The-Acre

It's worth pointing out that mine hadn't failed, I only replaced the radiator as a precaution after reading about the possible problem. You can see the rust beginning on mine and I believe it's the spread of rust that causes the joint to fail, that perhaps coupled with the slow failure of the o rings (as used to happen with the early LS400 power steering pump) Here are some more photos that I think show the real possibility of impending doom! The first is the radiator upside down showing the two connections that join the transmission via the rubber hoses, easy to access from underneath if raised up, the second is the bottom of the radiator cut away showing the cooler, the third shows just the cooler separated and how things were deteriorating. As you can see, the cooler is actually very small but in perfect condition in itself. And yes, the coolant needs to be drained but you don't really loose trans fluid, just a tiny amount.

Yes, I've noticed almost every GS300 advertised says CVT but they're not, which goes to show how little most sellers know about them.

I don't think it does, surely that's just the hybrid.

It does mean removing the rad if a ramp isn't available to do it underneath. Also a word of warning, do one side at a time because the two unions are the only thing holding the cooler in place, there are two o rings on each joint, one as seen in the photo, the other visible when the connection is removed.

I think you're right. For me I'd be more likely drawn back to a 430, one of the later ones. I will try to find a 460 somewhere to help make the decision. The price for the late 430 seems not far off to the early 460. The problem as always is finding genuine ones.

I know I've posted this in the past but it's worth putting on again. This was the the connection from the radiator to the transmission hoses on my first LS430, it's easy to see from this where the problem begins, corrosion breaking the seal. It's a shame it wasn't all made from stainless steel. The cooler within the radiator is aluminium and was like new when I broke it apart. It's just these two connections that are to blame which is why I think another preventative measure could be taking the joints apart, cleaning and re-fitting, that'll save replacing the rad altogether.

Well, it seems that once you've had a V8, a V6, although very nice, is a bit like the second pressing of the grape. So although I won't be rushing or going too far out of my way, a V8 it eventually has to be. I've looked at the mot history on a few 460's and they do seem to suffer with control arm and bush failure. So having scared myself with the thought of an LS hybrid, it'll be a facelift 430 or a 460. Any thoughts/opinions appreciated.

I'm sure you've done this but it's worth asking. Were the hubs cleaned well before the new discs were put on? When the front pads on my LS were changed, a tiny, and I mean tiny piece of trapped rust flake caused it to wobble when braking. I took it off and cleaned the surfaces and all was fine. Personally I wouldn't buy cheap suspension/steering parts.

Keep us posted.

Interesting, thanks.

This one has been for sale for some time, and if any of you Cheshire people reading this happen to be passing and fancy taking a look I may just find myself tempted again! https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-55-LEXUS-LS-4-3-430-4D-AUTO-279-BHP/253609910680?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Dff87a57a47d4448381d498ba0e7566ce%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D253609910226%26itm%3D253609910680&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Af8398ae6-6f99-11e8-83ad-74dbd180bd54|parentrq%3Afcecde6c1630ad48470330f8fff05659|iid%3A1

Let's hope it sorts your problem. I don't feel my issue is a worn shock, the noise is very slight and almost "plastic" sounding than metal. Either way it definitely comes from the front off side. Iv'e covered over 3K and it hasn't worsened so maybe I just have to wait until it does...if it does.

Hmmm, interesting thoughts. When I took a friend out in my LS430 he said "it sounds like one of those electric cars" because pulling away gently you couldn't really hear anything. In my GS last week another friend said "you don't hear it do you" so who's the winner?

Brilliant news!

My wife refers to it as a disease, and she may be right. Sadly research into a cure is still ongoing!

I really must confess to getting that V8 itch again in increasing measure! I need to either see sense and be happy with what I have or.......😬😵

Looks the biz Neil. I passed a bright red SC near Chichester today, it really stood out in that colour, not so common in red I don't think.

GS 300's seem in plentiful supply so hang on a while. I went to see two before I bought mine, both looked good in the adverts but not so on inspection. I did pay good money (5.6k) but I got one in near new condition with low miles and full main dealer history, so far it's been excellent. Good luck.

Funny old world! He phoned me to ask a couple of questions, seemed like a really nice bloke.

I bought Gliptone and it does work well and smells nice, although my wife got in the car after I used it and asked why it smells of TCP! Btw Martin, did you know old Baz now has the LS I sold you?

To be honest I'd get a new one for the peace of mind. If it's weeping in one place it stands to reason it'll be somewhere else before long.

I would suggest waiting until it comes from the States in case it does match the original in which case you'll be fine. If not, post on here what you have and go from there.

Hi John, I would change the two hoses, I found one of mine to be cracked so I would recommend doing the same. An easy job but you'll have to adapt the new radiator slightly as it won't be identical to the original. The info is all here somewhere.

Hi Tim, the mileage is nothing for an LS. The most likely problems that will cost you even more than an arm and a leg will be the suspension system (assuming the one you get has air) Make sure it sits level and rises and lowers when you adjust the height. Ideally see it before its been driven after sitting over night to make sure it hasn't dropped. The steering wheel motors should go up and down and in and out but often fail. Side windows can de-laminate and make sure the transmission is perfectly smooth, and do a search on this forum on how to prevent transmission failures. Also there should be no knocks over bumps from the front. They're great cars. Good luck!

About £85 it cost to replace the radiator on both my LS430's. It would be possible just to take the old one out and clean the joints and put in new O rings as that's where the problem begins, but as they're so cheap it's easier just to put in a new one. A slight adaption is needed however as the after market ones are slightly different.