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Hello, The car makes really loud high pitch squeaks when backin out/applying brakes when it is cold. Supposedly makes the same noice when it is raining/wet (this is the wife's car so I have somehwat limited experience). I did check the brakes few months ago and the pads looked like they have plenty of life left. Replaced front ones about 25K ago and rear about 10-15k ago. Does anybody have similar issue? At some point I was told that the noise is caused by condensation and there is nothing to worry about. Any other opinions? Thanks, Alex

Hello, I read good reviews in Consumer Reports on Michelin X Radial tires (sold at Sam's, Costco) and wanted to get the feedback from people who used them. I know they are S-rated tires vs. V-rated OEM, but this is my wife's car and I doubt that she will drive over 112 miles per hour. All opinions would be appreciated.

Hello, My wife's 97 ES 300 will need a set of new tires pretty soon. My research shows that Bridgestone Turanza LS-H could be a decent choice: reasonable in the snow, good handling and braking. I also have them on my 97 STS and they are definitely better then Goodyear Eagle LS the previous owner had. Given the fact that the key decision factors are: - driving in the snow - braking wet/dry - handling - comfortable ride (not critical, but sure nice to have) what would be your suggestions? All opinions would be appreciated Cheers, Alex

Update as of early am: Could not pull the ABS fuse -- it is in the same compartment as the relays, right? Pulled the relays though (both motor and actuator, I believe) The ABS light is on and the Trac Off is blinking. Drove the car on the parking lot -- the noise is gone, there is a bit of noise while I am braking though... The plan is to drive the car home, and have a dealer take a look tomorrow. Does anybody have a strong concern for driving with these relays removed? Personally, I would prefer driving without ABS, but this is the wife's car... Regards, Alex

Andrew, Thanks for the quick reply. ABS light does not come on, it just sounds like ABS. No prior noise either according to my wife (except for thunderstorm in January). It is pretty heavy rain in Milwaukee so I did not do much with the car at the moment. I like the idea of pulling the ABS fuse (my brother had the same suggestion). Will try it tomorrow in the morning. The front brake pads and rotors were replaced a year ago, the rear are near life's end, but the noice is coming from the front. Anything bad that can happened by pulling the ABS fuse? Besides of loosing ABS, of course... Thanks for your help, Alex

Hello! Need help rather urgently. My wife's 97 ES 300... even when you break at the parking lot makes quite a bit of a noise in the front end -- very similar to the usual noise made when ABS is engaged, but... quite a bit louder (abour 2-3 times louder). It was bad enough that she called and I had to pick her up. Left the car at her work. It sounds to me like ABS problem (either sensor or the whole module). Did anybody have anything similar happening? Is there a way to disable ABS so I could drive the car to the dealership vs. towing it. Could this be something else? Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Alex

I have a silly (somewhat) question... How often do you change oil? I am used to being pretty religious about changing oil in my Camry every 3-4 thousand miles, but when I checked oil in ES 300 after 3000 miles -- it looks very clean. Is Lexus recommended 5000 mile/ 6 month period acceptable? Your shared experience would be appreciated. Regards, Alex

It is somewhat differenb subject, still: Can you provide more details on this TSB? Is Lexus fixing the problem for the cars that are out of warranty (97, ES 300, 112K)? Regards, Alex

No AVS on the car...

Well.... I probably was not concise enough -- it is not that much stiffness of the ride as "feeling" every bump in the road type of ride. The car holds the turns fine, but when you go over the bump -- you certainly feel it. We drove few other ES 300s before and they were more refined. So, the verdict is -- to change the strut mounts and skip the struts?

I got 97 ES 300, 110k on it, bought used, one owner (physician) car. It has pretty stiff ride (for a Lexus). When the Toyota dealership serviced it they suggested that the strut seats are worn and should be replaced. Their suggestion was to replace the struts as well as long as they are taken out. Now... I am the kind of guy who does not like to replace things just because it might be the right thing to do. I still have the original front struts in Camry, 88 with 288K on it. Did anybody have similar problem? How was it resolved? Also... the sticker on the door calls for the tire pressure of 26psi. Sounds low to me. What do you keep yours at?

