bklynchris

Hi all,
My '09 GS350 AWD is at 96k miles. So far its performed flawlessly. I've been able to do all maintenance to date myself. However as I'm approaching the 100k mark I wanted to have the coolant flushed, the water pump/timig belt changed, and the transmission fluid/filter changed. I keep getting conflicting advice.

Called lexus of manhattan and the tech actually told me NOT to change the fluid, just keep rolling with it. He asked if I'd ever changed the fluid before (no), and he said "well then dont change it because the seals have become used to the fluid in there. Adding fresh fluid will cause the tranny to fail." When I told him i thought the service manual states to change the fluid at 100k, he said, "oh...ok, well then bring it in."

Also, does the '09 GS have a timing chain or belt? If a chain, then does it really need replacing at 100k?
Are there any other wear items I should replace now while the engine is opened up?
Any GS owners recently cross the 100k threshold? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks ,
Chris

Boron

300/350/450/460 all have chains, only the 430 used the old belt design until it was succeeded by the new 460 engine design.

Change the tranny fluid (it should be done every 40K according to a 35 year running transmission specialist company I spoke with), and coolant is 100K or 10 years, whichever comes first, then 50K/5years thereafter.

smilepak

I have mind changes every 40k for tranny. Every 5k for oil. Every 60k for spark. Did break fluid exchange at 80k. That's all I've done so far. Its at 86k for 2008 gs350 I have. Runs smooth

diagtime

Coolant needs to be changed. Transmission fluid is WS type fluid and is not supposed to be ever changed. However, if your trans and trans fluid is in good condition, it won't hurt to change it. I know what the tech you were talking to was referring to. if a trans is already showing signs in trouble and the fluid is already black looking, doing a flush will usually "unglue it" as debris is broken free and gets in places it shouldn't be. This logic does not apply to a healthy transmission.......but it is lifetime fluid. and It's much harder than changing fluid on a car that has trans dipstick.

newbeemech

Change the spark plugs and coolant.
Clean the throttle body while you're at it.

bklynchris

Thanks for the info.
Has anyone made a DIY for throttle body cleaning yet? I wouldnt want to overuse the solvent of break something unintentionally.
Also, has anyone changed the fuel filter or had the valves adjusted? Is that necessary?

diagtime

no fuel filter. no valve adjustment. just check to make sure there's no dried up pink stuff on the edges of the pulleys. that would be coolant from the water pump. besides changing oil,. that's really the most important thing to do for your engine. and if you have extended warranty., look at the passenger side of the timing cover about midway down for an oil leak. if not, don't worry about that

newbeemech

For the throttlebody,
remove the engine covers, air filter,
losen the clamps for the intake,
remove the plastic intake. Unplug the electrical harness.
Once you see the throttlebody and see the butterfly inside,
spray some carb cleaner and wait a few seconds.
Push the butterfly open with finger and wipe the area with a cloth.
Objective is to claen the perimiter so the very slim gap
between the butterfly and the pipe is clear,