Vlad_Stein

Hello, hello, fellow Lexus enthusiasts!

This post is addressed to those who have a TRD front STB on their GS430 (and may be, on GS400).

I noticed that it is not possible to unscrew the oil cap while the TRD bar is in place (I actually scratched off some of the finish on my bar )

This is surprising, considering that this is a TRD product (Toyota), made for my car. Somehow, I don't find an idea of carrying a deep socket wrench with me to add oil very sexy or practical.

I was wondering if there are any ways to get around it (like replace the spout with the oil cap with a shorter part).

Any info out there?

itsallgood

That's very strange because I don't have any problems taking off my oil cap. I have a GS400, but I'm pretty sure the GS430 is the same as the GS400.

Aloha

Vlad_Stein

See, the GS430 has a "I have arrived" engine cover, which adds some height. To match this height, the oil tube (with the cap) is stretched, so that it matches (almost, it is slightly inset) the height of the cover surface.

ChuH

Hey Vlad_Stein:

Your right. Just check my engine a few minutes ago and yes the TRD STB does get in the way on the GS430. I just had my oil changed a few weeks ago (the second time since the install of the STB) at the Lexus dealer who also install the TRD STB and they never said anything regarding difficulties removing the cap. I check the STB and did not find any scatches that the service department may have done. I guess either they loosen the STB or the gently pull the cap toward the front of the car as the cap is turned. It tried and it seems to work. Didn't remove it all the way though. Still at the office will try later at home.

Chu...

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

It's not a problem on the GS400 because the engine (not just the cover) sits lower than the V8 on the GS430.

oldguy

Mine does not have this problem.

ChuH

Hey oldguy:

Did you install the OEM spacer? Or is the TRD STB installed directly to the body? I would guess if the OEM spacer is used there would not be a problem. Just curious.

Chu...

oldguy

ChuH
My Lexus dealer installed it at the same time as the Bilstein sports, and as I look, I am sure there is no spacer. The bolt has about 3/8" above the nut showing, and there appears to be no gap between the body and the mounting plate portion of the bar. And the oil cap clears with room to spare. Not a lot, but certainly no interference. I can't imagine what could be different in the installation that would produce interference.
Hope this helps, but cannot see how.

I have the stock oil cap.

RON430

oldguy - Is there a left and a right to this thing? Would that make a difference?

oldguy

I considered that and can see no way it would fit other than the way it is. The mounting plate has three bolts, one front ( middle)and two rear ( from the front of the car ). I believe it can fit only one way.

LS4fun

The oil cap on my car does not get in the way of the oil cap whatsoever....

Here's what it looks like....maybe only the GS430 has this problem...

RON430

gs4fun - oldguy has a 430. That's what led to the left/right exchange we had. If oldguy's 430 has no problem, there is a mystery out there waiting to be solved. While I can believe that aftermarket parts can create some problems, it is hard to imaging somebody peddling a strut bar that won't let you get the oil cap off. Strange.

Vlad_Stein

Perhaps oldguy (or another GS430 owner with TRD FSTB) could post a pic of their bar, so that we could see whether it clears or not and if yes, by how much?

oldguy

Vlad-Stein I took the oil cap off and put it back on. What more do you think a picture would show? Course, I don't have the ability to post a picture, anyway.
I've taken another look and remember talk of a spacer and here's the deal. The bar is welded to a plate with three holes for attaching to the inner fender at the top of the strut. There is, between that plate and the inner fender, a gasket look-alike. Is this the spacer some have mentioned? It is black, hard and maybe 1/8 inch thick. And without it my oil cap might not clear. As you unscrew the cap the raised portion I turn it with, might not clear the bar.
My dealer charged me for no part not in the box from Steve, and I did not have that box apart so I do not know all of what was in it. And I recall someone writing that the spacers are expensive, I think it unlikely I would not have been charged, or that the dealer had one in stock. Unless it's identical to the stock one.
My cap clears easily, except for the raised part, and it barely clears.

ChuH

OldGuy:

That black thing your are referring to is the original strut tower reinforce plate (some of the owners refer it as 'spacer') that the installer left it on when they install the TRD STB. On my the dealer removed the plate. I would assume that Vlad_Stein also does not have that plate install. This will explain why your cap can be removed. Well on my next service I may have the dealer put back that plate also.

Chu...