99lsguy

I think that's a good idea!! If it is really dirty and clogged, that's a good indicator of the culprit. It will also mean you need a serious PS flush ( several + quarts) to clean out the rest of the gunk that will (again) clog the screen in due time. I suggest using Valvoline high mileage dex III for older vehicles...it has conditioners in it to help (although limited) old seals & gaskets. Do not use a standard Power Steering Fluid - it must be Dex III (auto tranny fluid).

Got it........ The idle control valve (per Migirdech) is about $90 or so - if that's the problem.

EM91, You could have some worn ball joints that "catch" or bind at certain times....sounds crazy, I know - but it's a possiblity. CHeck out this symptons table: pst.pdf

Also make sure air is out of the system.......... Here's the procedure: keep the PS reservoir cap on loosely - it didn't make a mess for me! Also, I just kept my car UP on two jacks when turning lock to lock with car on idle. this makes it much easier to turn wheels, and doesn't grind your tires... blee.pdf

I've got Sprint PCS............not very good at all. Traded in my old phone last year for a newer model and got better reception. Sprint told me companies only design cell phones to last a couple of years - by then the software is beyond updates..........not very good!!!

Hey 90LS, Thanks buddy - you help a ton too!! I love working (well, really just the basic maintenance) on the LS. I figure if I mess up too much I can always take it to the dealer It gives us all a sense of accomplishment, doing the job right, and lets us save a little $$ to spend on other things we enjoy. I've always looked at it like - the car's out of warranty anyway, so give it a shot!!! I'd do OK if I worked @ Lexus... No detail left to chance B) Seriously, thanks go to all of us who help each other out @ LOC. I've learned a ton from so many - you all know who you are!!!

Same thing on my 99 also: When I put in reverse and back out of driveway.....a little click. My independent shop said its the floating caliper and not to worry........ My pads are about 2/3 gone and have a little angle to them, so maybe that's why it shifts around - they're not wearing flat. I've got new OEM toyota/lexus pads and will put them on this fall. MikeNL: What's the details of the "Complete brake job"?? New Rotors, or just turned New Pads New anti-squeal Shims new clips Any or all of the above???????

Other possibilities: Faulty Fuel pump (above diffy in rear) It could also be flooding in the first place - too much gas built up overnight. Try turning the ignition key to "on" for about 10 seconds, then hit the starter - this would help "prime" the injectors a little more....try it - won't hurt!

The LS does have a "cold start injector". Kinda like a primer or choke. One member cleaned it out - not an easy job as I recall - and it helped a lot!

If you do clean the screen, the fluid may be so dirty that you'll need to flush, clean the solenoid again, and re-flush. See if cleaning the solenoid screen works first, obviously. Wipe all the joints clean on the hoses and check for seepage. If it's better, do the above!

Well done Linux!!

Patricia, You can go to an Autozone and they'll read the codes for you, since the check engine light is on. It's free. Write em down and let us know. I wouldn't spend that kind of money yet. The car should run fine as is.....

Personally, I think the size is about right. I had a '98 LS400 and the '04 LS430 I now own, seems to have much more interior room, especially rear leg room. Lexus should consider adding a long wheelbase version along with the current size, like BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Jaguar offer. If I could get all the comfort and features of the LS430 in a smaller Lexus model, I would seriously consider it. Mike Yes, the 01+ LS's have much more room than previous models. My Gen III is better than older models, with a tough more head, shoulder, and leg room. But the Gen 4's are VERY ROOMY inside. Of course, there's always room for more!!! I'd like to see a more "CHISELED LOOK" throughout the exterior, as I do prefer my 99 exterior shape.

Well done!!! Not a bad idea to flush it out with clean stuff for a few times.... I've got Castrol 75-90 synthetic; - filled in Oct /03. I've got two quarts of Amsoil 80-90 W syn sitting in the garage, So I'll drain and refill this October again. I think it a good idea to get fresh gear lube once a year!

Well, you average over 40,000 miles a year driving - you need a comfortable ride for sure!!! I wonder if the shop didn't clip the brake sensor back on properly...?? There is only one sensore on the Right Wheel. As for the squeal, they may have left off one of the two "anti-squeal shims" or brake grease. I have heard of others saying the squealing does happen without Genuine Toyota parts....I'd take it back to the shop if it doesn't stop squealing in a week, make them fix it if possible. EGR - will wait for others to chime in on this............

Well done Linux........ Do another search for "Power Steering Solenoid" - for more complete info!!

I agree.... It's one of those things where your car just isn't worth much to others because of its age and miles. The LS runs like a champ, and will continue to do so, but with 10+ years on it and 230K miles - it's a liabilty to most people. I feel like I can fix a lot of things, but the AC is NOT one of them. Like you, I'd weigh the $1000 worth of repairs ahead of me vs. value of car. The older Gen I's are a sweet deal for really good DIY"ers - because they can fix them for cheap ; then they have the legendary ride for next to nothing!!

you will need the hex socket for sure. I didn't replace the washers though. Actually forgot to get new ones the first time, so I was stuck with using the old ones - no problems. Hey, if it did leak, it would be very little so I would have eventually gone to get some and reflush/replace again. But I check under the diffy several times for a month or so and there was no leaks. Dry as can be..........so you should be ok without new washers.

92lex, Yes, I use the low angle Rhino ramps to get under there. I actually changed it once without using the ramps. Long reach and used the torque wrench to make it, so it can be done.... That's why you should always put 3/4 quart LESS back in to start with. You need to creep up on the full mark. Just let it touch the lower COLD end to start, then drive around and let it expand .........then check again and you'll know how you stand. Lexus dealers usually overfill it, so start out by adding back LESS first - then sneak up on it........

92 lex, yes on the socket........ a 3/8" drive 10 mm . I bought one @ sears, but you can get Stanley (I think) from Wal-mart cheaper. The washers will have to come from Lexus (or Toyota). Have Lexus get a part number & price, See if Toyota dealer has similar - they'll be less.

Linux, Let us know how that screen looks - if it's really clogged up..... If so, its got to help. May not be a complete fix, it probably needs a real good flushing too. Afterward, it may require the new seals jzz mention Good Luck!

Craig, Good to hear from you!! I think new OEM struts will be stiffer than the old ones......in my mind, they'd have to be.... We're talking 12 years of wear & tear, so it should improve ride!! Like 90LS has priced - the OEM's are about 1/2 price of the others, so I'd get them anyway. SRK - well said :D

Ok....... So sitting in park with RPM's 2-3000 -----and its quiet a a mouse (well, except for normal engine noise), right?? Maybe check the transmission flange where it connects to the propeller shaft... And/or the heat shields nearby, they could be getting "nicked" as at higher speeds they vibrate a little more and getting clipped by the shaft..... Your water pump would be grinding @ rpms if this was the culprit....

Have you looked under the hood while someone else hit the accelarator up to 2500-3000+ rpms.........if not, check this out first. I know you've stated it goes away under 55 mph.........I'm just wondering about the rpms.......... NO check engine light on??? Fuel pump is behind rear seat. Diffy is underneath trunk. You say it's under the hood so it's not those........ somethings loose and vibrating

The suspension may cost $700 to fix, add in the A/C problems, need tires...... It would be hard for me pay $3500 - but it's just not your car - it's anybody's car. Especially a Lexus. Heck, my 99 LS depreciates $3500 a year just sitting in the garage. It's just the facts of life, I suppose......... :(