matts6887

How can I easily get the bolt that holds the front right splash shield off so I can take the shield off to get to the right front marker light so I can replace the bulb? I tried the other day but when I tried to put my ratchet in there with the 10mm ratchet end; the back end of it would keep bumping into the shock and I think the tire too. Whats the best way to get in there to get the bolt off? thanks!

salimshah

Jack the vehicle up and take off the wheel. Use jack stands if you plan to stick your head under the fender.

Other than 10mm socket, you will need phillips head.

If you try to any shortcuts, you will possibly round off edges (I hope nothing has been overtightened).

Keep track of which fastener comes from where as all are not the same.

Salim

ps: Lexus went for overkill on the SC ... 20+ bolts holding the splash guard.

matts6887

Well the thing is I dont have jack stands and I dont have the room to use them because my garage is a extremely tight fit for mine and my brothers car so what else can I do? I dont want to pay someone to do something simple like this cause that would be ridiculous when I should be able to do it myself.

Puttster

I was just doing that to mine two days ago. You don't have to take the whole shield off, Just like two or three bolts inside the wheel well and a few underneath and you can pull it back. Still you can't reach in to do any work to the back of the lamp (on a 1999) unless you take out the windshield washer reservoir. I started doing that but the upper nut was going to be difficult to remove and impossible to put back so I just buttoned everything back up.

A year or two ago I removed the front plastic bumper to fix a dent in it and it was a less challenging job, IMO. It seems like it would be difficult but turned out to be pretty simple if you have front access ..

matts6887

2 or 3 bolts you say? I only saw 1 bolt in there holding the splash guard in place. Do you really have to remove the washer fluid tank just to get to that side marker light? If so that seems a bit much.. And do you mean you cant replace the bulb unless you take the washer fluid reservoir out?

VegasRX300

My suggestion is to go buy 1 or 2 jacks stands at any Autozone, Walmart, O'Reilly's (you will need them later when you do your brakes anyway).
Move your brothers car outside so you have room and do it the way Salim suggested. That would be the easiest way.
If for some reason you can't move the other car or jack your car up, go buy an elbow for your socket, an elbow with an extention, will allow you to use your ratchet without hitting anything.
Might also think about buying some drive on ramps if you are squeezed for space. Those make changing fluids a breeze.

2002RX

Are you using a shallow socket matts?

matts6887

I dont think so? But im not totally sure either. All I know is its 10mm.

matts6887

But someone above mentioned that I would have to take out the washer fluid reservoir just to get to the side marker light bulb. Do i really have to go through all that just to get to that bulb? If so; come on lexus! what the heck were you thinking? On another note; right now I just can not justify spending big bucks on ramp(s) or jack stands. Do not have the funds for it at the moment. Plus its easier for me to go to a shop to get fluids changed. I have to get my oil changed soon anyways so Im just gonna go to a local place that has been rated tops in this area by AAA Arizona. Also; where can i get a elbow? I have a ratchet extension; but not the elbow?

VegasRX300

Matt, there are shallow (short) and deep set (longer) sockets.
Most sets come with the shorter sockets and the deep set sockets are something extra that you buy.
You can go to the auto parts store and buy just the one deep set socket you want (like the 10mm) or a complete set of them.
Just make sure its the same size as your ratchet
(1/4", 3/8" or 1/2"). If your not sure what size you have, take the ratchet with you.
You can buy the elbow joint at any Autozone (they should have it).
They call it a Universal Joint..1/4" drive $4.99 part #71-415, 3/8" drive $6.99 part #73-815, 1/2 drive $7.99 part #72-112
Jack stands are not that much $. 2 ton Jack Stands (pair) $24.99 part #80-503T
NEVER jack up a car and do work under it without one.
You can always find stuff cheaper (Harbor Freight)

matts6887

As far as the extension elbow goes; I will have to shell out for that as its the only way for me to get the shield bolt out. Probably wont get to it til Tuesday or Wednesday possibly as I may have other "work" items I need to attend to.

VegasRX300

Matt, one more thing.... if you use Autozone, get their Rewards Card. Its free.
I do use Autozone a lot. #1 They are very close to the house (2 of them within a mile) & #2. They have a rewards system. For every $100 you spend, you get $20 off the next purchase.

On the rewards, there is a trick.... you must spend $20 to get 1 point. After 5 points, you get the $20 of free stuff.

If you spend $100 at one time, you only get 1 point.

Soooo.. let's say you know your going to change your oil, buy only $20 (before taxes) worth one day (takes a day at a time) that's 1 point, then go buy $20 worth of stuff the NEXT day for another point.
It really doesn't take long to get your $20. Heck, you were going to buy the oil anyway, why not get free $20 worth of something you need. You can use it to buy anything.

matts6887

Well; like I said; for the oil changes Im just gonna go to a shop nearby thats been rated tops in the area by several authorities on auto shops. Reason being its just easier for me because I dont have the space to create a whole shop like i would if i was in a house with a bigger garage. The garage I have now is barely big enough for 2 cars and some boxes. So that is out. But getting back to the shield bolt; I guess i will have to get that elbow for it. And again; do I really really have to take the whole dang windshield washer reservoir out just to get to the marker bulb? If so; what a pain in the u know what! and what the heck was Lexus thinking designing it like that lol

hypervish

No, you don't need to remove the windshield washer reservoir.

You can just reach up and undo the bulb, it's not that difficult.

matts6887

oh good! thank goodness for that!. I will have to dig into it today possibly or tomorrow depending on when I have a chance.