Ken83

On 11/17/2023 at 4:51 PM, Bob99 said:

I had Michelin pilot sport 5s fitted and I am very pleased with them quieter and softer than my previous asymmetric 5s. I replaced all the tpms at the same time due to the age of the car. I bought them from lexuspartsdirect. Think the original denso ones are available on eBay possibly cheaper.

Thanks Bob, I will check those out too. I have never understood the lexuspartsdirect website. Is it still Lexus just cheaper or a 3rd party selling on Lexus parts? Either way, I will check it out for this. Any way of avoiding main dealer prices I'm up for!

Cheers,

Ken 

On 11/17/2023 at 4:10 PM, rayaans said:

I believe you are having the crabbing issue. 

The goodyear F1 Asymmetric 6 are heavily performance orientated. They're extremely good in the dry and wet when its warm but they become quite hard and slippy in temperature less than 10 degrees. I quite often spin them out in my c-class.

Its funny you should mention the Bridgestone Turanza T005. Ive had these fitted to the rear of the C class 1 month ago and they replaced the Asymmetric 6s. I find them softer and quieter. Also more of an all rounder than the Asymmetric 6. 

I believe you can use other TPMS sensors and have them calibrated to the car. Dont think there are any major issues

Thanks for the feedback Rayaans. With our weather as it is, I think Its safer to stick with an all rounder so your input is very useful. 

Cheers,

Ken 

Hi All,

Can I get some opinions on tyres to put on my IS300h.

I currently have Dunlop Maxx RT on all corners as I did not like the firm ride from the original Bridgestone's. They're not bad, but I find they wear a little quicker than other tyres I have had and they suffer from crawing (I think its called when it slides on the edge of the tyre when you full lock).

I'm currently considering:

- Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 6

- Bridgestone Turanza T005 (which I believe are new and softer than the previous Turanza's I had)

Any feedback/opinions, would be great.

Also, my car is an F-Sport. Front wheel tyres are 225/40/R18 rears are 225/35/R18 and are much more limited in choice and more expensive than fronts. Does anybody know if you can use 225/40/R18 on the back as well or it will cause issues?

Lastly, I need to change a TPMS sensor. Lexus have quoted me £86 for the one ands my mechanic can program for another £40. Has anybody used a non Lexus sensor and did it work ok? Or should I not risk it? I find their parts are exceptionally expensive. It's £210 per sensor supplied and fit at my local Lexus dealership.

Cheers,

Ken 

Hi All,

I've noticed the headlamps (the clear casing) on my 2014 IS300h are becoming hazy. It's worse at the top but seems to be working its was down. It's surprising as its only 8 years old and I have a 12 year old Mercedes CLC as well which has totally clear headlamps. Not sure if the spray of screen cleaner you get when you first clean the windscreen is causing this or this is just what happens at 8 years.

If anyone else has this problem on their IS300h or knows how to get rid of it permanently or for a good while at least, please let me know as its likely to make the car look quite aged as it goes on.

Cheers

Ken 

Thanks all for your suggestions! I went with Autoglym in the end and the end result is good, but will be trying some of the others when it starts to look a little dry again. 

4 hours ago, Darkmajancjone said:

Original discs and ebc ceramic pads I put on. The only thing I noticed is no more noise and a lot less of brake dust. 

Thanks - if you let me know which ones specifically (only if you have that to hand) I'll order the set.

Incidentally, I just picked up the car after the rear caliper change and it seems to be totally silent at present.

Fingers crossed!!!

Ken

11 hours ago, Darkmajancjone said:

I sorted mine with changing the break pads and discs and finally it stopped. 

Were they for Lexus originals or aftermarkets and if aftermarkets which pads and did you notice any change in braking?

Thanks

@DomThanks for the message. I did suspect that brake dust was a factor as it dusts up like you wouldn't believe! Funny what you say about the jet wash - one guy at Lexus told me that high pressure washes rather cause the issue as they blow off the grease on the calipers. 

Mine is currently at Lexus where they are changing the back calipers (front already changed) as they are sticking and they think that's the reason. It did get better after the greased them last year as they said they were sticking and causing the issue, but seems to have come back. 

the saga continues 😄  

Hi All,

I have red leather seats in my IS300h which are starting to look a little dull and dry - they looked fantastic when I bought the car 3 years ago.

I usually clean/condition them with wipes but I think they need a slightly more intense treatment now.

Can anyone recommend a leather cleaner and conditioner I can use on them safely to treat them this summer that they have experience of? Also, can you get touch up pens for the nicks you get on the seats to get them back to the original colour and make them less obvious?

Thanks

Ken 

Hi All,

The passenger dipped beam on my IS300h has stopped working. Lexus has quoted me £125 to change just that one side. They say its not the light unit but the bulb.

