I have a 1990 Ls400 and I recently started hearing a loud spinning/clanking noise while driving. It was super loud when the car was cold and had a higher idle. I took it into a Lexus Specialist shop and they told me it was the starter and fixed it. They also said that I had a water pump bracket kit that needed replaced. After I left I didnt really notice the noise so I thought they fixed it. The next morning it was louder than ever. They are closed weekends so i couldnt call them and complain. Well, I was coming home just now and the car shut off twice. I managed to start it a few times and just as I was about to get into the street I heard a loud noise and smelled a burning smell. I immediately shut it off and parked it. The motor was still running ok but it kept knocking me out of drive. This sucks bad. I hope the car isnt trash. It has 150k on it.

 

sounds to me that the water pump bracket let go and broke, took out the water pump, snapped your timing belt, and therefore you were no longer able to drive. The motor will continue to run since the LS( and I could be wrong here) is a non interference motor. Don't think the car is trashed, just a very expensive repair. I had this happen on a Camry I used to own and it was no fun.

 

Man this sucks. I had gone to the mechanic to fix this before it got this bad and he ended up fixing something else and letting me go knowing the problem at hand. God am I going to raise a fit. I was able to put it into drive just to pull it in the street but tried to cruise in nuetral for the most part. I am selling it. This thing has given me nothing but problems. My 92 ls400 ran like a champ. I guess I either got a lemon or the 1990's werent that good of cars. Are 93's any better???

 

You posted that they told you it was the starter, and that you also would need to get the bracket fixed. If you didn't tell him to go ahead and fix it then all he did was give you a heads up about a potential problem. Did you check your invoice after the work was done, or ask any questions about what was done??? I normally do just so I know what I have lying ahead of me. Lexus is a very reliable car but you never know just how the previous owner treeated it before you bought it, if you are not the original owner. Not really sure if the 93's are better, I would assume they are a little better, I currently have a 92 myself. I am having a few problems with mine, namely suspension, but it 's running pretty well. Just like most any car, treat them good, and they will run a long time, neglect them and they will break and in our cases (Lexus) break in a big$$ way) LOL!!!!
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Sounds like the fan bracket bearing has failed. These seem to fail at around 200k on most LS400's.

 

Mine failed around 172,000 or so on my 94 LS. It gave me a few days warning.
I had long since been carrying a "TB Kit" in my trunk since my LS was, up to that time, still on it's original timing belt. My kit had all the parts (water pump included) with the exception of the $170 or so fan bracket ,so I had all the work done at once w only 1 additional part to buy. Helped take some of the pain out

My bearing had totally failed, it sounded like a salt shaker & had a big crack in it when we punched it out of the bracket (out of curiosity). This is one massive, heavy bearing! Still did not break my timing belt amazingly enough.

90-94 model LS's are non-interference. Those still debating just like to hear themselves argue.

 

Yeah, my mechanic paid to tow it over to his shop and is charging me 330 bucks total to fix it. That includes the bracket, a pulley, and labor. He says he will wash it for me too. Man I thought it was going to be at least grand.

 

sounds like you got off the hook easy (cheap) for this one.

just remember with a lexus, even though you paid for it at a used and depreciated price, the parts to fix it are still going to be for a 40-50k car...