happy rider

Hello fellow lexuers,

I have a 04 ls430 base model with premium sound system and thing about to upgrade to Mark Levison system. I already got the audio head which set below the front central vent panel. Do I aslo need a seperate AMP and ML speakers in order to make the sound system work?

Thanks ahead for the information

I have the 04 LS430 base model with primium sound system and I just bought a ML radio headset with 6 CD exchanger. I wonder if ML amp is needed in order to fully experience the sound effect of ML sound system. How about the speaker and subwoofer? I'm planning to swap the audio head first without changing the GPS display unit since I'm thinking that would be too much of a hassle to tackle with at this point and most

I just replaced my rear rotors 4 months ago. I don't recall any special holder. Just a couple taps with a steel hammer was all that was needed. The wheel and wheel nuts are what holds the rotor in place.

As for C clamp any one big enough will do. I like to put a block of wood over piston top and clamp against that.

thanks for the hint. I had a picture uploaded here which shows a clear vision of the rubber cap at 10 o'clocl. I removed it and tried to shine a flash light into the whole and could not get a clear visual of a bolt.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yanxliu/4156028967

Sup folks,

I'm trying to replace the rear brake pads and rotors for my 04 LS430. I get to the point that Wheel and caliper was removed. I tried to smash the rotor off with he rubber hammer, but with no luck. I wonder if there's a securing bolt I need to remove before I try this or the rotor just slips off rotor. Besides, anyone could point out where the brake fluid reservoir cap is?

What kinda C-clamp do I need to push the piston back?

Much appreciated.

Just out of curiocity, I did a random test to figure out how high a 04 Ls430 could reach up to through a round trip of approx. 300 miles.

It was a round trip between here and here, about 298mi according to trip computer, and tank refuel showed 10.857 gal used for this 298mi round trip with 24 hours.

Cruise control was used but disengauged during the uphill climbing in order to prevent long time high rpm activities. A crusing speed of 65-67mph was usinged during the "to trip" and a crusing speed of 60mph was used during the "back trip"

about 5 -10 miles of local traffic ride incurred during the round trip, there are wind factors involved. Windows were all up, moon roof was opened.

The result:

The calculated mpg was 26.1 according to the trip computer, however, the calculated mpg according to the trip and gas refeul was 27.59mpg.

I also noticed that the baby can run at quite a high mpg while crusing at 60mpg.

I'm very pleased about the result knowing it is a 8 cyl. monster.

Hope this helps

Last, a picture of my 04 ls 430

Some pictures would be aplausiable, some one says the tranny mount might cause's the humming sound during the ride at certain speed and mine ls430 has it ;(

Unbelievable best $46.00 I've ever spent!!! Mine was broke in 2 peices!!! The ride is simply amazing!!! Doing the motor mounts next!! Very excited and it was so easy!!!

Can't agree enough with you. I had same problem with my LS430 after I bought it. The problem is, I keep thinking this is a lexus and I'm expecting a superior performance, at least a smooooooth ride from it.

So, why I can't escape the fate of getting a humming noise that usually came out from my noisy subaru ;)

SKperformance, interesting what you said about the alignment. Could be possible; I definitely should get that checked soon, because I don't want my new tires wearing poorly. You said you had the dealer "add pressure?"

Only one other person (aside from valets, etc.) has ever driven my car since I bought it, and I was in the car with him when he drove it. I don't have any kids :D . Personally, I drive VERY conscientiously and take care to avoid any kind of road imperfection, including potholes and utilities. Roads are pretty smooth where I live, and my rims are the standard 16" 5-spoke ones for a 1998 model. Haven't hit anything major I can recall recently, and certainly no curbs :o . I suppose I'll find out in about three weeks if a rim is indeed bent (when I get the new tires put on). At any rate, everything should be perfectly balanced right after the tires go on.

Marklouis, transmission mount? That's an interesting point. I can't emphasize enough how faint the sound I'm talking about it--I mean, it's really just "barely there." But if it persists after I get all the work done (I have a nagging suspicion it will), that'll be one of the items I check. Thanks!

