docmas

Just got back from the dealer (I do go sometimes, this was a "check engine light" thing) and he told me my rear brake pads were at about 40% and "down to the sensors." He suggested replacing them now, as the sensors cost over $100 each to replace if they become activated. Brakes are cheap compared to that (at non-dealer) and just wanted some input, as replacing brakes at 40% just seems wrong to me. What do other people do about this? Had the brakes replaced in October 2007, 64,800, drive less than 1000 miles/month, I'm at 78,600 now. Thanks, Adam 2002 LS430

I've had both of mine replaced through extended warranty (like $1000 each otherwise), and do live in Los Angeles, so I keep them on auto. When and if they die again (one worked intermittently, they thought it was a low battery at first; the other was "dropping" down, so wasn't the motor), I'll just keep them open and live with it, as doubt it will be for another 5-7 years if at all.

I appreciate all of the feedback, if not all the debate. I called up an independent Lexus repair place and he agreed that he always does the crank seal when doing the timing belt (very little labor involved), but doesn't do the cam seal unless there is a leak as it is quite an involved task. So, it wasn't done, I wish I had been informed DURING the process, I guess I won't raise a big fuss, and I'll hope that nothing leaks for another 90,000 miles. I just wanted to be smart about maintenance. Happy to hear more opinions or experiences about it though. More info is a good thing. Adam

The seals plus labor aren't that much money once the car is opened up enough to get to timing belt which is why I've read that it is better to be done at that time. To do it on it's own is very labor intensive. Anyway, I do appreciate your opinion. Just trying to figure out what is best. I'm just upset that they didn't consult me on this earlier, when I could have either kept quiet or insisted. In your opinion, it worked out for the best though. Thanks so much.

I had the timing belt serviced on my 2002LS430, water pump, thermostat, asked him to do the cam and crank seals as I read these forums religiously. Upon pickup, he tells me that the service tech told him that they weren't leaking, and that to take them out when they are "dry" is a big job and that it's not the best thing for the engine and to wait for them to start leaking before changing them out and then they're easy to change. Everything I've read here says to do it before it's a problem, as the major labor is in getting to them. The dealer guy is pretty good and helped me out a number of times. What should I do? Adam

Yes, failure of belt would ruin engine. I just had mine done (2002 LS430, 75,000 miles) just because I got nervous after seven years (they say 90k or six years). Independents and other dealers have told me I can wait and take my chances, so it's your call). Wish you the best. Great price quoted for you though.

wow, pretty dirty! do they ever break? can i just get a new one under warranty (have extended through March) instead of cleaning it?

Have 2002 LS430 75,000 miles, dealer adjusted throttle body few months ago as idling a little rough (not sure it helped), now telling me needs to "clean" the throttle body (and fuel injectors). Just wondering how often these things are really done and how the dealer does it? If it's just by adding something to the fuel, I imagine I can do same thing. Anybody know what this is about and how it's done (and if worth the money? Thanks so much, Adam

My left mirror wasn't opening up in the morning (opened up rest of day). Dealer told me that my battery was going, and that was why. You might want to check that, for a real simple fix. Dealer wanted $180 for a new Lexus battery, still debating that though, probably go Interstate for less, think made by same company. Good luck. Adam

It idles at 400rpm or so, from looking at tach, so don't think they raised that. Guess I'll go back again and see what they have to say. If I need a new tb, I'm sure they'd love to do it, as Lexus pays them for the repair. Same thing with motor mounts, though they said those still seemed good. At 74,000, I would think they still would be. Just looking for advice on what to tell them when I take it back.

Seemed like steering wheel and car vibrated a little too much at idle, dealer "adjusted" the throttle body. Now it seems like my milage is down maybe 2-3mpg. Could this be connected somehow? I would think the adjustment would have no impact or reverse of what happened. I still have extended warranty on my 2002 LS430 through March, so I can bring it back in if need be. Thanks for you input, Adam

No resolution yet, still at dealer for some warranty work. They say (again) that it's normal, what they would do is run heat for half an hour full blast and "burn" out the mold smell. They weren't aware of the other remedies, which I may try at later date. Thanks for the input.

Answer is no. If it breaks (and destroys engine) they will fix everything while warranty is valid. But won't service it, even though they're saying it "shows wear." It's okay, talked to another dealer and at Steve at Luxury Motorworks, both say to wait until the full 90,000 miles, even though it's over six years. I'm a little anxious, but from reading the forums, etc., think I can wait.

I used to have a great Toyota repairman in Redondo Beach (Fenton Toyota), but I moved to Hollywood and drove a Maxima for years and he sold the business a few years ago. My extended warranty on 2002 LS430 is just about to run out and wanted to find someone great to service me in Los Angeles/Hollywood area. Didn't see much close to me listed in the forums. Thanks so much. Adam

I've had the cabin air filter replaced (will do it myself next time, thanks to this forum), and the smell is only there when using the a/c. And no, for most part, I not longer use the recycle position, keep it on automatic or manual "open". My extended warranty runs out in April 09, just want to make sure I shouldn't ask them to check something before then. Read in another thread that maybe the drain tube could be blocked. As I said, the dealer stated this was a common problem. I live in Los Angeles, so use the a/c quite a bit.