AdamIsAdam

I'm considering doing front pads on my wife's RX330 (2004) for the first time. I've done many other front brake jobs on other cars. This pretty basic and straightforward? Anything to know other that the aforementioned disc removal trick? pics and instructions would be VERY appreciated. THANKS!

yea, I read that thread, all 99 pages. It was very helpful in proving i'm not insane. I guess the RX330 is different, as I do NOT have that drain plug. At least I feel better! Is it also true that the RX330 doesn't have a serviceable filter? as for the wrench, I'll hit the hardware stores this week. Thanks.

Yesterday I changed the fluids in my wife's RX330 (04). The tranny has the 10mm hex nut, so that was easy enough. I had read that there's a second 10mm drain plug near by for the transaxle which also works with ATF, but I never found it. However, about 5qts of tranny fluid came out. The front differential bolts, 15/16", I couldn't get a wrench on them! specifically, not a ratchet & socket. And I didn't have a box wrench that size. Any tips on this? The rear diff couldn't be any easier. I do love drain plugs on differentials! Tips welcome!

On my other cars, I replace the hoses while replacing the antifreeze. As long as the system is empty, it's too cheap and easy not to. I also put a new thermostat in. But you said something about another hose that requires removal of the intake manifold. that sounds like a pain. But yes, there used to be A LOT more people who'd break down in the summer over heating. Another change over the years is that when someone broke down, 3 other cars pulled over to help push the car off to the side of the road. Nowadays, drivers sit in their disabled cars on the cell, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, BLOCKING TRAFFIC FOR HOURS! Sheesh.

OK. So let me get this straight: On an 04 RX330, I have tranny Type T-IV in the tranny and the transfer case. That's what is pictured a few posts up in lenore's post, right? http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/uploa...43908_thumb.jpg Then there's API-5 gear oil in the front and rear differentials as usual? Is that right?

We had a Mazda MPV since the strollers wouldn't fit in my wife's Mercedes trunk. She VERY RELUCTANTLY traded the Benz for the MPV. the van was great. Practicality above all! And the Mazda was the sportiest of all Vans of its day (2002). She traded the MPV for an 04 RX330 a year ago. My boys are now 4 and 8 so strollers are a thing of the past (wahoo!). I find the RX to be GREAT in terms of space. It's clearly smaller than the van in pure cargo capacity, but overall, the RX has MUCH bigger rear seat room for the kids than the van did. Yes, MORE room! And for those longer trips, I just throw my Thule box up top and instantly add 16cu ft of trunk space. That box, by the way, can fit strollers, pack n plays, and high chairs ALL AT ONE TIME. So for trips, it's great. But you don't want to be getting a stoller out of a roof box daily. Now, that all being said, we are not happy with our RX because of how it drives. Electronic throttle and variable steering makes us both less than enthusiastic about the way it drives. It's really a shame too, because we find the size, looks, styling, etc, all great. And we got it used with the CPO 100k B2B warranty for a great price. Too bad we don't love it. If you drive it, and love it, buy it. I would suggest borrowing it for the weekend or something from your dealer to make sure you really like driving it. maybe my wife and I both just like more of a driver's car than others do.

So what's the tranny service interval for the 04 330? I seem to recall reading 30k miles. And while I'm at it, and will search here, what's the service interval for the transfer case on the AWD models? That's an easy DIY, right?

How about these: Kumho Road Venture APT KL51 (Highway All-Season) Size: 235/55VR18 Serv. Desc: 100V Load Index 100 = 1764lbs (800kg) per tire Speed Rating “V” = 149mph (240kph) UTQG: Treadwear: 600 Traction: A Temperature: A600 A A Price: $112.00 (each) www.tirerack.com

I have to tell you, my 04 330 wanders around as if i'm driving drunk! And IT'S NOT ME! It's my wife's car, so I don't drive it that much, but to me it's the variable power assist that does it. Only on the highway, I find that the initial response to the steering wheel is ok, then the response doesn't progress in a linear mannor; instead I need to add MORE input at the wheel to complete whatever turning input I started. This, and the drive-by-wire throttle makes me really dislike this car. It's a shame, because otherwise I like it. My tires are new and rotated very 5k. The car has 50k on it and went through the CPO inspection before we bought it at 39k. The car is operating correctly. I just don't like how it operates.

Holy crow, are you kidding me? My 2004 RX330 has 55k on the clock. This is shocking. I don't recall ever reading that the valves need adjusting. What modern, solid lifter engine needs its valves adjusted? What else are they doing for that money.

Wouldn't a failing ABS sensor have a saved code? Hmm, come to think of it, it's only saved if the ABS light is still on. At least that's what happened when my Jeep's abs sensor failed. When you pulled over because of this noise, was the abs light on steady? You need that light on steady in order to read the code. Also, when the "shaking" happened, did the car brake normally? try to see if the shaking is in the brake pedal only or the steering wheel. Anything mechanical, like a wheel problem, won't be intermittant and reset when you restart the car.

My wife's 04 has this noise too, but sounds like it's the driver's side. How come it doesn't stop or even change if I turn the HVAC system off? I'll just bring it in and let them fix it under extended warranty. I could use a bottle of that Lexus water anyway; I'm thirsty.

It's cold.

I'm interested in this answer as well.

My wife's 2004 did the same thing with 40k miles. RR ate through the pads and caliper while away from home. Made dealer replace pads and rotor since it was just in there a week prior.