Hello all - this is going to be a lot of information/questions, so please bear with me and I would appreciate any help you can give!

Recently took my 1999 GS400 with 173k miles in to my mechanic to diagnose a weird creaking sound coming from the front that started up a few months ago. It would only happen in the mornings as I am driving down the ramps of my apartment garage and as I am going over slights bumps which cause the car to bounce up and down a little. Driving straight and turning does not recreate the sound. I thought that it might be the shocks giving out (KYB GR2 shocks/DF210 springs combo). Asked him to look at all suspension components to make sure nothing was giving out, but he couldn't find anything worn out with suspension and says it's from me being lowered. Here is a list of parts that have been replaced between 2016-2019:

2016:
Beck/Arnley Rack and Pinion Bellow
Moog Tie Rod Ends (Inners)
Moog Tie Rod Ends (Outers)
Moog Balljoint (later replaced under warranty in Jan 2019)
Moog Upper Control Arms (later replaced with SPC Adjustable Control Arms in 2018)
2017:
Figs LCA #2 bushings

Now he did notice a few things that needed attention:
- Both motor mounts are shot - could this be the cause of the creaking sounds?
- Rear main seal leaking
- Power steering leaking
- Transmission oil leaking

I also wanted to get timing belt, water pump, and tensioner pulley replaced, so he quoted me $450 for labor to do:
- Water pump
- Timing Belt
- Cam Seal
- Crank Seal
- Outside drive belt
- Idle Bearing (?)
- Fix rear main seal, power steering leak, and transmission leak (?)

I was thinking about getting the parts myself, so I've started this list. What else do I need to add in order to get everything fixed? Links would be much appreciated!
- OEM Toyota engine mounts
- Aisin kit from Amazon or eBay​​​​​​, but I don't know why there's such huge price differences. Which kit is the most complete that you guys can recommend?
- eBay: $154
- eBay: $255
- eBay: $390
- Amazon:
- Can I source any of the parts that are causing the leaks?
- Any of the seals?

 

Bet that first eBay link is only an Aisin water pump not the whole kit. Rest of it looks aftermarket.
Second kit looks more correct with Aisin part numbers and some aftermarket radiator hoses and serpentine belt included. Aisin part numbers are TKT-001 (without hydraulic tensioner) and TKT-021 (with hydraulic tensioner).
Third kit looks right as well, includes hoses, belts, thermostat, coolant, sealant, cam and crank seals. Up to you if you want to buy that one, but I bet you can source the coolant and other stuff cheaper locally. I would just buy the water pump/t-belt kit itself.

 

My 1999 GS400 with 236k has the same sounds...it's just due to age. Probably struts. It is a 20yr old car after all. But you should take care of the P/S leak, look around the reservoir it's a common area for a leak. Problem is if you let it linger it will take out your alternator so get it fixed pronto. There are two motor mounts and a transmission mount and while they're not mandatory to be changed you'll notice a big difference in the smoothness of the car. Change your tensioner bearing at the same time as your TB/WP change. Mine went about a year after and almost left me stranded. It's a $20 part.

 

Thanks - will likely go with the 3rd kit just to be safe.

Thanks - will add the transmission mount as well. Is the tensioner bearing the one that's included in the 3rd kit that j3rf was talking about? TKT-021 with hydraulic tensioner? Does tensioner bearing = tensioner pulley?

Is [ this ] the fix for the power steering leak? Also saw this video on replacing an air control valve, but it's for an LS400.

 

Check your sway bar bushings. Mine had similar symptoms to what you described and that was the culprit.

 

Any particular brand you’d recommend? Are sway bar bushings also called the sway bar links?

 

No, sway bar bushings are used to isolate the sway bar where it mounts to the chassis.

 

J3rf/kevin3344,

Does this ebay link have the tensioner bearing? I might just go with this kit instead since it's a bit cheaper and should have the necessary parts for a tb/wp change.

Are these the correct OEM part numbers for the following:
1. Engine mounts - 12305-21220 - Need two? Or is there left and right side specific part numbers?
2. Transmission mounts 12371-50200 Need one?
3. Sway Bar bushings - 48815-30480 - Need two?
4. Rear Main Seal - 90311-90006
5. Valve Cover Gasket - I can't figure this one out?
6. Air Control Valve (or is it called pressure release safety valve) for the power steering leak? - 17630-16040

 

I don't quite remember where the P/S leak was coming from on my 2GS??...I thought it was the area around the reservoir so check that as well. The tensioner bearing should look like the photo below:

 

I don't see that exact part in any of the listings. The only "tensioner bearing" included in the kits is this: Click

Sorry... I'm obviously not very good at identifying parts.

 

Here you go something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-LEXUS-...sAAOSwMk1axaUH

 

Thanks Kevin! I think I may have found the correct part number for it. 16604-50030 OEM Genuine New Drive Belt Tensioner Idler Pulley

In addition, I was able to put together a list of parts and quantities with some help from others. Does this look like a full list of everything needed for this service? I am looking at a total of $447 shipped.

(1) Toyota OEM Timing Belt 13568-09070
(1) Koyo Ider #1 Roller Tensioner 13505-0F010
(1) Koyo Ider #2 Bearing 13503-0F010
(1) Toyota OEM Hydraulic Tensioner 13540-50030
(2) Toyota OEM Front Cam Seals 90311-71002
(1) Toyota OEM Front Crank Seal 90311-A0001
(1) Toyota OEM Water Pump 16100-59276-83
(1) Toyota OEM Water Pump Gasket 16271-0F010
(1) Toyota OEM Thermostat with Gasket 90916-03100
(1) Toyota OEM Serpentine Belt 99366-H2230
(1) Toyota OEM Drive Belt Tensioner Idler Pulley 16604-50030