99lsguy

when I got my 99 LS this summer, I did this procedure twice the first 500 miles I had it. Just for peace of mind and I did notice the cleaner, cherry red color of the tranny fluid. Just measure what comes out for a precision job.

I think it can (and should) be any maintenanc procedure on the LS. High mileage/older LS's may need Front strut rod bushings, new rotors/calipers, shocks/struts, repack wheel bearings, alternator , A/C , starter, etc.... The list is endless - technically. The 60K service is still the same for 120, 180,240,300K - and I expect my LS to go 300K.

That is for pan drain only. They will drain 2 - 2.5 quarts of oil and then refill thru the dipstick with new fluid. That is all they do. I can reach under there without putting my car on a ramp. Its a small bolt 10-12 mm and the torque is 15 ft. lbs. Just put a shallow pan that will hold 4-5 quarts and drain. Then refill thru tube but leave it about 1/2 quart low till you've had a chance to drive it around a little. You don't want to overfill the tranny. Just be careful and "sneak" up on the full mark. 3 Quarts of fluid is all you need - but I don't think the 90 LS takes T-IV, check the owners manual. DIY

thanks VMF - Sounds Great!

UCLABB, That's what I think. Everyone here talks about removing all those bolt and the whole shield ;) . This section buy the oil filter IS DESIGNED to be bent.

Denny, Can you just remove two of those bolts around the oil filter and then bend that cover section "back" to get to the filter. MY 99 LS is made that way - just wondering - I've never had to remove the whole shield. Maybe a different design for the 98-00 LS.

Zdeno, yes - a torque wrench is good thing. The water filler plug (on top of throttle body and near T-stat) is torqued to 33 ft. lbs. The other drain plugs are 9 ft. lbs torque. Have you gotten a NEW UPPER HOSE? You might as well while the coolant is drained. Just for reference, on my 99, the coolant level in my reservoir hardly moves at all. The tank is larger that older models, I think. The diff. between the low mark and high mark is only about an inch on the tank.

Denny, I know how you feel about the salt My 99 was a Texas car till now and we've had a 4" snow and 8" snow already. My poor LS has just tasted its first snow/salt bath and its not pretty. I'm gonna (at least) spray under the wheels & body tommorrow. I thinks its a good idea just to rent a car unless the forecast is VERY REASSURING during your stay. You'll have more peace of mind, less worry, and even more APPRECIATION for your LS once you get back. Merry Christmas :D

Hey guys, Since the "great crash" we've lost some really good posts. I think we'll get em back but I have my own wish list :D I'd love to see more "detailed" procedures for all the services needed on our beautiful LS's. You know, some really TOP NOTCH stuff! These would include photographs and COMPLETE documentation for all services such as: OIL CHANGE (I know, its basic - but important) TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE (pan drain & full flush) DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL CHANGE COOLANT CHANGE BRAKE FLUID CHANGE/BEEDING BRAKE PADS (F/R) THROTTLE BODY CLEAN (its done somewhere) SPARK PLUG CHANGES PCV VALVE AIR FILTER CABIN FILTER ADJUST IDLE POWER STEERING FLUSH ANYTHING ELSE FOR 30K, 60K,90K SERVICE!! (WATER PUMP, T BELT, SERPENTINE BELT, ETC) I could go on & on. I realize some of these are very basic (AND SOME ARE ALREADY DONE) but if each was docoumented very well with step by step procedures it would help many of our fellow LS forum members and hopefully spur us on to more advanced maintenance procedures (alt, starter, ps....) What do you guys think? Am I full of hot air or is this stuff doable? I know winter is coming on so this may hamper things a bit, but there'e no particular rush. I'd just love to see all these issues done up first rate with complete accuracy! Anyway, I'll be glad to start with some simple stuff. I'm getting my wife a little digital camera for Christmas and I'll use it first :D . Probably do the AIR FILTER & CABIN FILTER since I just put them in. I'm ready for an OIL CHANGE in a month or so. The point is - with all the talent out there it wouldn't be a burden for any ONE person :D I think a camera will really help and is the preferred way, but if not availabe some REALLY DETAILED, STEP BY STEP DOCUMENTAION should guide even the novice thru any given procedure. Steve, are there certain file size restraints for the photo posts? I don't really know how to add text to the attached photos so give me a quick lesson for that. Thanks to all of you for this great forum, it has helped me a TON!!