Thanks for the the info jainla.

I might just get a head display Unit with GPS touch screen unit first and work on the ML system later. Probably replace the factory speakers one by one or not at all. I did a lil bit research on the board and saw that the effect of ML would show up with spkrs, amp, and sub-woofers changed. I may try my luck at the junk yard, but will be fine if they are not immediately available. :)

If you want the real ML system you have to replace everything; the head unit, the amp and radio in the trunk and all the speakers. I believe the ML system was an option for early non-nav units; so if you really wanted to do this you might find the parts on ebay.

If you want the factory NAV system you'll need the multifunction touchscreen unit, the bezel with the climate control vents, the matching radio headunit/CD player (I don't know if the ML and non ML players and NAV and Non-NAV players are the same).

I don't know if the wiring is the same or different back there; the Nav MFD unit sits on the AVC-LAN bus and recieves signals from the NAV, Climate Control, Radio and other systems.

Honestly for all that money you could go aftermarket and probably get much better bang for your buck; people are making install kits now for the LS430. Plus to buy all these components new you would be talking into 5 figures...used who knows how reliable they would be.

Good luck.

-J

Actually, I think this may be a combine of two questions here. My 04 LS430 has the Stock audio system (W/o GPS central console panel). I'm thinking to switch the Audio system to Mark levison audio system and if necessary a GPS central console. My first question is, will I need more work to be done in order to have the M.L. Audio system to work? eg: M.L. Twitters and Amplifiers or just a simple swap of the central console ?

My second question here is that will there be any extra unit installation need for the GPS to be functional? Will there be any improvement to put the video signal into the GPS screen?

Thanks a bunch :D :D .

Actually, I think this may be a combine of two questions here. My 04 LS430 has the Stock audio system (W/o GPS central console panel). I'm thinking to switch the Audio system to Mark levison audio system and if necessary a GPS central console. My first question is, will I need more work to be done in order to have the M.L. Audio system to work? eg: M.L. Twitters and Amplifiers or just a simple swap of the central console ?

My second question here is that will there be any extra unit installation need for the GPS to be functional? Will there be any improvement to put the video signal into the GPS screen?

Thanks a bunch :D :D .

Here's a place to get maintenance schedules, TSBs, and recall info:

http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/select.html

The maintenance quote is way way much lower than the price quote provided by dealers. Lexus dealer asks about 1,200 for the 90,000 maintenance. :o

Good point to bring up for the GPS screen. But still, I'm not gonna spend $700+ to upgrade to a GPS unit unless it can be modified to hook up a DVD and/or backup cam.

Any thoughts?

No. Its 6 years old so functionality compared to late model GPS is a little lacking but integrration is good.

Tell me more about integration. What do you mean? Thanks

Just that screen is built into car and is multipurpose rather than an aftermarket unit where you just have GPS but not integrated with audio, climate and other car functions. Avoid the often awkward sticking out of the dash aftermarket GPS look as well.

Very effective selling the fear :)

I agree that timing belt needs to be changed.

mine 04 LS430 is approaching 90k maintenance. I called around and had a price list range from $1000+ to $350+. The Lexus dealer was talking about $750 labor for T.B. and $250 labor for Water pump. I'm sure they have the technology but I'm not sure they will get my money for it :P

Anyways, several local toyota dealer would do the timing belt and water pump change with $350 for labor charge(5 hrs of labor charge). I may get the parts from ebay to save some bux as well (tell me if it is not a good idea to buy parts from ebay).

Is it necessary to have Oil and tranny fluid done at the same time?

Call a dealership.....????

Might as well TELL them you have VERY deep pockets while you're at it.

Change the oil and filters, oil, air, pollen, and DRIVE...

Anything more is a waste of money.

Well this is particularly poor, ill considered, advice. OP stated 90k and this is timing belt (TB) change interval for a Lexus.

I guess you don't have to change TB if you don't want but when the belt breaks and you hear the crushing noise of the 32 interference fit valves snapping off and jamming into the pistons perhaps your mind will flash forward to the $6000 check you'll be writing for an engine replacement.....