Davey Blueeyes

On 10/4/2022 at 2:00 PM, Malc1 said:

if it were me I would keep BOTH  ................. it's only money and you don't get pleasure from that unless you spend it on stuff you really really enjoy

 

Malc

You are indeed correct Malc. The 2nd gen facelift LS400 is my favourite car ever. I really don't want it to go. And this LS430 is growing on me, it's clearly a different sort of car from the 400

On 10/4/2022 at 12:10 PM, BigBoomer said:

Nice!! Can I steal your passenger door?  Mine is rusting along the trim

The facelift LS430 runs on 18" wheels and smaller sidewalls, so it feels less wafty than the 400 on 16" or 17", or even the pre-facelift on 17".
The benefit is when/if you throw her at some bends when the tyres and suspension do their thing and she grips!

The drivers seat is not as good as the 400. I have no idea why they went backwards on that.

Tilt/Tele will be the motors or possibly the connectors, but it's common as you say.

When the air shocks go, you can either replace them with new (£££) or used (£) air shocks, or with coilovers (££) which are pretty good, but not as good as the air shocks as they lack the dynamic adjustments done by the suspension controllers. You will also lose a little fuel economy on motorways as the car will no longer lower itself and it won't feel as planted in the twisties, again due to the lack of adjustment. Several on here have gone for the coilovers.

My 2004 is at 137k miles and the air shocks are fine. They could last to 250k (I know of one in the US) or could die tomorrow.
I don't let it worry me as they normally give plenty of warning, unlike the Merc S-Class air shocks that just collapse without notice.

No, you can't have my door! 😂 Have you spoken to Paul Frost? He's always my first stop for breaker bits? Yes, I'm less concerned by the shocks now honestly, they seem fine

Thanks both. 

As the MOT expired in June 2021 and it hasn't moved since then I drove it straight to MOT garage on collection and asked them to MOT it before doing any of the work as I was curious. Unbelievably it passed with 4 advisories, front discs and pads and rear discs and pads! That was it! Unbelievable quality these cars.

Obviously these have now been replaced, new spark plugs, oil and air change, cambelt, water pump and serpentine belt and power steering fluid change. I've been driving her a lot since and she's really growing on me and she's loosened up significantly (in a good way!) now she's being used again!

Drivers heated seat is dead and passenger seat is virtually dead. The rears work a bit. As it was so cheap I'd like to get these sorted but I don't know anyone that could replace the heating elements, which I'm assuming is the source of the failure.

Steering column motors are both gone but I've got breaker replacements so we'll see how they go. Plus I've got a decent breaker replacement sunroof as this one is really rusty along the front edge. So I'll treat the new one and swap them over, looks like 4 Torx screws and it's off.

I do love a fun, cheap project for the winter!

So, I have recently picked up a rather cheap '05 LS430 to go with my LS400, SC430 and Toyota Crown 1JZ. I must be mad!

However this my first dip in the LS430 water and, being used to a LS400, I want to calibrate my expectations! The car is not too bad condition considering it's hardly moved for a year. Needs new brakes all round and MOT. 

First, air suspension seems fine. I've run it through the cycles, measured that high and normal levels from the ground to the middle of the arch on both settings, all seems well. However it doesn't feel as 'wafty' and comfy as the 400? Plus the drivers seat doesn't seem to be 'sprung' on the 430 like it is on the 400? Are both these normal?!

Air con isn't cold but compressor is working, I know the rear pipes can corrode and leak gas so I'll gas it up and see if it lasts. Drivers steering column doesn't tilt or telescope, a common fault I believe. Overall, it seems pretty decent for the money, 100k miles only.

Question is, I've always avoided air suspension, mainly because I didn't want to fix it! If the air suspension does give up the ghost, what is a sensible way to go? Is there a conventional spring conversion kit? Coilovers (don't really fancy them on a car like this)? What is the route most go, who do not give it Lexus to fix?!

It was so cheap I do not have much to concern myself with but assuming all is well I am concious that I may have to choose between this and the 400 eventually, or maybe run both, who needs food?!

Photo for attention!

On 9/10/2022 at 12:01 PM, cruisermark said:

As you say these are aftermarket and probably obsolete.

You could try pulling one out slightly and measure the hole size and see how this compares to a hole required to replace them with some modern ones.

I fitted these myself to 2 different LSs in the past and it can be done without needing to remove the bumper. IIRC the ones i fitted had rubber prongs to hold them in the hole. The prongs allowed about 2.5mm play room.

