GS300h2014

I'd like to add my sentiments on paper oil filter selection & on the removal tool. The car care nut guy has a video commenting on OEM vs 3rd party paper oil filters. He argues very strongly to go with genuine Lexus/Toyota ones as the dimensional fit & the tension in the pressure release spring are critical to proper operation. Why risk going non OEM for such a cheap vital component? If somebody else did the last oil filter change, it could well be on very tight, possible needing a breaker bar or impulse driver to remove. This happened to me with a Toyota Auris which had been previously serviced by a Toyota dealer workshop. In this case you will likely need to use the proper Toyota/Lexus steel removal tool (09228-06502) however it costs circa £28. This doesn't have any flutes & is thus easy to use.

Defective glowplug(s)?

Regarding oil change interval; I was surprised to learn that most Porsche engines needed oil changes at 24 months or 20k miles, bearing in mind that they are not likely to be mollycoddled. When I looked into it, I found they typically have twice the oil capacity compared to a Lexus e.g. a water cooled 911 engine takes 8 litres of oil.

Explanation of the complexity of working on hybrid brakes: https://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/198134-hybrid-pad-disc-replacement/

Changing the pads/discs on a Toyota/Lexus hybrid is only slightly more complex than for conventional setup. I found it best to disconnect the 12v battery before starting. I suggest you review some of the youtube guides before you start in order to avoid problems specific to hybrid brakes.

My wife & I spent 5 days in Cadiz in late May several years ago. The jacamuda trees were in flower & a terrific sight. We loved our stay. I recommend you visit Le Caleta beach used in 007's Die another day film. Great for coastal walks.

I had the same problem on my 2011 Toyota Auris. It was caused by a poor connection in the under-seat plug & socket. This is a not uncommon fault as the under-seat cables get moved whenever you adjust the seat. Before doing anything more complex as Chris suggests try a quick & simple remedy. After waiting 2 minutes after having the car powered down, disconnect the under-seat connector & spray it with WD-40 Contact Cleaner (not the ordinary WD-40). If you are uncertain if the fault relates to the driver's or passenger's seat do both. This permanently solved my problem & hopefully will do the same for you.

In case you haven't seen this report dated February 2023. 'Which' has 3 categories: 0-4 years, 5-9 years and 10-15 years. Details include Lexus scoring 5 stars in all categories. Next were Toyota & Honda with 4 stars in each category. BMW, Mercedes, Vauxhall, Ford, Nissan & Peugeot all scored an average 3 stars in each category. Porsche was 2/3/na, Tesla was 2/1/na & Land Rover was 2/1/2 respectively. Alpha Romeo was bottom with 1 star in all three. The report says that these ratings includes each brand's electric, petrol & diesel cars. However Mercedes EVs trumped all other brands & fuel types whereas Audi EVs scored 1 out of 5 stars. Presumably these EV ratings apply only for 0-4 year old cars.

My understanding is the coolant changes are only specified by Lexus & Toyota in miles covered & not time duration, but I'm happy to be corrected. So 100k & 150k miles for engine & the inverter respectively. I guess this would make sense if it only degrades when it's hot. This would also explain why the inverter coolant has a longer life as I presume it gets less hot. I wonder how Lexus tests the coolant; do you think they check to see if it's turned acidic?

Relax, you're fine. It's not the date that's important but whether your petrol car is compliant with Euro 4 emission standards. As the system show's your car is ... then end of story.

In my experience the major problem is caused by grease previously applied hardening over time due to heat from braking. The only effective solution is to ream out the hardened grease in the sliding pin hole and to use a tub of silicon grease for lubrication and rust resistance. This is highly temperature resistant,doesn't harden nor causes damage to any rubber or plastic such as the boot covering the sliding pin.

My suggestion would be to get the two rear tyres off the ground using axles stands or a centrally placed jack & try turning the wheels by hand to find out what is binding. Try doing this after pressing the brake pedal down. If the brake master cylinder or a brake load proportioning valve is binding then the continuing high pressure will not allow the pads to retract causing the symptoms you describe.

It may reassure you know that the Mk4 GS is not inherently unstable. My 2014 GS300h with AVS feels totally planted on the road at speed. It feels very safe & stable at high speed, more so than any other car I've driven. It's behaved like that since new and has now done 67k. Presumably you've had the front hub bearings checked for play?

Your Toyota & Lexus tyres have the same diameter of 17" but your Toyota tyres are lower profile (45 vs 50) so you would expect the Lexus to have a superior ride. One can only assume its down to the tyres, what tyres have you got on both cars? My 2014 Gs300h with 18" tyres is better than my 2011 Auris even though the Auris has smaller rims with a much higher profile tyre. I suspect the heavier Lexus helps reduce the impact of bumps in the road. I've got all weather tyres on both cars.

I would think the procedure is the same for a RX450 as for my GS300h. No need to bleed the brakes or remove relays. Make sure the electric handbrake is disengaged & the driver's door is open then disconnect the battery. Wait 5 minutes then pump the brake pedal 40 times to ensure the brake system is depressurised then proceed as normal. However when finished, press the brake pedal hard to reposition the new pads before reconnecting the battery. You might need a syringe to remove excess brake fluid from the reservoir.