J4ck100

Well by jove. She is quiet as a mouse today after heavy rain yesterday (biblical down south). This leads me to think we are looking at a case of dry/sqeaky bushes. I will make a note to get underneath with some silicone spray at some point. Happy motoring all.

Hi all, I am a proud owner of a 1999 LS400 and she is my long term baby! 110,000 miles so barely run in 🙂 I try and stay on top of all maintenance as and when required. Recently she has developed a squeak/creak from the front that is quite pronounced. It is most notable when you pull off from a standing start. I'm just wondering if anyone has had this before. Obviously I'm going to need to get underneath her, but I always find it helpful to ask the question as to whether anyone has experienced this before 🙂 My best guess right now is either engine mounts or bushes - the noise is quite distinct from worn bushes however which normally give a 'clonk' noise - this isn't that, no heavy knock, just creaking! Thanks in advance

I forgot to update this but a while back I ordered the BAR ASSY, STRUT cushions from Amayama and it sorted my front clonk under braking 100%. Thanks for all suggestions. £50 plus fitting vs £660 for the full arms from UK!

Hi @Swan55 I have, this very moment, just had the very same experience as you had. The starter on my 1999 LS400 has been playing up as of late, often only providing a click instead of a full start. Then for the first time, on this cold January evening, I started her up and to my disbelief I heard the starter keep cranking. I proceeded to remove the key from the ignition, however to my dismay, the starter motor continued to turn. Luckily, I remembered that Lexus equipped these fine motors with a small tool kit in the trunk, so quick as a flash I grabbed a spanner and disconnected the battery. Now I am looking at replacing the Solenoids with the kit listed on eBay. Tell me, did that solve your issue? A mechanic said that a safer bet would be to buy a new starter motor entirely however I would rather save the pennies and help this green earth by repairing/refurbishing my existing unit instead, if possible. Kindest regards, Jack

Well fair play to those that suggested it was fuel related Update: Sorted! Timing was fine - an injector was blocked due to debris coming through from the fuel running dry episode. I have learnt my lesson! Didn’t think dirt could make its way past the fuel filter but I now know that’s not the case seemingly !

3 people have now said as much and the mechanic who I contacted today has confirmed also that this won’t be the case in his opinion

Hi all Just had my LS400 ‘98 timing belt changed today. Didn’t have much fuel in the tank when i gave it to the garage - they actually said as they were getting it to temp it ran out of fuel so they put a gallon in and finished the job. I just drove home now and it feels down on power by a fair bit - 70hp at a guess and also is idling funny (feels like it misses occasionally) though does rev out fine. Take a look at the attached video. Every 5-10s the revs at idle dip below 1k then back again. Initially I thought that maybe that running out of fuel meant dirt was stuck in the engine and that ECU was in some kind of safe mode but now not sure that this is the case and more likely there’s an issue with the timing belt installation. Going to call the garage obviously ASAP but just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on likely cause? Thanks IMG_3494.MOV

Thanks both

Hi all, I am having an issue which appears to be getting worse, though it is intermittent Sometimes when I go to start my car, I get on crank for 2 seconds and no more Key out, back in again, perhaps one more crank and nothing, no turn over Then maybe 3rd or 4th time i get it fire up fine as if nothing happened Battery is tested as fine Doing some research it looks like this could be starter motor related? What would be the best course of action? Thanks Jack

please

No need to worry - was more curious than anything else. Still I think that even for the well-heeled residents of twickenham, richmond and surrounding areas that quote is taking the biscuit.

Good afternoon Jack, Thank you very much for your email. Please note we would advise to replace the water pump and tensioners in replacing the timing belt as if the water pump fails in the near future you would have to do those again. The total cost for this work is £1523.40 Incl vat. We could arrange an appointment for later on this week and would need the vehicle for at least a day.

So i have just received a quote from Lexus in Twickenham for replacement of Timing Belt, Water pump and Tensioners. Any guesses? Feel like a sweepstake (hint: not pretty)

Hi All, I'm nearing my LS400's (1999) 2nd cambelt change (will be first in my ownership). My question is, would you say that an average independent garage/mechanic would be able to change it without hassle? I know its supposedly quite a job. Would you also replace the water pump and pulleys? Anyone have a good link to the parts? Thanks Jack

This phrase would put me right off!! Clearly clueless owner! I say it drives like a Chinese Rolls-Royce