I remember my very first LS (around 2006/7) was a mark 3 and it came fitted with a set of Steelmate sensors with a visual display - when one of the sensors started playing up I found out they were also discontinued.

Thanks Mark. I actually think this may have been a Toyota fit as I had an imported 1994 Toyota Soarer that had these exact same parking sensors but on each of the 4 corners. They are big and ugly as hell but they still work! I think I'll take it to someone who fits parking sensors and get new ones fitted as I do like having them on the car.

Anyone know anything about these parking sensors? Mine work fine but someone has swiped the cover (I think it's a cover?!) and it's not playing nicely now!

My main concern is how it looks before I spend a load on fresh paint for the car. I'm assuming these are long discontinued, and I'm happy to replace with an aftermarket set but surely the holes left by these will be huge?! 

I appreciate it's not a big issue but the aesthetics are important to me in my favourite car ever! 

3 hours ago, Mihanicos said:

I would first change the oil filter and the transmission fluid, using original parts. Make sure the transmission fluid level is correct when hot. The transmission fluid and filter are subject to a maintenance schedule which must be adhered to.

If the problem persists, log into LexusTech.eu and enter your VIN number and you can find out if there are any technical service bulettins relating to your problem.

In such a case there should be a remedial action and possibly an ecu softwear update to cure the problem.

Chris.

 

Thanks Chris. Yes, fluid and filter changed with genuine T-IV fluid. Sadly there is no maintenance schedule for it, it's a 'sealed for life' job. Which never sounds good to me. 

Its a 06 with 78k on the clock. A transmission failure is unheard of but this transmission ECU problem is not, sadly. I don't really want to send my ECU off to Illinois if possible

I have some strange shifting issues in my SC transmission and it seems that ATF level is fine, solenoids etc are not throwing codes.

Reading US forums it seems there does seem to be an issue with the transmission ECU of the 6 speed sometimes, with symptoms similar to mine and there's a couple of places over there that understand this issue and rebuild them.

Does anyone know anywhere good in the UK that could do the same?

2 hours ago, ambermarine said:

I respectfully concur I felt sure that the Mark one I dismantled had twisted springs but having checked you are correct. there is a video on Utube showing the change procedure dated 2020.

I changed some on my first LS400, probably 12 years ago now and it's a pain to do but not impossible. I remember getting in the boot  to make it easier!

Sadly SGS don't have any rear ones listed for the 400 boot but I wonder if they could either regas them or knock them up to fit. I'm sure they would sell a few if they made some to fit, Amayama are quoting about £97 from Japan (but it's not clear if thats for one or the pair) or you can get a pair for about £80 delivered from a US manufacturer but you'll still have VAT and import duty to pay on top. I'll pop them an email and see what they can do.

I haven't seen a LS400 without a flaccid boot for years, I want to put that 'swoosh' noise back in as you open it!

Original part number was 64530-50011, now delisted

17 minutes ago, ambermarine said:

The Ls400 was not fitted with gas struts to the boot.

I respectfully disagree!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/CDQ1LBGnP3FDmwCD8

The one on the right is the one with the red sticker I removed from the offside of my boot today, the one on the left is some chinese tat that was guaranteed to fit and didn't. And they are a pain to change but seem a bigger pain to source. Regas might be an option??

Does anyone know where or even if these can be had anymore? I do remember from back in the day they are a massive headache to change!

4 hours ago, ColinBarber said:

If your vehicle has lost its immobiliser programming then it will learn the key in the lock after around 6 minutes. You don't need to do it if the security light goes out when you put the key in the ignition. If it remains on/flashing then the immobiliser is still active and therefore the vehicle won't start.

Yes, mine loses the coding when the Battery goes flat. I can't remember the exact procedure but I'm sure it involves turning the key to on and leave for 6 minutes.

The annoying thing is my booster pack is flat at about 5 mins and 40 seconds 🙂

I might give that a go, thanks Herbie.

Am I right in thinking that leaving the key in the 'on' position for 6 minutes is the correct procedure for this?

Great idea, sadly it's in the garage in Brighton having a new exhaust and coilovers fitted 😂😂

I do have my RX400h but I know I can't jump from that

Hello! I have a '99 LS400 and its lovely! However I have a Battery drain issue that it's going into the garage for tomorrow. If I can get it there!