Looking online I can get the bulbs for around £40 each. I also found some HID bulbs called 'OSRAM Night Breaker Laser Xenarc' which are £120 for a pair from autobulbsdirect.co.uk. 

Can anyone please advise if its relatively easy to change the bulbs myself or I shouldn't even attempt? Also, does anyone have any experience with these bulbs? I'm thinking if its £120 for 2 and its easy to change I may as well change both myself and get the better performance these bulbs are supposed to provide as TBH the lights aren't currently anything to write home about.

Lastly, if anyone could advise if they've had any issues with error messages after changing bulbs? Funnily enough, I received no error messages after the current bulb failed (which is very strange to me) I only noticed on a reflection. If you have had error codes let me know as if it may be the light unit malfunctioning, I'd rather they change the bulb and see that's the case than I do it and they say its happened because I've used aftermarket bulbs.

Thanks

Ken

Hi, 

Every time I service my IS300h, they suggest I service and re-gas the air conditioning, its required every 2 years they say. I usually resist, but after having the car for 3 years and not knowing when it was last done, I got it re-gassed at my last service in Feb. As the weather was cold I didn't really notice anything, but now its warming up I have noticed that having the temperature set to 20 degrees on auto(which is where it was last summer), the car still seems hot. I have to manually adjust it done to about 18.5 to feel cool.

Mentioned it to the guy I deal with at Lexus and he said oh that's normal, he outs it done to lo when he gets in and then adjusts later? I've never done that with a car that has auto climate control. I usually set a temp and it adjusts to it. It blows out cold hard for a while and then settles down when it reaches the desired temp and just maintains. Currently at sub 20 degrees the car still feels warm.

Not sure what they have done or if they are using different coolant now for some reason but the performance shouldn't be worse than it was pre service should it?

If I've got it wrong please let me know, but climate control should adjust itself right otherwise what's the point? I'm supposed to take it to them to see on Thursday but I'm almost thinking what's the point? They'll probably just tell me its normal and to turn the temp all the way down then up again.

Cheers, 

Ken

Just so you guys know the dreaded squeak is back. Not as bad as before but generally gets worse. May need to get the slider pins done by an indie as Lexus will be too much trouble. I'd probably need to take it in a few times. I'm likely to trade the car in soon anyhow but just wanted to make you all aware that you may need to grease the pins regularly if you experience this problem.

40 minutes ago, PCM said:

At an independent. About £60 for all? 

Thanks - If I can't find one near me (Thurrock), I may come back for a recommendation.

Just now, PCM said:

... I get my calliper pins re-greased at every service. 

Not much cost but a good investment I think.

At Lexus? How much are you charged please?

It's strange that's I had 2 calipers changed and still got the squeak if its to do with the pins - but maybe they started coming from the old ones, though it was just as loud after the calipers were changed. 

Thanks

Apologies guys - I should have got back to you sooner when I find a solution. At first I didn't believe it would work as I had been disappointed so many time before so didn't want to prematurely claim victory over the issue and then I just plain forgot. 

I hope the solution to my problem helps someone else. 

Thanks

Ken 

On 3/25/2022 at 4:52 PM, Darkmajancjone said:

Hello. 

Did you solve the issue? 

I'm having a is300h with similar problem. Normally driving small distances and everything is fine but when driving a bit more so everything is wormed up I have a squeaking noise from front. It's squeaking at all the speeds slow and fast and increasing while breaking. But when everything cools down then its spot on, no noises. 

Just don't want to changing bits after bits until it's solved. Thanks 

Hello,

In the end after taking it back to Lexus about 4 or 5 times, they decided to take apart the brakes (don't ask me which bit as they had already changed both front calipers to no avail) and when they did they realized that the insides were "bone dry". No grease whatsoever. I think they may have mentioned something about the 'pins' but I'm not mechanically minded so not sure if that's in the caliper or somewhere else - but essentially the brakes weren't fully retracting as they were stiff. It's beyond me why you wouldn't check that? Especially since squeaks and squeals usually come about because of lack of lubrication. Anyhow, they greased it all up and the noise went away. 

I was at the dealership for a service the other day and mentioned I have a knocking/tapping coming from the front when turning at low speed or the wheels are flexing for the road surface. I've mentioned it on 2 separate services and the fault cannot be found. In that conversation I mentioned how frustrating it was to keep having to come back for an issue that can't be found or is misdiagnosed as it makes me look crazy - like the squeaking brakes. The chap who I've been dealing with for the majority of the time then said something along the lines of its quite common due to jet washes blowing the grease off during the cleaning of the wheels. Really? So why 4 to 5 visits and having to change 2 calipers, all 4 discs and pads before that was discovered to be the issue?

