 miles next Monday and would like to fix it tomorrow. Thanks in advance, Jeff

Thanks for that information. I checked their website on Monday and got them for $76 and change. I also found an independent shop that will install them both for $100, so I think I'll go that way.

Thanks very much. I'll do it next weekend. I can't get the parts yet today. Do you have any suggestions as to struts? I can get Monroe's locally for $102.00 ea. or KYB's via the internet for $82.00 ea. Jeff

Is this a fixed sized puller or do I need to get one with adjustable jaws?

This weekend I wanted to replace the front struts on my 98 LS 400. It has 127k and it seemed like a good time. I have replaced struts in the past and have good OTC spring compressor. Since the mechanic wanted 3 hrs. labor and marked up the struts by about $100 it seemed like a good way to kill time on Saturday and save about $300. I looked this up in the service manual and they had a procedure that was different from what I had done in the past (on other cars): Disconnecting the steering knuckle from the upper ball joint using a special service tool SST # 09610-20012. MY questions are, do I need to disconnect the steering knuckle and if so do I need the special service tool? Thanks in advance, Jeff

I just bought a 98 LS 400 with 89,500 K. I plan to have the belt and associated parts replaced next Friday. However I need to make a 1300 mile trip this week. Do I drive it or my "backup' car?

I broke down and downloaded the manual. There is a cable adjuster under the car that uses a bracket and two nuts to adjust the cable.

Is there a cable adjuster for the parking brake and if so where is it located? On my Avalon there was an adjustment port that you got to by unscrewing a panel in the bottom of the center console, but it's probably not that easy on the LS. Thanks in advance, Jeff

This may not be directly applicable but i had a similar problem with a 93 Q45 and it turned out to be the Mass Airflow Sensor. I think it is the proper name, it is the sensor in the line between the air filter and the manifold. Jeff