Zen Master Joe

Obviously great advice coming from someone who has been there. I would certainly have lifted the car first only to curse the damn turning rotor later :) Many thanks, and I'll see if I can track down the book. Joe

Lenore, You're a scholar and a gentleman. I will pursue all your excellent leads. By the way, Ive downloaded "Steve's how to" .pdf file and this was somewhat helpful. Though the directions in the file are excellent, there is no mention as to the make and model of the vehicle that it is written for. Would you know if this file is applicable to 2006 GS-300-AWD? It seems that I may have to buy an SST tool for the model of the vehicle that they use as an example. I'm also not sure why there is the need to disconnect the lower bolts to the shock absorbers. Many thanks, Joe

Friends, On my 2006, GS300-AWD, 89,000 miles: I’ve been hearing a “chomping” and gentle “grinding” sounds from my front driver-side wheel at all speeds (though louder “whining” at higher speeds). The alignment is perfect and drives well otherwise. Took it to the dealer and they confirmed that it is the driver-side front “Hub and Bearing assembly” that needs to be replaced. The number they gave me for the part is: 43560-30030 but I cannot find it anywhere on the web. Moreover, they want $800 for the job which includes the $335 bearing assembly. I tried finding the right part on the web for less $$$ but am coming up with many different versions and am not sure which one is the right one. Secondly I’d like to do the job on my own (and save the $800) and would like to ask the experts here, how difficult is this job (say on a scale of 1 to 10). I am an electrical engineer and have moderate abilities in mechanics. But I do not know if I need unique tools to do this job, or what steps are required to do this. 1. Can someone please recommend a reliable source (preferably an OEM) and a correct part # where I can get this part. 2. Can someone let me know what would I need to do to (in order) to get this thing replaced. 3. Are there special tools that I need to buy to do this? Many thanks Joe

Guy, A few years ago when I inquired regarding this TSB, the service rep at the dealership told me that this vehicle has a Timing Belt - not a Timing Chain. Obviously, I have very little faith in the Service people/management at the Dealership - their only goal is to make $$$. I do have more faith in the mechanics, but they never really let you speak to them. How do I check whether my engine has a timing chain or a belt? Many thanks, Joe

Many thanks for your advice, Besides the WATER PUMP, Would it be wise to throw in the TIMING BELT and the FAN BELT as well? Anything else that you recommend? I am not highly experienced with motors, and simply do not know what is involved with a repair of this caliber. Do you recommend sticking with Lexus OEM only parts, or is it wise to get quality parts lesewhere? Regards, Joe

Dear Friends, I purchased this 2006 Lexus GS300 brand new, and within a few months of driving the vehicle I noticed a small oil leak from the top passenger side of the engine. Since I do most of the maintenance myself in my garage, I noticed this leak during every oil change. The leak is insignificant in terms of loss of oil, but I took the car into the dealer regarding this issue and they told me that there is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) on this model for this very specific reason. They said that the work is covered under warranty up until 70,000 miles, but with the vehicle being so new (at that time) I decided to wait. Well, now there is 64,000 miles on the vehicle and I am pressed to make a decision. My reluctance is due to the fact that half my engine has to be torn up to make this insignificant fix. They told me that (.pdf of the TSB is attached): 1. Left and Right Timing Covers/Housings have to come off and be resealed. 2. Left and right Cam Shaft Housings have to come off and be resealed. 3. Left and Right Valve Covers/Cam Covers have to come off My questions are: 1. Will this job screw up my engine more than help the small leak? 2. What other major components need to come off to perform this job? Water Pump, Timing Belt, Fan Belt, etc… ? 3. If you do recommend going forth with this fix, would it be prudent for me to buy an off the shelf Water Pump and other major components (which ones, I do not know – please recommend) which are typically soon to fail and have the dealer replace them for free since the old ones need to come-off during the fix anyway? 4. Or, should I just ride this out till say something major fails and do the fix at my own expense at that later time? This is my first Lexus and I do not know the typical failure times for major components in these cars. From my previous Chevy experience, by 70,000 miles, half the engine had to be replaced ;) . (I will not hold you guys to any of your answers – I just need your advice) – Many thanks Joe TSIB_EG001_07_GR_FSE_Series_Engine_Oil_Leak.pdf