Bigste

Sounds like the filter screen on the rack is blocked and when you clean it they can be problematic to bleed. Cheap job but time consuming. Plenty of posts about it on here.

If it's the alternator make sure it is completely dry. Any damp oil points to the power steering pump reservoir O ring which is the main cause of alternator failure on these cars. It's a £2 fix if you DIY.

The garage has got that one wrong. Ten bob says you'll get a phone call before he's finished the job.

Can only comment on the timing belt. First of all a car that age does not justify Lexus garage but I would use oem parts as well as water pump and idler. If it breaks it won't do any damage so don't fret over it going past the recommended mileage.

Putting the jump leads wrong way gives you 24v instead of 12v. Fingers crossed there shouldn't be much damage apart from fuses.

These cars are noted for being very fussy over transmission oil. You must use Toyota type 4, nothing else will do. You need to completely get rid of that old oil before progessing further.

I looked for over 6 months and got 93 in apr 07 on ebay. It is as near mint as you'd expect for the year with under 100k so they are about. I'd be more inclined to not rule out a 93/94 and pay a bit over the odds. I paid £2500 so you should get one. History is very important, even if it's DIY. Keep looking you will find one. With petrol what it is they will soon appear. Actually there is a stack on ebay at the mo, personally I'd stay away from dealers and get one from an enthusiast.

I have some rev sensors but ain't put them on yet. You will have to take the bumper off fpr sure. Not a difficult job but will need a helper.

Checkout this link where I posted several replies and you'll get all the info you need. http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/ind...mp;#entry495830 If you stand at the front of the car the air intake is at the front left. The maf sensor is half way along the big air intake pipe and it has wires going to it.

I know it's tight to get the res off but I managed mine okay. Just needed wife to use her little fingers to get the bolts back in. All told it took just over an hour including taking off the air intake and maf sensor. I did not take off any pullies or the whole pump.

A 98 is different from the earlier ones so 97 and earlier is no good try this link and ask if he has yours in stock. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LEXUS-LS400-PASSENGE...Q2em118Q2el1247

Your problem certainly seems to be the power stering pump Oring and it's an easy fix costing £2. Lots of posts on the various LS boards. Keywords for searching are alternator or Power steering pump

I am in Benidorm, Spain and my nearest dealer is Alicante. I get the same treatment. Nothing is too much for them. Also I have bought a few things there and never found anything to be over the top pricewise. Last thing I bought was an O ring at €1.79 (about £1.35) and with that came the coffee and biscuits and a phone call to tell me the part was in the following day. Lexus Alicante obviously value their customers. Well done Lexus!

Bet you wish you had found this car years ago. I've had 2 people sold on Mercs drive my 400 and they are both amazed why there are not more of them.

He is indeed talking about the trunk that lifts up. Standing at the rear, the left side hinge carries the wiring loom he is talking about. It has been known to cause some weird electrical problems.