99lsguy

See if they'll do a a couple of pan drains while they're at it - example: after the first pan drain leave in on the rack (up a little of course) and run engine while moving through the gears a few times; now that the new fluid is cycled in, stop engine and do another pan drain to get more "fresh T-IV" in the tranny. My thought is the may just charge "half price" again for the second pan drain. Or get a good deal on complete transmission flush using a machine - they'll know! You need to get that "wrong ATF" outta there - what did they use? Sounds like you have some good service people at Lexus trying to help. 99

Silvermate, I hit the floor laughing so hard............thanks for the description I've punched the LS only once, going about 30 mph on the accleration ramp. I could hear it "hoggin the air" but was really quite smooth. Got up to 80 mph in a jiffy. thanks, 99

here is a diagram (what VMF was talking about) This is for 99LS...... Good Luck!

Show me some info my man 99

wwest, I was looking for an answer on the "oil redeposits on MAFS" but didn't mention it so as not to "skew" any responses. I had heard that before so I am a little concerned. What I have noticed this winter is a "soft, high pitched hum" as I slow down to a stop in the LS - and was considering this K&N Air Filter as a possible culprit. It may happen because of COLD AIR temp. - I'm hoping for a 45 degree day this weekend so I can listen again. I never thought the K&N would be anything super special, just a slightly better product than ordinary filters.

Sorry about that silvermate, It does fit in the factory air box like a stock OEM paper filter. However is does have a "tapered cone" shape in the design with a flat, round, plastic front. About 9" around at the base, then tapers to maybe 6". Heres a link but doesn't have photo.......... http://www.knfilterchargers.com/search/pro...spx?Prod=E-2606 I've considered finding a old airbox at junkyard that I could 'cut' open to allow more air and see what it does....... Don't want to mess with the original - I want a backup!

Yes, this includes the possibliity of wander/pull in the steering. I imagine it would be a constant "whirrr....." sound or similar. From the 99 LS manual - the procedure for checking is: 1) Use dial indicator near center of axle hub and check for backlash, tolerance is .05mm maximum play 2) using the dial indicator, check for "wobble" along the outside edge of the axle hub - again, maximum play is .05mm (Axle hub is what the brake disc attaches to and has the bolts/thread to hold the wheels on...) To fix: You have to remove the steering knuckle (the bearing is inside it), remove the axle hub from the knucke, remove oil seal, and then press out the bearing from the knuckle Probably 2 hours labor + bearing.......... ;)

Wheel balance is important so get that done and.. Definately get the trans fluid drained. I assume the $69 is also from the Lexus dealer which is actually a "pan drain". this will get 2-3 quarts out of system and will help tremendously! Always use Toyota T-IV fluid for tranny, it has synthetic additives and is good fluid. All they do is unbolt the drain plug, so if you have some DIY skills like changing oil - you can do this yourself for <$15 each time. I would suggest a pan drain every week or so for 3 weeks to get clean fluid throughout the system. I will shift MUCH BETTER. :D Might as well change the serpentine belt as you change the pulley - unless it looks new! Hey - $250 and your car is up to specs! Not bad.....

Sounds like a good ride :D Lower ball jont controls the "play" in the steering knuckle. As they wear, the front suspension will get loose, won't hold alignment, etc. The classic symptom of worn ball joints is "wheel shimmy". The LS has Upper suspenion arm that is a wishbone design. It connects to the upper part of the steering knucke while the lower arm is just single, staight design. These arms have "ball joints" for connection and rotate/swivel every which way to allow for bumps, turns, etc. Also, a strut bar is connected to the lower sus. arm and it has "bushings" that wear out. If you push down over the wheels (on the fender) and it doesn't pop back up nicely that is sign of worn struts. If you drive over a small pothole and hear a big "clunk" sound the struts are probaly shot as well as some bushings. All of these things happen to our LS's over time. Just a function of normal wear on the suspension.

One of the first items I replaced when I got my 99 LS this summer was the Air Filter. Put on a K&N (E2606) due to my brother's recommendation - he has 96 Vette! Just wondered how many of LOC"ers use these filters (air , fuel, or oil) and how you feel about their performance/advantages, etc. I have no baseline to test against it cause I put on in first thing but I do get excellent mileage on the hwy (27-28+ mpg). I just knock the dust off and rotate it every oil change (5K). It always collects the most dirt on the BOTTOM of the Filter. I noticed the same "dirt collection pattern" on the OEM paper filter that I took off in the first place. Thanks for your expertise......

That's what I STILL think!! Crank those puppies on and give'em a twist too :D

I don't think I'd get over 15-16 if the Big LS was in constant "true city" driving. What does the car "sticker" say for mileage? For my 99 its 25/18 mpg...

99 LS - 60K I have trip similiar to yours except ony 7 miles one way with 3 lights, 5.5 mile highway stretch. I average 22-23 mpg in this "cross trained" city/highway blend. 28+ on full hwy. Have you checked your Air Filter & plugs lately... a fresh set could do wonders?

Here in KC... Exact Performance (independent Lexus/Acura shop). They inspected my car before I bought it - $50. Thorough inspection and owner is Ex-lexus certified technician. They do a good job and save you 20% or more......

Dittos to that!

Keep in mind that if the t-belt was replaced @ 110K, @ 225 know that belt and waterpump & l/r idler pulleys have 115K on them and its DUE! that service will be another $800.....just FYI. Find out from a lexus dealer to make sure Good Luck Blake!!! Let us know... 99

Very well could be a faulty valve on the PS pump. It allows the pressure/vacuum of engine to assist steering @ low speeds or rpms. What commonly happens is the valve seal leaks and PS fluid is sucked up into the intake. White smoke at startup is classic sign of this additional fluid burning off the valves. This is where the fluid is being "relocated too". Anyway, the valve is about $90 part (could be cheaper online) + 2 hrs labor. the 90-94 PS system is nortorius... ;)

If your battery is anywhere near 4 yrs old - it could die @ anytime.

sc4, Well, there is a Starter Relay Fuse under the hood for the 99LS. Label is "ST" Have you cleaned & reclamped the cables to the battery post - they have been known to be a little touchy for the LS?

It the kit for the Vane Pump.......or Rack assembly where the steering column enters the Rack?

It's probably a $200 service That will reveal $2000 in repairs - so don't be shocked when you get the list :o It's a good idea, I think. If you're and avid DIY'er, then you'd have fun with the upcoming projects and could save %50-70. How many miles? Does it have service records from Lexus or other shop? And, what problems do you suspect? Welcome to LOC :D

I'd like one too I think they wanted $150 here in KC so that's' a good price. Lexus charges $45.00 to scan locally. Two - three trips and it's paid for itself :D Did they charge anything to Diag?

I have 99 LS and the irridium plugs are good to go for 90K... As is the Timing Belt and Water pump - they are 90K services. Now, if they're only charging $400 for all the above - You have made a Deal! Good Luck!

So what did you decide? Or has it happened yet? My 2 cents is your car is only under the powertrain portion of the warranty by now so If you want to save $200+ then go to independent shop. But, the indep. shop should be very reputable around town - this way it has the same credibility as the Lexus Dealer. That will be a selling point down the road with no loss of value.... Call the service rep at Lexus to see if there are any TSB's out for your LS - then you could take it in for those services. The 60K service is all fluids and filters - how much are they quoting you?

I bought mine from Lexus parts dept - $4.71