02-18-2015, 01:49 PM
Whoops, forgot about this for a while.
Some of the autos did, alas, mine does not. I will test its ice-fishing abilities at the next opportunity
I just picked it up yesterday from the shop that did the TB/WP service as well as the other odds and ends - fluid changes, while-you're-in-there seals, etc. They also found that the brakes were getting a bit worn and suggested replacing them before the next inspection, so I had some Centric blanks with the nice e-coating shipped to them, paired with OEM pads. Unexpected, but I have no problems paying for solid brakes after all is said and done, so I don't mind the extra outlay.
They also found the front lower control arms had crusty bushings that again may summon the wrath of certain inspectors, and the front swaybar end-links were also past due. I had heard them clunking around a bit and figured I'd do them myself with a set of sways in the future, but better to do them now. Unfortunately, the LCA (technically the "front lower rear" LCA) is a dealer only part. D'oh...that one hurt a bit. But, the car drives amazingly now, a noticeable improvement and feels tighter than before.
The only other things to sort out are 1) a dying air mix servo in the a/c system - this is a little motor that actuates some flapper doors to route air for either heat or A/C. Moving the temp dial to cold causes some faint whirring and ticking behind the dash. About $100 for a new one, and a fairly straightforward fix - I pulled the glovebox out to do the cabin air filter and it's a few extra screws and some ducting removal to get to the servo and replace it.
And 2)....possibly...the headlight auto-leveling system. The idiot light on the dash came on for this , basically there are two level sensors on the driver's side (in both wheel wells) and a set of motors in each housing to adjust the lights for hills and stuff. I called the shop back in case they knocked something loose or left something unplugged, and they offered to check it out for me so I'll take it back later this week. There are a few shadetree fixes for the problem, and new level sensors are 50 bucks each.
So my Lexus is behaving slightly Audi but, I still love it.
xvxax Wrote:Ah yes, really looking forward to periodic oil change updates with detailed step by step photography on this one.
Syke, congrats on the pick up. Definitely more sporty than the old ride. Do the automatics come with LSD?
Some of the autos did, alas, mine does not. I will test its ice-fishing abilities at the next opportunity
I just picked it up yesterday from the shop that did the TB/WP service as well as the other odds and ends - fluid changes, while-you're-in-there seals, etc. They also found that the brakes were getting a bit worn and suggested replacing them before the next inspection, so I had some Centric blanks with the nice e-coating shipped to them, paired with OEM pads. Unexpected, but I have no problems paying for solid brakes after all is said and done, so I don't mind the extra outlay.
They also found the front lower control arms had crusty bushings that again may summon the wrath of certain inspectors, and the front swaybar end-links were also past due. I had heard them clunking around a bit and figured I'd do them myself with a set of sways in the future, but better to do them now. Unfortunately, the LCA (technically the "front lower rear" LCA) is a dealer only part. D'oh...that one hurt a bit. But, the car drives amazingly now, a noticeable improvement and feels tighter than before.
The only other things to sort out are 1) a dying air mix servo in the a/c system - this is a little motor that actuates some flapper doors to route air for either heat or A/C. Moving the temp dial to cold causes some faint whirring and ticking behind the dash. About $100 for a new one, and a fairly straightforward fix - I pulled the glovebox out to do the cabin air filter and it's a few extra screws and some ducting removal to get to the servo and replace it.
And 2)....possibly...the headlight auto-leveling system. The idiot light on the dash came on for this , basically there are two level sensors on the driver's side (in both wheel wells) and a set of motors in each housing to adjust the lights for hills and stuff. I called the shop back in case they knocked something loose or left something unplugged, and they offered to check it out for me so I'll take it back later this week. There are a few shadetree fixes for the problem, and new level sensors are 50 bucks each.
So my Lexus is behaving slightly Audi but, I still love it.
Current: '20 Kia Stinger GT2 RWD | '20 Yamaha R3 | '04 Lexus IS300 SD
Past: '94 Mazda RX-7 | '04 Lexus IS300 (RIP) | '00 Jeep XJ | '99 Mazda 10AE Miata | '88 Toyota Supra Turbo
My MM Movies - Watch Them Here
Past: '94 Mazda RX-7 | '04 Lexus IS300 (RIP) | '00 Jeep XJ | '99 Mazda 10AE Miata | '88 Toyota Supra Turbo
My MM Movies - Watch Them Here