fred81

Probably won't be a failure, and can probably be cleaned up, The problem is that the ball joints aren't a separate part - unless someone can figure out how to do this (and with what parts), we are all going to be in a bit of a mess in years to come! (hopefully they will come back in stock at Amayama!) Regards

I'm not sure how true the above is. OES = original equipment supplier. Thus, genuine, stamped parts that would have been used to build the car in the first place. OEM = original equipment manufacturer - may or may not have the stamped or branded element on the parts, but comes off the same line all the same. I'd have no concerns with quality if the part was listed OES or OEM. Regarding the aftermarket rear UCR (UCA?) though - after my extensive research I can't see any aftermarket parts at all - I'm not even sure they exist - can you shed any light? PS: I'm after rear left and right UCA (1998) as mine are corroding! Regards

Here's a rear right control arm at $190+shipping+customs http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Rear-Passenger-Control-Arm-Right-Side-RH-Hand-Fits-Lexus-LS400-/111825730846?fits=Model%3ALS400&hash=item1a09553d1e:g:c0sAAOSwiwVWSlKT The above seller doesn't have a left one though... Here's a seller with both: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-LS400-Rear-Right-Upper-Control-Arm-Genuine-OES-48770-59015-/350747429085?fits=Year%3A1998|Make%3ALexus|Model%3ALS400|Submodel%3ABase|Engine+-+Liter_Display%3A4.0L&hash=item51aa2d08dd:g:U4kAAOxy9DRSBQ1b&vxp=mtr http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-LS400-Rear-Driver-Left-Upper-Control-Arm-Genuine-OES-48790-59015-/360893465594?hash=item5406ed43fa:g:n7gAAOxy14VRSx~u Those are $244 +shipping+customs. That's the best I've found so far .. still no aftermarket or even 2nd hand..and nothing in the UK...

From Amayama:

Part numbers on the rear upper suspension arms: 48790-59025 and 48770-59025 They're out of stock on Amayama and eBay only has a couple in the US at stupid prices. Seems no aftermarket parts are available? Maybe the bearings themselves can be replaced - if you find parts or anyone who can do this, let me know! Regards

Thanks Titch - don't suppose you have any links or part numbers? Regards, Tim

It was the one that came from Bilmac in Ireland - maybe it lived next to the sea for a bit? Interesting, although it's on a 2000 plate, and the date of first use shows 2000, the VIN puts it as a '98 car. Regards, Tim

Update on this one, I went on a bit of a spending spree and bought: 2 x Front Upper Control Arms ( link ) 2 x Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joints ( link ) 2 x Front Drop Links ( link ) 2 x Rear Drop Links ( link ) 4 x "Unity" strut assembly ( link link ) Haven't gotten round to checking the height rod yet, Steve - I'll do that soon. Can't find any Rear Upper Control arms - seems no aftermarket exist, and Amayama have no genuine parts - eBay do but they're in the US and very pricey - any ideas? Part numbers: Toyota 4879059025 ARM, SUSPENSION (BJ JP) - 79.22 GBP, 1 items Toyota 4877059025 ARM, SUSPENSION (BJ JP) - 79.22 GBP, 1 items What else should I be looking at replacing at the same time? Anyone got any advice on dealing with the corrosion (ie, removing, best tools, chemicals, etc) - before I look at protection? (DYNAX sounds interesting) Lastly, does anyone have a list of service items (with recommendations?) as I'll be doing a full service when all the other work is done. (Oil/filters/plugs/etc) Regards, Tim

Do you mean these, Malc? : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Lexus-Rubber-Wiper-Blade-Right-Hand-LS400-02-95-Onwards-8521450050-/252029782420?fits=Cars+Year%3A1998%7CModel%3ALS&hash=item3aae254994 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Lexus-Rubber-Wiper-Blade-Left-Hand-LS400-08-98-Onwards-8521450090-/261936653356?fits=Cars+Year%3A1998%7CModel%3ALS&hash=item3cfca4242c Will I need to check that the OEM wiper assemblies are still there and haven't been replaced with aftermarket blade types before hand? Any pictures for guidance? Regards, Tim

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll just get all the rusty bits wire brushed up when the new strut assemblies are fitted and we'll see how bad things really are. Steve, I've uploaded a photo of the wheel, hopefully you can make out the wheel nut type? I think they are 21mm. I might need more than 3 as some are odd, I'll get back to you. Also, are you sure the headlight aim is related to the sensor and not just because the spring on the O/S is snapped and thus a lot lower? Can you show me the location of the sensor so I can check? Is it worth replacing the UCAs (source anyone?) and any other suspension parts while I'm at it? Regards, Tim

Thanks Steve. So I took the LS for an MOT yesterday: Test date: 8 January 2016 Test Result: Fail Odometer reading: 73,643 miles MOT test number: 2158 6785 1504 Reason(s) for failure: nearside front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2) offside front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2) offside front Headlamp aim too high (1.8) offside front Wheel nut(s) missing (4.2.A.1e) offside rear Wheel nut(s) missing (4.2.A.1e) nearside front Wheel nut(s) missing (4.2.A.1e) offside front coil spring broken (2.4.C.1a) offside rear rear parking (secondary) brake grabbing severely (3.7.B.6b) Advisory notice item(s): nearside rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner sill (2.4.A.3) offside rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner sill (2.4.A.3) vehicle suspension heavily corroded front & rear nearside rear upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened corroded/weak (2.4.G.1) offside rear upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened corroded/weak (2.4.G.1) nearside rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b) offside rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b) Front brake pads not visable offside rear upper Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2) nearside rear Brake pipe slightly corroded to hose (3.6.B.2c) nearside rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i) Not good eh? The wheel nuts I knew about as I had the tyres replaced before the MOT (KUMHO HS51 235/55/17 from OPONEO.co.uk) - the locking wheel nuts all broke on the way out. Have sourced some temporary from the scrap yard (cost £1 each). Anyone got any OEM wheel nuts? So the suspension is pretty screwed. I've found complete strut assemblies on Amazon in the US - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YJL7JS2/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YJL9H9Q/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Total cost with shipping to the UK: £370. Not too bad, I wonder how much duty I'll end up paying? Makes sense to do it all now and doesn't seem worth just replacing a coil spring (tricky and dangerous job to do anyway). Anyone have recommendations for wiper blades? The headlight aim I'm assuming is a result of the snapped coil spring so I'm not worried about that. Finally, regarding the other advisory notices, any advice? I'm spending $$ now to secure this car's future as it's been sat for a year - aside from what you see above, the car is beautiful inside and out (one dent and a couple scratches - will sort that too) - also, check the mileage! Any help appreciated :) ​Regards, Tim

Hello, Some absolute crack head smashed my drivers side rear window in the summer, caused a right mess. I've had it under a tarp since then but have now had the time to sort it out. I managed to get a replacement window from ebay, but have no real idea how to fit it. Does anyone have any diagrams or pictures that can help? I've managed to get this 99% done but I'm not happy with it. I think it needs to be done in a specific way (ie bolt1 first, bolt3 second, etc) Also, does anyone have a picture of a door with the card off so I can check bolt locations/types, etc? Looking to get my baby back on the road ASAP (I've had a company 65 plate Ford Fiesta - not bad but not a patch on the Lexus). It will need an MOT - so before then I'm looking at 4 new tyres (17" DHP), alloy wheel refurb - any ideas? Regards, Tim

If anyone wants to make me an offer though ;)

I became a member in Oct 2013 and have a V reg burgundy DHP LS400. Not me selling though :)