99lsguy

I agree bike hitches and such are not a problem!!! Much better that touching the paint The car has plenty of power.............

You don't want dark brown tranny fluid in there..........get that stuff drained out@!!! Toyota T-IV fluid is the recommended fluid. It is red. It should look kind of a "translucent red" color on the dipstick when it is fairly clean. I think your torque converter is acting up upon acceleration - the new fluid will help immensely!!!

lexie, I don't have any problems - just curious about the procedure. Since I did the "flush" last month I haven't noticed any difference/problems. I may wait till my next oil change - which will be June when I reach 5K. When I do it, I'll have full documentation & photos of the procedure....I'll probably do another "flush" at this time also :D

Yes - You do need an alignment after those new rear struts!!!! $80 max..... I agree with your logic on not putting $$$ into this vehicle - not worth it.... It's 14 years old, worth $3-4K???? Not money-wise to fix it up because something else on the list will break

90LS, Richard is correct ...........remember that pdf file I posted on the other thread? Did you drain & refill with Gear Lube?

correct!!! On the driver's side valve cover. Gen III is towards the front of the engine ; Gen I & II's are more in the middle to back side (on top of the valve cover).

Here's a diagram for a Gen III LS......yours is hopefully similar. That "center Bearing" is what the manual describes as a suspect area. To me, the "u-joint" looks likes its to the rearward side of this center bearing.... Check it out while you get fresh Diffy fluid in their. Check the torques and such too! Either way, I'd give it a test run after the diffy fluid to elimate things one by one - unless its just obvious. This way you'll know the date & mileage of the gear lube change - every 30K for this service. comp.pdf

$1000 is in the ballpark for the front suspension work (both sides). My guess it could be a little lower if done by Indep. Lexus shop ($750-850). It will certainly be $11-1300.00 @ Lexus Dealer....... ;) I would also change the Diffy Gear lube. It could be low/certainly old. It's a GL-5 gear oil, probably 80-90W. You'll need 2 quarts (1.43 actually). If you're not DIY, a local shop would surely do this for $50 max labor. Fill point is just to the top of the Fill plug, let it drip to a stop if overfull.

Borrow someones's truck or suv....................... I think if you put a hitch on the back of an LS- you'd better drive it for life or expect a huge Hit when you try to resell. Is this a leased LS??

You may need the"key code"..... a 5/6 digit # - or they could get it off the VIN. Keep those spares in your wallet...........you never know when you need em!!!!

Have heard mixed reviews on the HTR's ...........some love them, some don't ;) Searching for the right tire can drive you dizzy!!!!! I too, will buy tires soon - I'm holding out as long as possible - mainly over the variety of choices. Good reviews on Proxes TPT's Turanza - V's A2's dbS2 (yokohamas)

Agree w/ silver............ Autozone makes the PS pump for around $100. Several @ LOC have used it with good results. At least get the Alternator inspected while its off............

I would have done the same thing! Good deal, good car - perhaps Acuras Best - for sure better than the RL....

No problem, although I'm too busy for the next couple of weeks to get to it ;) In the meantime, I'll take a look at it and probably talk to a local Lexus Tech for further knowledge - just to make sure!!

type in "vibration" or similar name in the search engine line.............. You'll get 4 pages of threads

Richard, I've recently flushed the PS unit - and did want to take a look at the screen ;) I've got no problems, are you still suggesting NOT to take a peak. I'm a compulsive "over-maintenance" guy I can see the solenoid wires from the top of hood in my 99. It's located on the section of the rack that goes UPWARD IN LINE WITH THE STEERING YOKE. The solenoid IS located on the drivers side of the column, pointing to the left front wheel. You are not the first person (or thread) I've read about using a "chisel" to break free this solenoid to loosen and get to the screen. Why is this? Is it hard to get it back on and tight so it doesn't leak after you've cleaned the screen??? Thanks bro!!

Meist, Diffy holds 1.43 qts.......... but if your like me, you just put enough in to reach the top fill plug - once it starts dripping out - you know you've got enough Torque on those drain/fill plugs on the diffy are 39 ft. lbs.................. Here's what I used for the pump.......... Good Job!!!!

For one, 95+ got a new design on the Power Steering pump -----badly needed.........

Now that is what I call : TECHNICAL BRILLIANCE Maybe those "hits', release a mild static charge built up on those resistors and such that is gives way to OEM resistance!!! Talk about Knocking the Dust off... I love it

Sypher, That thing is a beast :D BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry to ask , but what is your profession that you may acquire these little "TOYS' of yours............

I've got the digital.....I like them! only measures in 1/2 lb increments...........but that's OK

Okay - been reading up on this................. Every diag I've got about "harsh engagement" on the A650E tranny points to these parts in order: 1. Accumulator Control Valve 2. Solenoid Modulator Valve 3. c1 accumulator for Neutral to Drive 4. c2 accumulator for Neutral to Reverse 5. ECM These are specific to Publication # RM579U................I don't have it :( Blake, if your 95 is OK after she's up to op. temp.....then I think you're OK! See what more of those pan drains do......and.......make sure your refill of fresh T-IV in only on the COLD / LOWER mark to start. This may be less than what was drained out, but don't go any higher than that until you've driven a few miles and got the LS up to temp. Then recheck, if its anywhere on the HOT marks (even the lower side) don't add anything. If you do have to add, only 2-4 ounces at a time!!!! Run it for another day and check again - That T-IV expands all over the place , so give it time.......

IMHO, Absolutely so. Use the Toyota long life cooland (red) exclusively!!!! Yes, if may cost more....but just a few dollars - you've already saved yourself $50+ by DIY :D And as Rookie has said: premix 50/50 with distilled water - this is the absolute best for your car!

VBDenny, A good husband & dad you are - because it upset you to have tire "out of whack" for the girls you love.............. I'd feel the same way too ;) But let it go - and I doubt you'll forget to check them from now on :D Tires always loose pressure over time. I check mine, including spare whenever the seasons change and anytime I'm going on a trip out of town. But shame of me - because I've delayed getting new tires :( I'm down to 4/32" and they feel sluggish (H rated yokohamas). still a quiet tire, but you've reminded me I need to get on this - A family's safety is of the utmost importance!!!

What was the top speed? any G's in the turns............?? Glad you had a blast!!!!