mkeeney

I had the Turanza LS-H on my '97 ES, and I was very pleased with them. I took a chance on the Kumho Solus KH16, and I like them even better, for about half the cost. They're very smooth and quiet, and grippy enough that I haven't squealed them in any corners yet. I highly recommend them.

Try eBay. I've seen just about everything on there for the ES300. Be patient and check every few days. Also, find out in advance what other model years will interchange with your car.

The best method: Buy the Haynes manual, ($17 at Autozone) which shows step-by-step how to do almost all the maintenance you'll ever do. Buy your own pads, take the rotors to a local shop who will turn them for you for about $7-$10 each. Next best method: Find a local independent mechanic. Lexus brakes are no different than any other car. The chain stores have "lifetime guarantees" to lure you in and stick you with other charges. In the Haynes manual you will find the minimum thickness allowed on a rotor. Before you ever buy new rotors, ask the mechanic to show you the thickness spec and measure the thickness in front of you. Many people will try to sell you new parts because there's about 100% markup in them. Most expensive method: Lexus dealer. Even if you don't plan on doing your own maintenance work, the manual is a great investment just so you can understand what's going on with your car. Knowledge is power.

Check the strut mounts too. My '97 had a rattle at lower speeds over bumps which the dealer said was from the mounts. I bought a set from Tire Rack and replaced them myself - problem solved! It was much easier than I thought, but I had the proper tools. I used Autozone's tool loan program for the spring compessor and I borrowed a 3/4" breaker bar and 19mm and 22mm sockets from work. You also need a torque wrench. If you have all the tools, it's pretty easy. I have the Haynes manual for the Camry/Avalon/ES300 also.

My '97 has the famous disappearing segments on the radio display. I've tried pressing on it to restore the connection as suggested elsewhere, but it didn't help. I'd like to replace it with another stock unit and I've seen security codes mentioned in a number of places. If I get a radio from another car, will I need the VIN to get a dealer to activate it? Can they use my VIN to activate a different radio? Does any of this even matter, or will it just drop in and work? I have the Pioneer radio. I'd like to know before I try to buy a replacement. Also, has anyone had this problem fixed? I could solder connections back myself (if it's simple) or take it to a shop, but I figured getting it repaired might cost as much as a used unit. Lexus wanted $500 to exchange it. Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Look at eBay! There are always remotes there and they go from $10 - $40.

I found the procedure in another discussion. Look here: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...showtopic=4107& I have a little more detailed procedure written, but I haven't been able to e-mail it to you. Let me know if you need more info.

I have three remotes and they are all HYQ1512P for a '97 ES. This is the only code I've seen on ebay. Each remote has a different frequency and you have to program the car to accept the remote. I have the directions so don't pay a dealer to do it. Get one off ebay and I can send the directions.

The sound is coming from the front strut mounts. It's not dangerous, just annoying. Toyota had a problem with them on the ES300 and the Camry and replaced a lot of them. If you ever replace the struts you should also replace the front mounts. I think you could have done better on the brakes and the mechanic should have known to put ceramic pads on it. You'll get more dust and squeal from the semi-metallic pads.