shroomysou

Closing in on 180,000 miles on my '98 LS400. Do I really need to change the automatic transmission fluid and differential fluid? Some people say yes and others say no. I'm confused. Not sure if ithey have been done on this car before. i bough it at around 146,000 miles.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Confused in what way? The service manual suggests 30K. Think of the fluid like engine oil, it is only good for so long. Transmission and differential failure from a depleted fluid additive package is forthcoming if these are the original fluids. What color is the tranny fluid now? The Toyota tech I know relayed that with original tranny fluid the transmissions typically fail in the 160-225K range. Differentials about same. The incremental fluid drain of 2.5 quarts is recommended for neglected transmissions. (We have past threads on this procedure to reference.) If the fluid is bright red, it is in good condition. If looking to get another car, don't change either.

shroomysou

Sorry, I think I'm just panicking because of all the repairs that are needed on my car. I went in to get the timing belt and water pump replaced. $1,500. Apparently the cam shaft and seal need to be replaced because there's a leak. $1700... Radiator is apparently getting worn down. $675. Then there is ATF and differential fluid. Another $300. Other maintenance things too. It all adds up to over $4,000 to get the car in like new condition. Wondering if I should just get a new car. I've already spent close to $3500 on new brakes, tires, and fixing a ATF leak.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

ATF and differential are low cost maintenance if you are comfortable with DIY tasks. Every 5K-7.5K drain ~2.5 quarts from the pan ~$15 in fluid. This gradual method reduces fluid shock from the fresh cleaners that will remove the deposits from the transmission passages. For those transmissions that have been neglected you can do this routine each month and after about 4-6 changes the fluid will be in good condition. This method has worked well for the majority of the members here. Replace the crush washer each time ~$1.75. Use Toyota Type IV ATF fluid.

The differential fluid drain at a local independent Lexus mechanic is ~$45. This is a simple DIY that would cost about $9-$12 in fluid + $2 washer/gasket.

I would also suggest checking the power steering fluid. Many of us here use the turkey baster type method by sucking the fluid out and replacing it. I use an old hand lotion pump and pump out the fluid. Fluid ~$7 and $2 for turkey baster.

Good fluids are a key point in the longevity of these cars and they respond quite well in the majority of instances.

Just as reference, a timing belt with seals at the shop I use is $1-1.2K depending on what is found.

May want to check the regional section for local shops in your area to price shop for these services.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/southeast-22/

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

You need agood independent mechanic, your pricing for these things is way off base. Sounds like a Lexus dealership markup.

Banshee365

Yea, those prices are insane. Replace the cam for a leak? Do they think there is a groove worn at th sneaking surface or something. Jeez.

dicer

Here in my pricey area, the Lexus dealer was the less money option for a timing belt job, I called around to check the pricing about 2 years ago now. Not only was Lexus less than everyone else but they gave a free loaner too boot. And yeah you can find cheaper and sometimes you get what you pay for too. I don't understand why everyone thinks a certain repair is way over priced, just go for a Dr appointment, or would you want to do your normal job for free or way less?
You all need to remember it cost lots of $ to have employees, and pay rent on a huge building and power etc. they have to charge what they do just to exist. And warranty the work as well. That means if the timing belt that was just installed broke they now get to eat that whole job and buy another engine or fix the broke one (talking 98 ish years).
And to continue, cheapy Joes corner shop that does a timing belt job for 200 bucks pays the tech wana be $10 an hour and supplys his harbor freight tools, tech wana be always has a bunch of extra left over parts after the job, you know a few bolts and those other small unnecessary parts that Lexus added just because it was fun for them to do so. And when they do a timing belt that is all you get.
Yeah just having some fun, but its true in a lot of cases.

AaronUCF11

The other thing about using a dealer is they have all the literature, special service tools, generally only use genuine parts, normally have brand spacific training + tech support from the manufactorer. Im a subaru tech at a multi brand small dealership. I know im a lot more time efficent and know exactly what to look for and what commonly wears/fails on the makes we specialize in. Your joe blow mechanic works on all makes so may not be as good as a dealer. Sure there are some not so flash places and some have bad rep but generally a dealer wants to maintain a good rep and get repete business. If your not able to do the work yourself then yeah, you have to pay to have it done. No one said these where cheap cars. As mentioned, im a mechanic and ive spent $3000 in repairs/maintance parts + a set of wheels.

On the other hand, if you have already spent a few thousand if you do these last few maintance items the car should likely give trouble free service for many years.

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

If you are going to use a dealer get a new car I did my t blet myself for 200 with genuine parts. Or find a mechanically inclined friend beer is cheap

mappo

Those are all good points, but I wonder how much they apply to a near-twenty year old car. I doubt very many 400s are still getting serviced at Lexus dealers, which would mean the techs there aren't going to have any more experience on them than a good indie mechanic would.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

This is true. When I last took my car to the dealer I had to explain to the MASTER TECH that the sunroof had a one touch option and he argued that it didn't. I stood my ground because I've had this car over ten years so I know everything about it. He went in the back to read some literature and when he came back his attitude was much different. He actually was a good dude and fixed my issue but it goes to show that they don't see 400s that much and know next to nothing about the old cars. Sure they can go read material or call up corporate but then that puts them almost in the same shoes as an indie that works on different vehicles.

Losiracer2

I bought an AISIN Japanese Timing belt/WP kit off Rock auto for 180, then bought Lexus Crank seals and used some Fel Pro Cam seals off Rock Auto that were deeply discounted on closeout. So about 210 in parts. For the actual job, I looked around and most independent shops wanted anywhere from 450-650, but I was able to find one that did it for 400. He was learning a bit but there was a Toyota/Lexus specialist nearby that helped him out.

So to avoid the new mechanics I would go with the 450-650 range, Toyota dealer wanted 800 if I brought the parts and wouldn't warranty anything. Lexus was probably close to 1000.

For the radiator, you can get a Denso off RockAuto for about 80 bucks and then use either Zerex Asian or buy Toyota Red coolant.

dicer

Get a new car hmmm what 60k and 5 to 700 a month payments, a person could afford to take the old junker in every 2 months and spend 800 on it and still come out cheaper, and do it for a few years and the old junker will be like brand new. The new car is just getting older and more worn out.
Timing belt for 200 in parts ? And that's all it cost? Cool if you have a job I would hope you work there a few weeks for free since time and labor means nothing. And when you can I have a ton of projects for ya, pay is nothing of course. Yeah I'm fun in ya.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

If the main systems are good or repairable the maintenance cost is less than new car payments and the associated insurance. Then you'll have confidence because the repairs yield extended longevity. 200K+ miles is a pretty realistic goal for these cars at minimum with regular care. For the DIY'er, all these accumulated savings buys the tools and education to save more $$.

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

Like I said if you do your own work no problem, if you take it to the dealer get a new car. Not necessarily a lexus. Shroom already put 4000k anD the cost of the car was what 8k 12k that's half a new camry so about 250 a month. Old cars aren't for everybody