99lsguy

Hey Moxie , Maybe there's a small vacuum leak associated with the A/C compressor...vacuum usually effects idle rpms!!

Lexie, UCF3, (and others), Just curious, do you feel like the "fresh fluid" attributed to the leak at all?? I was planning to dissconnect the return hose from the reservoir and do a complete "flush" with Mobil Syn ATF. (K9CREW has post on this and did a great job...). But, my silly theory is: it might be better to SLOWLY add fresh fluid for a few weeks to get the seals conditioned a little slower - and thus prevent any leaks from forming.... Or is all this nonsense and just do the full Flush??? 99

Moxie, THis line where you meant A/C ON I assume..... I would think this is "hanging" just a little to high...but no bad (as VMF has said) This would bug me too ;) I know my old honda 4 cyl.. would boost the idle just a touch with the AC on, but the beefy LS V8 doesn't seem to budge. This does not happen on my 99 LS. I'll be more observant as I drive today and report back :D (Air Filter Dirty????) 99

Is it in the "clear resin" portion of the wheel? I've got a couple of tiny nicks on mine.... If you can post a picture it will help...hopefully you can get "close up" with digital camera. Start a new post about it in the Detailing Section or Regular LS400 forum and you'll get more help :D Your car is just lilke mine.. ..I didn't like the looks of the NAV at all so I just stayed away from it..... 99

BTW, OUr local Lexus dealer does include a "throttle body cleaning" with the 60K....

Agree strongly with Denny & VMF! I also feel you are at a crossroads. The fluid really should be flushed from the system - and now may be a good time since the PS is on the "bubble". You could "draw out" ps fluid with a turkey baster and refill with new fluid about 5-10 time over the next few weeks. This will help condition the seals with some new fluid if they are not already beyond repair. Use a synthetic ATF (Dex III) fluid. See if any more leaks develop along the hose connections & rack- because if they do, you won't be out the $ for the PS pump and you can re-evaluate; I believe these leaks could happen if you changed the pump in the first place (because you'll have to add new fluid then!). If all is well in a month, go for the PS pump from Autozone. That is if you can wait a month?......... 99

Here's the list: Air Filter Cabin Filter Coolant change Brake Fluid Flush Differential Fluid Change Transmission Pan Drain & refill (approx. 2 qts) Toyota T-IV Fluid Oil/Filter Change Fuel Filter Change Rotate Tires (Basically: all fluids and filters) Add : Serpentine Belt, Timing Belt, Water Pump, and Spark Plugs (Iridium) for 90K. I did all DIY except for "fuel filter" - its pretty nasty and I gladly paid $89 for it.... FYI: Local Lexus dealer quoted me $550 for this service. 99

Does it have Nachamichi???? If so, do you think it's better?? Congrats on your "newest" LS purchase!1 Color of car?Miles? one owner? etc.....???? 99

You can definately buy just the Air control valve....$100 part...plus maybe a gasket and such...With Labor @ lexus it will total $275 or so Are you saying those two "horns" are broken off? To tell you the truth.....If you're not leaking fluid and your steering is fine..I'd seriously consider leaving it the way it is.. Does it leak on the undercarriage at all.....?? If you are going to do it, I've got the torque specs somewhere..you can PM me 99

ayan, I still use Toyota T-iv in the tranny. I've got to since I bought a case of the stuff when I first got the LS I've done 3 pan drains over my first 7k miles of ownership on the tranny to make sure its up to shape! I'll probably stick with the T-IV - I've got 6 quarts left - for a while. I do use Amsoil 80-90W gear oil in the Diffy :D I'm pretty sure that "ebridges" uses Amsoil in the Tranny and throughout his LS... 99

lexusfreak, I've got those "spark plug" shims..... I"ve always just "slid" the proper size between the tip and "hook" of the spark plug.. and given it a little tweak.... That's what blows me away...How can you change the gap if you can't touch the tip of the plug???? Maybe they mean "don't touch the tip of the plug with your Finger or skin????" 99

Nice catch Steve.....

I believe this is common for the Gen I & II engines... it's Lexus's way of warming up the car a little quicker. My 99 starts up right to 1300 rpm or so and immediately falls to around 1000. I drive slowly thru the neigborhood (1 mile) to let warm a little... Once warm...is your idle @ 750 rpm (+ or - 50 rpm's)? 99

COLLINITE paste wax #s476 or liquid insulator wax #845 are very durable. I put two coats on over Christmas and car still looks great after all the weather and a couple/three washes I've gotten too. You only have to wax your car twice a year with this stuff - it's great! VBDenny is avid user of this product - I'm sure he'll be along soon. Like swo said, I bought my stuff from the LOC Care Center: 1z cockpit cleaner 303 Aerospace 1z glass cleaner rubber/vinyl sponge applicator I think all the products are great! 99

Take it to an Upholstrey shop or some leather place (call first I suppose). We have a leather couch with a inch or so cut/tear and a leather repair guy came out and man.............we couldn't see the cut or repair after he was done :D Excellent work!! Maybe the same can be done for you? It beats taking off the wheel, AIR BAG <_< , and such... I'd say if it came from LS with the light, beige leather (like ours) then it will have the same matching (taupe-ish) wheel (like on the dash; Right?) 99

That looks like the one :D FYI......(you may already know) Here's a link for steering wheel repair ............ http://www.american-stitches.com/ I assume yours is "semi trashed"??

Here's a photo....

Blake, All the 99-00 models have the "California Walnut" wood & leather wheel. This was an option for the 98's - but was Very, very popular and was put on many of the 98 models, especially for the year end models. Mine has Tan on it, but I've seen silver 98 LS's with the grey interior and it was Grey leather/wood combo.... 99

Lexusfreak, Always a good idea to check the old plugs and label which cylinder they came from. A great indicator of how the engines performing :D Per my 99 LS manual : Denso SK20R11 or NGK made - IFR6A11 Hey guys, the manual says: "bend only the base of the ground electrode. Do not touch the tip. Never attempt to adjust the gap on a used plug" How do they mean to adjust? use a needle nose plier or something? I'm confused Also, I usually put my Shop Vac over the plug openings on the valve covers to help "suck out old debris and such" - Is this good practice?... Thanks, 99

Your Welcome Let us know if your successful :D 99

My guess is the Serial # is stamped on the ingnition switch somewhere....... If you could remove the plastic panel it would be visible? 99

Here's a diagram of the vane pump and it's components.... The AIR CONTROL VALVE is on page two; a two pronged part. It's those prongs that connect to the tubes.... 99 comp.pdf

I agree with UCF3, The part is around $80 or so...then labor of $100 for 1-1.5 hours is also in line.. 99

Probably hard to see....just feel under there if you can. Most mechanics will look at this under a lift....

wil03, Those tubes go UNDER THE power steering vane pump to that Idle control valve (ref - mapman). It's a small part/tube with a couple of "prones" on the end; where the tubes connect....