Anyhow, that's your best bet for getting it sorted before you try anything more costly if pads, discs etc seem fine. Just to let you know though, after close to a year, I think I heard the dreaded squeak returning the other day. Not as loud as it was when it was solved (it gets louder over time and yes seems to happen when the brakes have heated up) but I definitely heard it. So may have to get it greased again.

Good luck getting it sorted.

Cheers

On 6/27/2021 at 12:39 PM, Tronix said:

The squealing brakes issue has finally been resolved 😀

So over the past few weeks the noise became more and more permanent and was driving me crazy.

During a recent service Lexus had said that the “brakes may need a clean as brake dust can cause this issue” and they would charge £120 for this - but I would have to book the car in for another time as they did not have enough time to do the work.  

I decided to take the car to a mechanic friend of mine who knew what the problem was as soon as I described the issue.

The rear brakes on the IS300h have brake pads to slow the car down during normal driving and brake shoes for parking.

The rear pads had worn down and were sticking to the brake disc whenever they were being used and this was the constant squealing noise, the rear brake shoes were also well on their way to being completely worn out.

Rear brake discs, brake pads and brake shoes were all replaced and now the car dives like new once again and I am one very happy Lexus driver.

I was contacted by my local Lexus dealership and offered a great deal to have my car serviced, valeted and courtesy car supplied for £109 - I thought what’s not to like at that price?

When I collected the car I quizzed the service department about Lexus Relax and was informed that I would not receive the cover due to the cost of the service being so low ???

I received a follow up call from the dealership asking if I was happy with everything when the car was serviced and I raised my concerns about not receiving the Lexus Relax cover even though the car was serviced at a Lexus dealership in June 2021 and I was informed when being offered the £109 offer that I would receive the Lexus Relax cover.  I was informed that I did in fact receive the cover although they do not provide a certificate to inform the vehicle owner of this, I managed to get them to email me proof of my Lexus Relax cover which they did. I will leave the matter closed now until I need to use the Lexus Relax cover (which I doubt I will as the cars are very well built)

Hope this lengthy reply has helped out at least one person who also has squeaky brakes.

Thanks so much for getting back on this!

It's funny you mention the brake dust as I told my wife that perhaps I was imagining it but it seemed that the noise went down or stopped for a short while after I washed the car at one of those jet wash places. But this seemed intermittent (probably because the level of service differs depending on how busy they are/who actually washes the car). But I think you're onto something there.

The only piece that doesn't work with mine is that I had a full disc and pad change in Nov 19 and the noise started back about a week later so I don't think mine is the discs/pads. I've done around 15k miles since but the noise has been there constantly. 

I will however mention the brake shoes to them (when I take it back for the same issue in July) and hope they can take a look and see if they are going. I did try the driving with the handbrake on suggestion given here by a helpful contributor but that didn't seem to have any effect.

Ultimately to reduce the noise, I probably need to change the brake pads to a set that don't cause as much dust and are not original Lexus. Can anyone recommend any good replacement brake pads pls? I have had EBC red stuff mentioned before but reading reviews they seem like racing pads as a lot said they are only 'ok' until they heat up. Not much chance of that on the 10 minute school run and don't want to compromise the family's safety.

On another note and in order not to start a new thread unless I have to, does anyone get a tapping/clicking noise coming from the front of their car going over rough ground or sometimes when turning full lock and braking lightly at the same time? I thought it was something simple like bushes (which I have had on other cars) but I mentioned to Lexus and they said they couldn't hear and everything looks fine (something we may hear more of with relax :-D), but it's definitely there and been getting louder over the last year.

Thanks and sorry for the long post!

Ken 

3 hours ago, PRT68 said:

No one seems to have mentioned that it could be the parking brake shoes binding? Suggest going down hill and giving the pedal a couple of clicks. Both during forwards and reversing.

Thanks PRT 68 - so if I understand correctly, drive downhill and depress the footbrake a couple of clicks? What should I expect a louder sound or should that fix the problem?

57 minutes ago, Tronix said:

At least I am not alone with this issue.  

My 2013, 46k mile, is300h is behaving in the exact same way - also seems to be coming from the front left wheel and like Ken has said it is very annoying.

I can hear the sound when I am driving along the motorway at 70mph, just have to pass another vehicle and the sound is reflected back from the vehicle I am passing.

Other than this issue I cannot fault the car at all, it is my first Lexus and I would like to think I will continue to stay loyal to the Lexus brand. 

My car is due a service next week at Lexus, let's see what they have to say about this. Will Lexus Relax cover this issue in the future?

 

You share my pain! This is sounding more and more like a common issue. Check that it doesn't get worse when you turn left? Not sure if it will be covered by relax - everything they've done for me has been under extended warranty. I like the car too but this and how easily the center console scratches (sometimes after cleaning) are really spoiling the experience for me. It's also my first Lexus. Hopefully I can find a solution that benefits everyone who has the same.

