Britprius

Although this is a common problem on some Toyota/Lexus VVT engines the only cures I have found that work are either replacing the cam gears or adding a pre-lube system to the engines. I have a GS450H with the same problem. Lexus did a recall to replace the gears on the non hybrid versions of the GS, but say on the hybrid versions it does not cause any problems. A pre-lube system consists of an inverted bottle with a solenoid on the outlet of the bottle. This in turn is connected to a flexible pipe to a "T" piece on the oil line to the oil pressure switch. When the engine is running the oil under pressure near fills the bottle from the bottom under pressure air being trapped in the top above the oil. The one way solenoid stops the oil escaping when the engine is turned off. The solenoid is opened on a timer for a short period as the ignition is turned on. This releases the oil under pressure round the engine pre- pressuring the complete system, and so eliminating the noise also reducing engine ware. When the engine starts, and comes up to full oil pressure the bottle re-fills with oil ready for the next start. Ready made systems are available, are comparatively cheep, easy to install, and save engine ware. John.

There was another recall already mentioned by member Chris111 for a fuel pressure regulator "possible fuel leak". This work can still be carried out free of charge with use of a courtesy car if needed. I had my 2007 done a few months ago. John.

Robert. I am happy to be able to help when I can. To me the forum exists to help each other, and keep the costs of repairs to a reasonable level. I have learned much from the forum, and continue to do so. John

Inlet manifold bolts are 13 ft/lbs. I would not bother altering the spark plug settings. John

Correct spark plug torque is 18 nm or 13 ft/lbs. John

Robert I have not done either calibration "zero point or linear solenoid", but believe it is a relatively easy process with Techstream giving instructions for each. I will see if I can connect to my own car, and check things out. Zero point calibration on the steering should be carried out as part of the tracking service where ever you have it done. John.

Linas. It was probably my post you saw about converting to LPG. Answering your question the reason for conversion would be to put fuel costs well and truly in Prius territory The equivalent of 65/70 mpg in cost terms. That with no noticeable loss in performance seems a reasonable aim. Even when towing my caravan "yes I tow a caravan with the 450H" I would be getting the equivalent of 50 mpg. John.

If you have the plate with the serial number as you say the dealer can make a key. John

Chris once the car has been started with the legitimate fob or other it will keep running as normal. The reason for this is that if the fob battery was to fail while you are driving you would not want the car to come to a standstill in the middle of a motorway. Once you turn the car off you then need the fob signal to restart it. This can lead to problems if you loose a fob or only carry one fob with you and your wife in the car. You jump in the car with the fob in your pocket, and your wife gets in as passenger. You go into town, and your wife gets into the driving seat to go else ware dropping you off. Your wife arrives at her destination , and turns the car off to do some shopping. Comes back later to find she cannot get into the car or if she left the car open she cannot start it as you have the fob your pocket. John.

You are quite correct about the steering wheel not coming off unless it has previously been disturbed. Turning the steering wheel on it's shaft will produce an offset in the steering rack giving more lock in one direction, and less in the other. This can play havoc with the power steering sensors. When tract correctly a zero point calibration should be carried out on the steering with Techstream. "Normally part of the tracking procedure". Thinking about you braking problem this "may2 be cured by carrying out a linear solenoid centering calibration on the brake actuator. Again with Techstream preferably after do a complete fluid change using Techstream. John.

Robert I would think your steering problem is down to the wheels being out of alignment. Ideally a 4 wheel alignment should be carried out, but since only shocks have been changed on the rear "these do not upset the alignment when changed on the GS" it will only be the fronts that need doing. Ask for a front wheel alignment, and camber check. The tyres on the GS are quite wide so wide that on full lock only one line of tread on the tyre is at the correct angle as the inside, and outside edges of the tyre follow different turning circles. If the tracking is out so that an inside or outside edge is following the true line the other edge of the tyre is way off track. The effect even when tracking is correct can be heard and felt on painted carpark surfaces where at very low speeds the tyres will squeal, and the steering feels all wrong. John

The Landsail tyres you are worried about are actually very good so called "budget" tyres. Although I agree some budget tyres are of dubious quality this does not apply to them. I do not work or have any association with Landsail tyres. John.

