Should I avoid a '98?
10-03-07, 08:11 AM
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: ny
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Should I avoid a '98?
I'm looking to purchase a GS400/430 and have found a decent '98. I'm just wondering since it's the first year of production I've read about the steering pretensioner and a few other issues, is it better to steer clear of the 98 since it's the first year or is it just as reliable as all the others? What about dreaded dash rattles?
10-03-07, 08:47 AM
#3
The steering rack was changed early 98, but it is very easily to visually check.
I have a TSB on how to adjust the rack and it also states the VIN range, all LHD VIN's from JZS160-0017502 on have the newer style rack, but as always double check!!!
I have a RHD 98 (with 90k miles) with the newer rack, and it has NO rattles, I believe a lot of 03's have rattling dash's!
My only problem is the end of my steering shaft has a tiny bushing damaged inside the adjustable rack, this allows a tiny amount of play into the steering rack and I only notice it when I drive over very rough ground and the steering wheel shakes slightly in my hand.
The easiest way to see if this is also damaged is to drive over very rough ground and see if you have it, or get under the dash and see if the main shaft can be shaked left-right by 1/2" at the knuckle behind the pedals.
Other than that been 100% reliable.
I have a TSB on how to adjust the rack and it also states the VIN range, all LHD VIN's from JZS160-0017502 on have the newer style rack, but as always double check!!!
I have a RHD 98 (with 90k miles) with the newer rack, and it has NO rattles, I believe a lot of 03's have rattling dash's!
My only problem is the end of my steering shaft has a tiny bushing damaged inside the adjustable rack, this allows a tiny amount of play into the steering rack and I only notice it when I drive over very rough ground and the steering wheel shakes slightly in my hand.
The easiest way to see if this is also damaged is to drive over very rough ground and see if you have it, or get under the dash and see if the main shaft can be shaked left-right by 1/2" at the knuckle behind the pedals.
Other than that been 100% reliable.
Last edited by gs-ireland; 10-03-07 at 08:55 AM.
10-03-07, 09:27 AM
#4
I'm looking to purchase a GS400/430 and have found a decent '98. I'm just wondering since it's the first year of production I've read about the steering pretensioner and a few other issues, is it better to steer clear of the 98 since it's the first year or is it just as reliable as all the others? What about dreaded dash rattles?
I will put up a thread in the classifieds this weekend. Here are pics of my 98.
Trending Topics
10-03-07, 12:47 PM
#10
Driver
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: ny
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My car has none of these issues. Heck,the steering is actually tighter than most Gs4's and does not have the loose feel. You will save yourself some cash and a big headache by purchasing a flawless car with no scratches or nicks, spotless interior that still smells like leather, all maintainence paperwork done by Lexus, modded and ready to go.... Test drive mine before you decide, then tell me if you can find a better, cleaner 98 GS. I will put up a thread in the classifieds this weekend. Here are pics of my 98.
I will put up a thread in the classifieds this weekend. Here are pics of my 98.
10-03-07, 12:47 PM
#11
Driver
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: ny
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The steering rack was changed early 98, but it is very easily to visually check.
I have a TSB on how to adjust the rack and it also states the VIN range, all LHD VIN's from JZS160-0017502 on have the newer style rack, but as always double check!!!
I have a RHD 98 (with 90k miles) with the newer rack, and it has NO rattles, I believe a lot of 03's have rattling dash's!
My only problem is the end of my steering shaft has a tiny bushing damaged inside the adjustable rack, this allows a tiny amount of play into the steering rack and I only notice it when I drive over very rough ground and the steering wheel shakes slightly in my hand.
The easiest way to see if this is also damaged is to drive over very rough ground and see if you have it, or get under the dash and see if the main shaft can be shaked left-right by 1/2" at the knuckle behind the pedals.
Other than that been 100% reliable.
I have a TSB on how to adjust the rack and it also states the VIN range, all LHD VIN's from JZS160-0017502 on have the newer style rack, but as always double check!!!
I have a RHD 98 (with 90k miles) with the newer rack, and it has NO rattles, I believe a lot of 03's have rattling dash's!
My only problem is the end of my steering shaft has a tiny bushing damaged inside the adjustable rack, this allows a tiny amount of play into the steering rack and I only notice it when I drive over very rough ground and the steering wheel shakes slightly in my hand.
The easiest way to see if this is also damaged is to drive over very rough ground and see if you have it, or get under the dash and see if the main shaft can be shaked left-right by 1/2" at the knuckle behind the pedals.
Other than that been 100% reliable.