The only info I have is; Torque lug nuts to 79 ft lbs. Per specs for 99 LS 400

CanadaCraig did a lot of research on this in the LS forum - did a great job. But - it may have been lost in the great "crash"..... ;) Anyway, the Turanza got GREAT REVIEWS!! WET/DRY/SNOW/TRAC/TREADLIFE/ and most important... VERY QUIET. Sounds like the best tire out there. He has them ordered and will have them on within a week or so. He got the "v" rate tire because all the specs were superior to the H and T Go to TIRERACK.COM and you can find your way to a CHART COMPARISON.... I need some new ones Too! If they are as good as they rate out; then their worth the $ :D

Gotcha Sounds like we're all in the same boat - or shoud I say "LEXUS" :D

Craig, Before I got my LS, I test drove and 02/03 TL. Nice car but VERY CRAMPED! It is much louder too. Your are correct....It is not EVEN IN THE LEAGUE OF THE LS. I guess I'm stuck for Life

I hear ya VMF!! Wish I had access to a lift - that would be SWEET.

That's pretty good. I ordered Vol 2 only (main section) from Toyota Publications and paid $90 + $5 for shipping. But I only have one book. got a CD that contains all three manuals (vol 1,2, and electrical) for $25 to round it out. The CD is difficult to use but I feel it is supplemental since I have the main guts in one Book.

Lextech, Thanks for info ; I'll give it a try... Bought my 99 LS thru auction this summer, - didn't even know it was supposed to have 16" alloy wheel in the trunk - Standard. Will try to recover one...

Beautiful - as usual!! :D Keep that puppy serviced to the "T"..

Fiveofakind's procedure (and VMF) will work if you DIY... Otherwise, local Toyota dealer should do it no problem with machine. In KC area, my local Toyota Dealer will work on my 99LS anytime - but I still DIY. coolant - use Toyota Long Life Coolant only!!! and you can premix with distilled water 50/50 for a perfect job. :D Lexus dealer would be last place I'd take it. It will cost you at least $100 more for the same thing.

Zdeno, Toyota Long Life Coolant (red) is what you want to use - it's probably not good to mix. I think under normal pressure the hose shouldn't be rock hard. You should be able to "squeeze" it in a little bit even if its hot. If this hose is really 12+ years old it may be ready to give out. My advice would be go get a new one. Instructions for my 99 LS is to fill the engine coolant thru this plug on top of the T-stat / Throttle body area. Lexus wants you to fill it this way to minimize air. After fill, turn heat on HIght for a few minutes. Stop engine and top off in reservoir. I'd let the engine cool a little (I think) to let some pressure off. Be careful not to get burned. Find a replacement hose and visually compare it to what's in the engine now. If you see a difference, - old one is more swollen - get the new one on there. Good Luck & be careful---> if the coolant is hot & under pressure -- Wait!!

Maybe there's a crack in the coolant reservoir. UP high around the top rim or in the cap area. If it were low I imagine you'd see coolant leaking, seeping, etc. Perhaps the radiator cap is faulty? Just more ideas...

sounds really nice!! :D Show us a picture when you can. Welcome to the club You're gonna love driving this machine EVERY time you get in it :D

K9, those are Turanza tires on your ride. How do you like em? are they LS -V,,H,,T,,????

Yeah, $23,500 - $24K is about right for 99 LS Not from the dealer though,, add $5k probably ;)

Lexus. , Timing belt is part of the 90K service for 98-00 LS. It is then and every 90K for these models years. I assume its different for the 90-94, and 95-97. I know the 98-00 is and INTERFERENCE engine and the 90-94 is NON-INTERFERENCE. I still think the 95-97 yrs are INTERFERENCE, this info directly from Lexus and Import Shops.

Unscrew your oil cap and turn it over. If you see that the oil is 'MILKY' looking up in the oil cap then that is a sign the head gasket may be cracked/leaking. If it is just the color of your oil - I'd say the head gasket is OK.