I spotted an SC430 at the Stew Poney traffic lights Stourbridge to day at about 4-15 pm. I rarely see one of these, and wondered if it was anyone from LOC. John.

If the noise is coming from there the chances are the nut on top of the shock absorber is loose. Remove the 3 top cover nuts, and lift off the cover. Underneath you will find the actuator motor. Quarter turn this and lift off "like removing the bayonet style light bulb". Then tighten the centre nut to 21ft/lbs then reassemble in the reverse order. If this does not cure the problem it is almost certain the shock absorber needs replacing. The part will cost upwards of £265 there is no aftermarket replacement available. John.

This company has popped up on several occasions on LOC, and generally has good reviews. John.

Ian. KYB are indeed the manufacturer Toyota/Lexus use. I cannot confirm the part numbers, but no doubt someone else will. To be honest on some Lexus models KYB shocks are not known for reliability especially the shaft seal being prone to leaking even at low mileage (20,000), and just over one year old out of guarantee. There seems little in the way of alternatives however. John.

I also found Adrian Flux pricing unrealistic. I am in my 70's with clean licence long no claims history, and live in a rural very low crime area. I was quoted similar figures for my GS450H with nothing in the way of extras added to the policy. No NCP, no brake down cover, and a high excess. Going through Admiral I got full cover all inclusive with a voluntary excess of £100 for £280. I have not tried going the agreed value route, but might try next year to see what they come up with. John

I have been looking into this for GS450H, and there are conflicting views. If the engine in the 600H has duel injection that is port, and direct cylinder injection as with the 450H the answer appears to be yes providing you also inject some fuel through the direct injection injectors. This is to stop the injector tips being overheated being cooled by the fuel. This means you loose much of the benefit of using LPG. It also means a much longer period before recovering the cost of conversion. John.

Is the car still under guarantee? It is likely something simple as a poor connection, but these can be notoriously difficult to trace. John.

Both. They will be able to refurbish your caliper though if you wish, but they will have the slide pin rubber gaiters as well. Robert. Biggred will have them in stock there range of parts is huge. John.

Robert. Biggred will have them in stock there range of parts is huge. John.

Robert I should have pointed out those bottom through bolts are very tight, and contrary to normal thinking you undo the bolt holding the nut stationary "sorry". The same goes when torquing them up the nut is held still, and the bolt torqued. I did point this out in my torque figures. They are however very substantial high tensile bolts. I use a 12 volt cigar lighter plug in impact wheel gun to undo mine as I do not have a compressor. These are about £35 on Ebay complete in plastic case with 4 sizes of impact sockets. Worth every penny as it makes wheel changing effortless when just bending down is a problem. I carry it around in my boot held to the drivers side by the strap fitted possibly for a first aid box. Not fitting the new top shaft rubbers will make little or no difference. The yellow rubber is the bump stop The shocks can loose quite a quantity of oil before they stop working, but usually start to make a knock on longer travel strokes as the rod piston comes into contact with the gas separation piston that rises in the shock tube as oil is lost. For the calipers I would ring "Biggred" first thing Monday to get things moving quickly. They have been very efficient in the past when I have used them. John.

Try calling "Biggred" 01905428793. They do a repair, replacement, and parts at very competitive prices. Look them up on the net. www.biggred.co.uk John

Robert. One less thing to worry about for the MOT. If you do not mind sharing how much did they charge for replacing the "Y" piece. Do not forget to check your phone still links automatically when turning the car on. I found with my car disconnecting the 12 volt battery looses the auto connect so that I have to go into the menu, and choose the phone to connect to the first time after re connecting the battery. The actual phones however are not erased from the memory. John

Below is the recommended oil grades for Lexus vehicles. Surprisingly the heaviest grade recommendation is 5w30, and many vehicles can use 5w20 or 0w20 grades. I find the 0w20 oil in the GS450h almost eliminates the cold start rattle from the VVT mechanism as it circulates faster than the higher grades. This is very noticeable. John.