99lsguy

:D :D You know, It's all kinda funny..... I read the thread, go to Leatherique.com Find a distributor and call... He's tells me to use LEXOL instead. Been using it for 40 years :D (I mean - I called to order Leatherique instead ) I just laugh - everybody certainly has an opinion!!!

You have two cabin filters in the vehicle. One for front, one for rear. My 99 LS is located behind the lower glove box behind a "pullout" plastic tab. Your design may be different, as it includes a HEPA system (I think). All of the filter locations should be in the owners manual. Now, if you get in the car in the AM before you start it - does it smell then? IF not, could be a CAT problem <_< Also, you have a CHARCOAL CANNISTER probably in the LF under the battery area. This could have gone south ..... Your under warranty, all will be well!

Thanks monach, K9, JPI, and others, It's time for this one to hit the hay.... will continue later. I'm still wondering why the factory PS ( ATF fluid) is ....UNDYED? <_< K9, I see your logic because by the 6th change - technically at every 5K - there would be 18% of OLD (30k mile atf) fluid. But, if we did it by Lexus specs, 2 quart pan drain every 30K - We'd have some REALLY OLD GUNK IN THERE AT 100K 99

K9, good to hear from you @ 5:45 local Hawaii Time! I'm too lazy tonight to go get my manual - but I take it the PS system doesn't take many quarts? How much did you use? I see two hoses coming off the PS reservoir, so is it the bigger one? Also, that sounds kinda tricky not to let it start, my LS zooms right up - so, is it bad to IMMEDIATELY TURN IT OFF in case it does start? Does NO START keep air from entering or something? I think VMF had a friend in the car while he just added fluid while running. He used 7 quarts - but that was on Gen I LS. PS - how's the LS!

Yea.. A tire is most likely out of Balance. Dynamic balance all of them first. If they're well worn, you'll probably need some new ones.

As you can see.... regular maintenance can prevent lots of badness! I bet the "valve job" will be $400-600. Agree with SK.......... I'd try this procedure - it will help "clean your engine". Change the oil and use new filter - just good grade of regular petroleum motor oil ($1.50 quart) and toyota filter. Then, DO IT AGAIN @ 500-1000 miles. This will get some of the gunk out and may QUIET those valves. Total cost $35.00 for two changes. Since I'm on overkill, I would THEN change the oil to SYNTHETIC (mobil 1 is fairly cheap) and run that for 1000 miles. This will REALLY HELP to Clean the sludge. Change again and every 3-5K with Synthetic and ALWAYS USE A NEW, CLEAN OIL FILTER. Total cost for two syn. changes - $70.00. This will help to 'QUIET' and clean the valves / shims. Synthetic oil has quieted my engine. It is the absolute best type of oil you can put in your car. After saying all this, your tapping could still continue but at least you know you've done your part.

Monarch, Great procedure methods! I've done this "partial fluid replacement" method on the Tranny; but never thought of it for the coolant, PS, and such - good idea. I did THREE pan drain/refills using T-IV Tranny fluid over my first 3k miles once I got the car off lease this summer - the fluid looks perfect now - now I do these "pan drains" probably every other oil change (8k for 2 oil changes) So you suggest the toyota dexron over the T-IV? I know the manual specifies the dex III but I figured the T-IV wasn't "proven" at time of Publication. Once again, your suggestions are "easy and efficient" and as a bonus...not MESSY to do! BTW, what Toyota of yours has 435K?

Some add'l info.... I talked to the Parts Dept. at Lexus just to find out what they use. Usually Dexron III but he thought T-IV fluid would be fine also. My manual say Dex III - But I can swear that stuff in there looks like BRAKE FLUID. I'll call the dealer where the car originated new (Dallas, TX) to find out more. Anyway, the parts guy was a riot :D He said (jokingly) not to flush it because WHEN it starts leaking - I'll be able to add new fluid then! His remarks were based on the fact the 90-94 units were prone to failure/leaking. He knows for sure there is a newer design for the 98+ models (didn't ask about the 95-97 years- sorry). So I ask is it just because these cars are newer and haven't had time to leak; NO, (the answer) because the early design was flawed and they had lots of leaks within 2 years on many LS's they sold back in the early 90's. 98LS -This is good news for us! I'm just a Maintenance Nut - always wanting to "over-maintain" I suppose... VMF, Why change every 30K afterward (not that this would be a problem - more of like; Cool, I get to do more maintenance on the LS!!!)? I've copied some of your stuff to MSWord document, so I think I have the procedure. I may try to PM you with the attachment for your review. My LS is humming like a sewing machine and I want to keep it that way :D 99