You are right, the major concern with epoxy is that if I will need to replace the molding -- I will likely need to pull the "white clips" out... And... after reading your latest description more carefully... you might have a bit iof a different problem. My white clips were not loose -- very snugly fit to the body, the molding snaps themselves were broken. They look like [ ] from inside of the molding. My molding was "flapping" like a wing. I never pulled the molding off, the top clip(s) are still in good shape. I would think that you should be able to do it. Or... pay the guys at Lexus for a half hour of labor to replace it. It should not take any longer then this (perhaps, even 10 minutes since they should of done it before). As far as spark plugs... I took my car to Toyota dealership for the maintenace and they installed the platinum ones (at least that what I was told). You are correct, based on Haynes manual the type should be: NGK BKR6EKPB-11 or equivalent for Lexus 98 and earlier. It specifies the same for Camry, Solara and Avalon. Maybe, Nippon Denso PK20TR11 is equivalent?... Hope this helps, Alex

Well... overall it is not too bad in my opinion. They probably overcharged by $100-200 based on Toyota's standard, but it would of being much more at the Lexus dealership! Just call them and ask for the breakdown in cost and you will be astonished. The water pump does not need to be replaced. I am sure that they would tell you if there are any problems -- when the timing belt cover comes off -- you can see the water pump clearly. And they would not hesitate to ask for another $300-400... Out of curiosity... Which Toyota dealership in NYC did you take it to? Best wishes, Alex

Yes, I am talking about the white "clips". I am sure that you can buy them. My problem was that the "receiving" part on the molding where the clips would snap was broken. If you have the same issue -- you should not need new clips, just the new molding to snap on existing ones. Still... I would pull the molding off from the bottom (very gently) put the epoxy (I used Magnum Epoxy Steel from VersaChem) on the clips opposite to the loose molding and press the molding very hard and wait for about 10 minutes while pressing it. Of course, this is not a "Lexus" solution, but it works. Please, feel free to send me a private message and I can give my e-mail for any questions. Good luck, Alex

I had the same experience on ES300, 97 -- the right side molding between doors got the tops of the clips holding it broken and the molding was "flapping". After the second try with the very strong epoxy -- dumped on the clips and then pushed on the molding -- it stayed on for few months. To replace -- you would probably need to "unlock" the molding from the clips and then either clip new one on or replace the clips as well. Good luck, Alex

Excellent instructions - I will probably need to do the same replacement on 97 ES 300. How did you find the seller of the LCD? Does he have a web site? Is this brand new LCD? Who makes them? What type of warranty is provided? Regards, Alex

I have Passport 8500 - $299, had it for more then two years, very good coverage in K and Ka bands, laser... tells you when it is too late, but I am not sure whether anybody else (Valentin One?) is better. The only concern I have is that when it gets hot, I get "Service Required" flashing and I need to cool it in front of air conditioner vent. Annoying, but intermittent. Could be a concern in LA though. If money is not an issue and you have only one car -- I would check the latest Valentin One. Otherwise Passport 8500 is not a bad choice. Also, check http://www.epinions.com - there is a lot of interesting feedback Good luck, Alex

Ladies and Gentlemen, As I am planning to replace the spark plugs on ES 300, 97... Which spark plugs should be used? Platinum tipped or regular? Any particular brand name? I plan to have it done by Toyota dealership and want to make sure that they put the right ones in. Thanks for the help, Alex

Ladies and Gentlemen, I will need to change the pads on the car soon. In preparation for this affair... It sounds like ceramic brake pads are OEM. I am not sure what are the current ones (just bought the car). The car is driven primarily by my wife and she is "enthusiast"-style driver (as myself). The work will be done (most likely) at the Toyota dealership. I would appreciate the feedback on your experiences with different types/manufacturers. Should I buy the pads myself and bring them to the dealet or should I just use whatever they have? Thanks, Alex

Thanks for the feedback. The car was serviced at the Lexus dealership and I did not see the tune up (i.e. spark plug replacement) being done in the near past. I will get them replaced. I guess, the fuel filter should be added to the mix. What about changing the differential fluid? Regards, Alex

Ladies and Gentlemen, As a new owner of ES 300, 97 I am thinking about taking it for service to the Toyota dealership. They serviced my 88 Camry (288K and still running) so I am reasonably comfortable with the level of service. The questions are: -- Does anybody have good reasons not to take ES 300 to the Toyota dealership? -- Any type of work that should be done at Lexus dealership only? -- Should I follow the replacement schedule for coolant/transmission fluid and spark plugs for every 30K? Regards, Alex