1 hour ago, paulrnx said:

Might be dry too suspension mount bushes? This would explain why it sounds worse with some steering lock on. Squirt a little silicone based grease into the top mounts inside the engine bay. This won’t be a permanent fix but it will show up if this is a possible cause because the noise will disappear for a while.

Embarrassingly I'm not very mechanical. How would I do this and would I need to remove wheels etc or a well placed spray of WD40 could suffice?

Thanks

Ken 

41 minutes ago, paulrnx said:

A stone or stones caught between the backing plate and the disc on one of the front corners perhaps?

Hi, I doubt that as the discs and pads on all corners were changed and it came back and since then both front calipers have been changed so they should have gone with the old kit.

Thanks

13 hours ago, rayaans said:

Is it a metallic squeak or a rubber kind of squeak? Doesnt seem like general hybrid "lack of brake use" glazing if its happening whilst moving

It's a metallic squeak that happens while driving at low speed and has progressed to a loud squeaking just before you stop as well.

Thanks 

6 minutes ago, steveo1973 said:

I Have a 2015 IS300H with the same sort of squeeking behaviour. Its only just recently started and to be fair isnt that bad. I only hear it when using EV mode at slow mph and yes it seems to do it more when I turn left. Normal driving I dont hear anything and nothing when breaking.

I was just wondering if one of the pads was scuffing or may be a caliper needs adjusting. Never the less its not in your league, just hope it doesnt develop into it though!!

I'm sorry to say over the 2 years mine has got progressively worse. The fact you see it on a let turn too is really strange. There must be some inherent defect. They changed both my front calipers but the problem persists so unless it was one of the back ones I'm not sure how much difference adjusting it will make. The good thing for you though is that if I find a solution, it should also work for you. Lets hope its a simple one :-S

28 minutes ago, Spottedlaurel said:

I'm getting much the same thing on my 2014 RX450h. A shame to be quietly driving on EV mode in town with it then making an unpleasant noise. Lexus dealer's official advice was to replace pads and discs, but as there was plenty left on both their verbal suggestion to get the discs skimmed.

I haven't done that yet, it's worked well on other cars I've had but I'm not sure how the transmission will take to being spun-up in neutral (which is how the on-car skimming works, I've had it done on a couple of other cars).

I imagine the answer will be to remove the discs and skim them in a lathe, and the pad surface can be inspected at the same time to see if it's glazed.

The strange thing is that when I've had this on other cars previously it's usually the case that the noise stops when the brakes are applied and there's more of the pad in contact with the disc, even if it returns once the brakes are released. With the RX, I've tried braking fairly heavily to a point where I think the 'normal' brakes should kick-in, but the squeak still occurs to standstill.

Obviously no issue to get OE brake pads and discs replaced by a non-Lexus dealer, but will the non-standard pads cause any warranty issue?

I know exactly what you mean about being in quiet EV mode and all you hear is squeak, squeak, squeak. So annoying. I had brand new pads and discs fitted when it first emerged and they were probably quite for a few days and then the nose returned. So I'm not sure its that. They did say my calipers were seizing so they changed the two at the front but its still an issue so not sure if its the back ones too now. Though they say caliper failures on the IS300 are rare so to have 2 or maybe even 4 is unheard of. 

Thanks 

2 hours ago, hieronymous said:

Hi @Ken83, my first post on this forum, but many years on others..

The first time I came across the symptoms you describe, it was a friend's V12 Ferrari, annoyed him immensely, and getting parts was a nightmare. It can happen to any car, brakes and solutions are universal. In that case, the cause was sticking caliper pistons, which are pressured by the brake fluid to move the pads against the rotor (disc). When the brake pedal is released, the pistons should be sucked back a few thou' pulling the pads off the rotor. If the piston sticks, the pad can stay just touching the rotor - result, squeal, especially obvious at low speed. Any rotor wear can accentuate this.

The pistons can get out of round from heat, get corroded, and insufficiently lubricated. They may need machining or replacement.

Other related issues are water/air in the brake lines (how long since your brake fluid replaced?).

This work needs specialist repair, dealerships don't have the expertise. When I had my Prius serviced last year, my Toyota dealer (biggest in my country, NZ), had a large van on the forecourt with a bloke busy inside. He was a fulltime mobile brakes serviceman, and the van was crammed with small lathes, and other machining tools. I chatted - turns out he is called in by all the dealerships, who just unbolt the assemblies. This is what you need, but it won't be cheap..

So if you really want to keep and enjoy your car, I recommend you hunt down a specialist brake shop (or two) with a good reputation, and negotiate...

Thank you - I contacted Lexus again and they will have the car back to tale another look at it next month. But I will mention what you have said above and see if they can do anything themselves. If all else fails I may need to take it to specialist myself as you suggest.