Need your input guys...... My 99LS 400 is within 500 miles of the 60K mark. I've slowly done some maintenace over the last few months to get everything done. My remaining four items are the coolant and brake flush, clean throttle body, and.... Thinking of flushing the PS while I'm at it. I called Lexus and they don't recommend it - amazingly. But I think it may be prudent and prolong the system before any failure -- What do you guys think? Also, I really bellieve it has BRAKE FLUID in the system. It is clearish, (albeit kinda dirty). A local Lexus specialty shop said it very well could be- That means it came from the LEXUS FACTORY that way! <_< 99

vmf, Is your tranny in a bad way? Or do you prefer the 5 speed models (gen III) or the new 6 speed on the o4?

Your thoughts are accurate. LS is much bigger interior and legroom - and overall actually Gs is sportier looking and handling - gs400 has the LS V8 engine, gs300 has inline 6 cylinder. Heres a link to check out the specs! http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library.html

Craig, The only "con" by edmunds review was that our little ls400's were a little "loose" in the handling arena. Their quote was: " One trip through the twisties, and you won't mistake it for the ultimate driving machine." Your suspension upgrades would solve that problem :D I think the two season "rotation" is a little bit overkill here in the KC area - the snow isn't that bad. But I've always heard that the salt spray is DEFINATELY a no-no on the Chromes. So, if I get chromes - they'll be on my garage shelf for the winter :D Why not have 2 sets for our LS400's - its part of the Lexus experience ! 99

Hey guys, Took advantage of a 50 degree day in KC (before the bottom falls out again) and washed the LS. First wash in 2-3 weeks after I applied the Collinite (2 coats). We've been lucky in that no nasy weather has hit KC during this time. Well, she washed easier - california bladed easier - and MF toweled slicker than ever before. I'm very pleased with the shine. Even the rims look good and shiny!' Anyway, wanted to thank all of you guys for the tips in our great forum! I pulled the LS in the garage and I think I'll put another coat on it tonight just for the fun of it :D Like VB has said - you can "feel the smoothness"..... 99

mig25, Yea - I was wondering about that. How about a DEDICATED "LS 400" ONLY CALENDAR :D 99

98LS, Glad you found the 98 model too! I was wondering about that - glad to see the complete list of modifications made to the Gen III LS :D Don't you just love that little "Sun Shade" visor over the rear view mirror - It comes in handy every now and then 99

Here's the link to all the goodies & differences by year/model. http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library.html http___www.lexus.com_cpo_model_library.html

Brucelee, You are absolutely correct! My brother now has 96 vette and in NO WAY will choose run-flats. They are an Inferior Tire 99

last one..

number 2..

Here's some stuff for a 98 LS....

Clacey, What about the front wheels up on ramps and using the "creeper". Would that be possible? 99

AWJ in the SC/430 forum has done this...I think. Check with him and you will be good to go....

Clacey, Good job and post. Thanks for the report. I think JPI mentioned earlier that you could get to the bottom bolt with 1/4" Pivot/flexible ratchet - from underneath.

I have also read from others; OEM wires are best (at least over Bosch) and to stick with them. Lexus-parts.com Irontoad.com for some starter sites.

Jim, Yes, come to think of it, those HID's were option on 98...I just happened to see/test drive 2 other 98's that had them on it (in addition to wood, etc...) They do make a difference ! I love em :D That "cruise" thing must have happened in 01. 98LS, and about those intermittent wipers... I did the same thing one rainy afternoon. After stopping at a light, I kind of wondered, then thought.....HEY, THIS IS PRETTY COOL 99