The immediate issue is how to start the thing! Battery is stony flat after 3 days no use, new Battery last Aug. Not just lazy cranks, totally dead, everything. Now I have a booster pack, engine turns fine when that's on but doesn't start because the immobiliser stops it.

So I follow the procedure, leave the key turned to the 'ON' position for six minutes. I have to leave the Battery booster on as otherwise the ECU will die. Once six minutes have elapsed, booster is out of charge so can't start the engine! And it's a Noco Boost Plus GB40 so it's not a rubbish one.

Taking the Battery off to charge is not an option.

Any ideas? Plus it is the 'ON' position for six minutes, is it not??

Yes, definitely something aftermarket or dealer fit. My 2008 RX400 Se-L came with rear seat entertainment as standard. It came with electric tailgate opening and closing as standard. It even came with a really good (for the time) reversing camera! But it did NOT come with any parking sensors.

No RX400 ever, ever, ever came with parking sensors as standard. You'd need a RX450 for that. But the dealers often fitted them to get them sold, especially towards the end of the run.

11 hours ago, apcbbb said:

Two of the standard shock absorbers on my SC were in a sorry state when I bought the car last year. I replaced all 4 with MeisterR coilovers after researching quality v cost. I went for UK quality. They have transformed the handling - and are easily adjustable. Highly recommended for £799! (I have no affiliation with the company - just a very satisfied customer).

Thanks for this, I think I'll be going for these. Out of interest what height setting do you have them on?

I have coilovers on my SC, put on by a previous owner. Now they are starting to look a bit (very!) shagged. Personally I'd rather replace with stock suspension but presumably the cost of rebuilding the entire suspension will be much more than a decent new set of coilovers?

If you have any experience of coilies on an SC430, especially if you've recently bought any, raise your hand now and tell me what you got!

5 hours ago, ambermarine said:

Put in new drop links and new bushes on the anti- roll bar,these will contribute to wear on the shock bushings if they are worn .

As always, thanks Phil, great advice.

I'm really struggling finding the correct part number for the front ARB bushes? Various sites give me 48815-50111, 48815-50151 or 48815-50151??

EDIT - actually, I'm getting conflicting parts numbers for front and rear ARB bushes

Any ideas?? Thanks anyway

David

4 hours ago, Howplum said:

On the rear of mine the dust covers for the shock absorbers have started to disintegrate. The trouble is that they are part of the moulding that fits between the shock absorber and the body. Lexus calls them isolators. However, I did read somewhere on this forum that dust covers from elsewhere could be adapted to fit.

Thanks, I think these are what you refer to?

https://lexuspartsdirect.co.uk/parts/lexus-ls/lexus-ls-phase-ii-1995-2000/lexus-ls-2-steering-suspension/lexus-ls-phase-2-front-shock-absorber-boot/

I won't really know what else will need doing untill we are properly in there. I'm assuming bits like top mounts are still available??

I'm swapping my LS400 DHP springs over to standard springs so with new springs I thought I'd replace the shocks too, as they have all done nearly 145k with unquestionable valour!

What else should I be doing at the same time that's worth it while we are in there? Top mounts? Bump stops presumably?

Just want to get all the preventative stuff done while we are doing suspension stuff!

Back in the day when I had my Soarer (3 of them actually) Admiral was surprisingly cheap on the insurance, even though they were an import. But that was about 8/9 years ago

Hi,

Does anyone know if the front suspension set up is the same on the mark 3 and 4? Especially the springs?

I'm looking for some stock springs for my MK4 and I'm not sure if they are specific to the MK

TIA

As per the title, is anyone running a DHP on standard springs? Given the shocks were the same I guess this would apply to any standard car on 17 DHP wheels??

I'm thinking of swapping in the standard springs. If your gonna have a LS400 is just HAS to be floaty! Just be keen to here of anyone that has and what it was like

11 hours ago, steve2006 said:

These are the correct part numbers but sadly delisted. Before replacing (if still available) try cleaning out the vent/housing as fluff tends to accumulate in there blocking the thermistor sensor. Compressed out normally does the job around 30PSI.

Thanks Steve! I'll give that a whirl, I'm guessing 21 years of fluff will take it's toll! It's a shame to not see these parts available anymore but I'm guessing it's the reality of an older car. 

By firing compressed air through the little grill I'm not going to push it in further am I?? I'd probably want to take the lower dash off to get to it rather than risk breaking that little plastic grill!