Fuel filter replacement
 

What's easiest method of replacing fuel filter on 96ES300? Would I have to take off the tire to get better access to the bottom of it?

FWIW, the way I did it on my 98 is I removed the airbox with its hoses. You obviously need to jack up the car, but I don't think the tire needs to be removed, I don't remember if I removed mine. The only thing you want to be cautious of is the residual fuel pressure in the lines. My car has an internal leak somewhere, so it wasn't much of an issue. I think if you let it sit for about 8 hours, it shouldn't be too bad.

^ really? I just pulled mine off like that, a few drips of spilled fuel and the new one was on.

so now that we are talking about fuel filters, MrBooby, any benefit of changing it? like better mpg, smoother operation,etc? the lexus manual does not have a replacement interval for the fuel filter, but i am thinking i should do mine i have not done it and i dont think its ever been replaced.
thoughts?

thanks!

The bottom threaded part of the fuel filter on our 1997 ES300 was so hard to turn, I ended up removing the wheel as well as the air box. Just be careful not to kink the line while wrenching on it. The noticeable improvements after replacing the filter for us was odd smell and white smoke from the exhaust cleared up, and the fuel trim leaned out some from being too rich.

I didn't notice any improvement, but I figured that having the original filter wasn't recommended either.

My logic was, "I'm making a maintenance order on rockauto [plugs, filters, etc], I'll spend the additional 8$ and get a Mann Fuel filter 'just because' the OE one had 135k-ish on it at the time"

I didn't see benefits or 'gains' not much one can expect out of 8$, but at the same time, filters get old and used up, one with 140k on it definitely wasn't as good as it would've been on day one.

It's one of those maintenance items where you use sound judgement. If you're dropping some coin into parts, whats a few bucks more?

many times removing gas cap at tank will relieve pressure.

i definitely think it's good maintenance at over 100K miles.

so mitmaks, did you get this job done? where is filter located? what did you end up doing? my 93 is cold blooded and a bit gutless. was hoping simple fix of fuel filter might help.

No, haven't started on this job yet. I was seeing how other es300 owners handled it.
Filter is located on drivers side inner fender, under EVAP canister and air intake box.
Looks like top will be accessible from top and if I have to I'll remove wheel to get access to the bottom of it.

i'll be awhile before i touch mine so please post the how-to when you are done, tricks, etc...