Doc Brown

Hi guys, Just read annex B of UK/Japan free trade agreement and yes, car parts are import duty free. Just as well, as I have to replace the power steering link assembly on my LS460. Lexus UK quote £6425 plus VAT. Megazip parts Japan delivers same part to UK for £2150, so 1/3 the price. Still steep but not a car killer and more reliable than used. Been in negotiation with Lexus UK re steering link assembly problem was a known design flaw that they modified within 15 months of initial production in 2006. Best I could get was half Lexus price plus VAT. Still a no brainer to get direct from Japan.

Hi Guys, I am currently in serious discussion with Lexus UK regarding problems with the power steering on my Dec 2006 (61000 mile) Lexus LS460L. Got exceeding full lock warning on display two months ago followed by steering wheel now offset by 45 degrees and DTC C15A9 diagnosed. Apparently the early 460s had problems with their VGRS system and there was a voluntary safety recall in 2010 to replace the power steering ECUs for cars manufactured in 2008/09. Only 44 cars were recalled in the UK, so after some digging, I got my hands on an internal Lexus Technical Service Bulletin from 10/10/2008. It reveals that Lexus were aware that the original design of VGRS was not fit for purpose and consequently the lock holder components on the steering link assembly were modified to prevent lock holder movement and the VGRS software was changed in the ECU. Production changes were implemented in October 2007 (only 15 months after LS460 and LS600h were put into production in June 2006). As it turns out, I suspect the 2010 safety recall was to replace the modified PS ECUs from 2007/8 manufactured cars onwards (same phenomenon as was being experienced as with early production models). I did find information that in the USA, four 2006/7 cars that had their power steering ECUs replaced under warranty, then had to have them replaced again under the 2010 recall. I have found out that one chap on LOC from Ayrshire had the same problem I have, repaired f.o.c in 2010 as his Warranty had only ran out 4 weeks earlier. It would appear that Lexus has mostly managed to keep this problem swept under the carpet, and has probably thought that it has gone away now. However, my argument is that Lexus sold a premium vehicle in 2006/7 with systemic design flaws that should have been dealt with under a product recall. If the problem did manifest in the first 3 years, then those owners were lucky (covered by warranty). However, for the rest of us, if you were/are unfortunate enough to have suffered this problem, then what was a £5000 repair in 2010 is now £8800 for parts (UK Lexus prices) plus labour (1 day). I can currently get the same parts from Japanese based OEM parts supplier Megazip for £3031. Any import duty charged would be on the link assembly only (if at all) as ECUs are import duty free. Either Lexus UK are exorbitantly greedy or their parts chief buyer needs sacking. Apologies about the rant. Doc Brown

Hi Guys, Read through the latest links in this string and it appears that for some car parts there is no duty - ECUs are mentioned specifically. Like other contributers I have been getting Lexus parts direct from Amaya in Japan and have yet to be charged import duty. This is just as well as I am currently in serious discussion with Lexus UK regarding problems with the power steering on my Dec 2006 (61000 mile) Lexus LS460L. Got exceeding full lock warning on display two months ago followed by steering wheel now offset by 45 degrees and DTC C15A9 diagnosed. Apparently the early 460s had problems with their VGRS system and there was a voluntary safety recall in 2010 to replace the power steering ECUs for cars manufactured in 2008/09. Only 44 cars were recalled in the UK, so after some digging, I got my hands on an internal Lexus Technical Service Bulletin from 10/10/2008. It reveals that Lexus were aware that the original design of VGRS was not fit for purpose and consequently the lock holder components on the steering link assembly were modified to prevent lock holder movement and the VGRS software was changed in the ECU. Production changes were implemented in October 2007 (only 15 months after LS460 and LS600h were put into production in June 2006). As it turns out I suspect the 2010 safety recall was to replace the modified PS ECUs from 2007/8 manufactured cars onwards (same phenomenon as was being experienced as with early production models). I did find information that in the USA, four 2006/7 cars that had their power steering ECUs replaced under warranty, then had to have them replaced again under the 2010 recall. I have found out that one chap on LOC from Ayrshire had the same problem I have, repaired f.o.c in 2010 as his Warranty had only ran out 4 weeks earlier. It would appear that Lexus has mostly managed to keep this problem swept under the carpet, and has probably thought that it has gone away now. However, my argument is that Lexus sold a premium vehicle in 2006/7 with systemic design flaws that should have been dealt with under a product recall. If the problem did manifest in the first 3 years then those owners were lucky, covered by warranty. However, for the rest of us, if you were/are unfortunate enough to have suffered this problem, then what was a £5000 repair in 2010 is now £8800 for parts (UK Lexus prices) plus labour (1 day). I can currently get the same parts from Japanese based OEM parts supplier Megazip for £3031. Any import duty charged would be on the link assembly only (if at all). Either Lexus UK are exorbitantly greedy or their parts chief buyer needs sacking. Apologies about the rant Doc Brown

The hooks on the brackets are plastic coated and do not leave any marks. Quality bit of kit from Inno (Japanese Co.)

Well guys, here is my 460 locked and loaded. eat your heart out Land Rover

Well there are only 430 LS 460 SE-Ls taxed and on British roads, so not much of a market methinks.

Hi Pete, Like you I struggled to find a kit for my 1999 LS400. I ended up buying a set from La Prealpina Roof Bars, which was advertised as fitting the 400. Hooks were the wrong length and shape, so did a bit of metal wrangling to make them fit. Wasn't ideal but they did the business for about 5 years.

Nope, You just need to get them from the US or Japan.

Hope you enjoy these. The Big Banana Inno rack system with home-made Kayak cradle

Thanks for your interest. Yes Mark, there are roof bars for the LS and I've now had them on my 400, 430 and now 460. Whilst it might seem a tad vulgar to tool-up an LS for touring with a Kayak, they are superb haulers of oversize luggage. Our 16' banana on the roof of our limousine does receive interesting but generally positive comments. Hi George, thought I had some photos of the 400 loaded up but think they have gone from my phone. I'll take and post pics of the rack with my homemade kayak cradle for your perusal.

Hi, New to LOC, but just want to raise my experiences in obtaining roof bar kits for my previous LS430 and current 460. After much searching, I eventually resorted to buying an "INNO" kit for my 430 - Inno are a Japanese Company that make a range of aftermarket roof racks etc (innoracks.com). This meant purchasing from the USA where the number of LSs is so much greater than here in the UK. I have read some threads about the difficulty about getting roof bars etc for LS models at reasonable prices here in the UK, so I hope this helps. Some LS connoisseurs may cringe at the prospect of their limo with roof bars, but for me, I have a tandem kayak (16') and the LS is the perfect vehicle for transporting it. The quality and ease of fit of the INNO rack is impressive and I can totally recommend them. Once you have the base stays and bars, then if you change LS model, you only need a different hook kit. I have recently replaced my 430 with a 460 and as a result, I have retained the INNO base stays of my rack but replaced the footpads and hooks. If anyone has the INNO system and wants footpads and hooks for the LS 430, and is happy to pay the postage, then let me know (I have three sets but don't ask!). I appreciate that the LS is not the most common vehicle on the UK roads and getting add-ons like roof bar kits can be a bit of a challenge. Perhaps the LOC members might want to consider ways and means of passing on these useful but no longer required bits of accessories within the LOC community. Cheers Doc Brown g_t_brown@hotmail.com