AZ Mike

What is the rationale for using 10/30 instead of 5/30? Is that for a car that may seep a bit at seals, so a slightly thicker oil won't leak as much? I assume either weight, especially if synthetic, would handle any hot summer driving.....

Sorry, I probably wasn't clear.

I will replace worn pads with OEM pads and am perfectly comfortable with doing so. My question is concerning the shims and the retaining hardware; I read that it is recommended that it is replaced with each pad change. I was just curious what those on the board think. I.e., do you re-use existing parts, or replace shims and retention hardware with each brake job?

Quick question for brake do-it-yourselfers: when replacing brake pads, is it necessary to use new shims and caliper hardware? I saw somewhere that this is "recommended". Personally, on other cars, I have only changed the pads and re-used existing hardware without a problem.

One more question.. How many miles are on your car? Do you know if they've ever been changed??

The LS just barely passed 60K miles (I have 3 cars, so it isn't used daily), and is running on the original plugs. It runs smooth as silk; no noticeable operating issues. I just want to maintain it properly.

I am new to the board and have been searching/reading with great interest. I do have a question about the mileage interval for changing the spark plugs. My owner's manual for a '99 LS400 calls for changing the plugs at 90K miles. However, I have read many posts of people changing their plugs at 30K and 60K intervals. Are these shorter intervals overkill, or are there good reasons to swap out more often than called for by Lexus maintenance recommendations?

I searched for retailers of OEM parts and the only sources I have seen mentioned so far are www.irontoad.com; sewellpartsonline.com, and Park Place Lexus. Are these the best and cheapest sources of OEM parts? Or are there others?

Thanks for the input. I was thinking that I would wait until I get the miles up closer to 90K and not worry so much about time, and your experiences make me more comfortable in that decision.

eddielasvegas,

For some reason, I am not allowed to send private messages.....is there some trick to that?

I am 2 months new to the Phoenix area, and am therefore very interested in mechanic recommendations. I spoke to an independent Toyota/Lexus mechanic named Hank last week, and that is all I know other than the dealerships.

I own a '99 LS400 that has just barely eclipsed 60K miles. I am well under the 90K mile timing belt interval, but past the 7 year time of service interval. How critical is it to replace the timing belt now vs. waiting for 90K miles? I.e., is the time interval just as critical as the mileage?