VKP

Evening all ! Its been a while since I last posted, owning and using my LS400 has been a joy [a little difficulty with power steering last year but a new pump and pipework from amayama.com and all is now well again]. Other than that it has been the usual consumables and plain sailing. Bought @ 126k in 2014 now on 187k - still charging up and down the M6 and M40 regularly like nothing else on the road. Finally decided to charge up the Air conditioning (refrigerant bottle and and trigger from Halfords) doesn't seem to be a leak but the air is still not cold. I have an on screen warning to check the climate screen and a flashing AC button on the climate screen itself and now if the AC is on when I start the car, I get a 5-10 second Foghorn sound (seriously, its a head turner!) and then nothing. I replaced the relay myself and decided to get a new drive belt which went on during the last oil change service {six monthly oil changes suits me}. My guess is that the compressor cranks up, something is causing the noise and the compressor then shuts down. Any opinions and advice on this gratefully received. ps - Just agreed terms on an 2005 LS430 Facelift - going to run both cars for a while until I'm happy with the LS430 and then either mothball the LS400 or find a good home for it. Cheers V.

Hi Neil Got a '98 LS400 MK4 in the end - Delighted with it http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/92456-bought-and-paid-for/#entry878897

Knocking sounds on sharp braking could be control arm bushes rather than the arms themselves.....they can be trouble to source depending on which ones they are I had a deafening "rattle" sound when braking over uneven/cobbled surfaces - Bushes identified by mechanic as the problem (perished rubbers over time) I have replaced lower control bushes with "Febest" ones which I doubt will last very long - Strut bar bushes I have on order via Amayama.com My knocking sound is considerably reduced since the lower bushes were replaced, and I expect it to go completely once the Strut Bar bushes are done in a couple of weeks time

Outstanding!

Feeling like the "Cassette Adapter" solution I'm using to play music and (badly) make calls from my phone sounds pretty shoddy, (and looks untidy) Have recently upgraded my phone and retained my old handset, so I am considering a pay as you go sim so that it can become my permanent "Car-phone/music player" - forwarding my mobile calls to the "car phone" Just need a cheap/clever bluetooth solution to do away with the casette adapter... Any ideas/experiences gratefully received Thanks Viren

I have also read posts that advise changing to water pump (no sense changing the belt only to have the water pump fail and foul everything up anyway) I recently bought my car and had both belt and pump replaced (it was due and it is peace of mind) Viren

Mousehole...... one of my all time favourite places (have been a regular visitor for 20+ years , my friend lives in Chapel Street, opp the Post Office!) .... if you fancy chatting about cars while your down there, Graham (owner of the Pilchard Press, cafe near the harbour car park) is an ex car trader (and does a decent Sausage Sarnie too!) Have been having bad dreams about negotiating the harbour car park when the inevitable visit next occurs...

Many thanks for all the replies, I did think initially that it was an underpass/low light situation (a la Titch LS) and this might still be the case. Will get the battery's health checked and keep an eye on it for now Cheers,

I have started to notice a regular flickering in the Sat Nav screen (just enough to draw my attention but rectified before my eyes close in on the screen , quite annoying) I have read in another post that this could be indicative of an alternator problem - I am concerned that left unchecked it could escalate in to a major issue. Please post if you have any insights in to this symptom - if I can isolate it to an alternator then I am keen to get a replacement in ahead of time to swap it out at an opportune moment If anyone knows the precise part code for the Alternator on a 1998 MK4 VVTI that would be most helpful Thanks in advance Viren

I am only in week 3 of MK4 LS400 ownership - I don't have much experience of Prestige motoring (and setting their costs of purchase and ownership to one side) I have never experienced such a smooth and refined driving experience. My brother is a long time Mercedes enthusiast (W123 and W124) I can't wait to get his verdict on the MK4

Got that knocking sound when "jabbing" the brakes and pronounced rattling that's been identified as "lower control arm bushes worn out" on my 1998 LS 400 MK4 (121k miles) Ambermarine - Are the replacement metal/rubber bushes you've seen on US ebay made by ROCA ?

Hi all, Detailing of the interior continues, the leather is responding well to a weekly clean (saddle soap and Beeswax/Lanolin polish arriving next week). Cleaned out the Air Con Filter and febreezed all the air vents (I have auto glym air con sanitizer on hand if this doesn't fox the feint stale smell when first in the car with the air on) The real let down are the seat belts, they are very dark which in a beige interior is so noticeable Really don't want to have to try cleaning them - has anyone replaced their front seat belts? is it a tricky job? VKP

Cannot argue with that reasoning.....good decision!

Thanks Mark , can wait so will look at Amayama

Hi All, My mechanic says that my d/s/f drop link needs replacing (although both sides have a pronounced knock when the wheel "drops" ) So I'm going to get the pair done - My local parts supplier has quoted me sub £30 per link made by "First Line" I think First Line is their preferred manufacturer but I wonder if there are better quality parts out there for not much more money As always, many thanks in advance Viren