'97 LS 400 Splash Shield
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 26
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From: NEW MEXICO
'97 LS 400 Splash Shield
I had my car only a month or so when going down the freeway at speed, I was pinched between two cars approaching some debris in my lane. Couldn't swerve so straddled the object. It caught my lower front bumper, license plate frame, and under-carriage. I got off at next off-ramp to inspect damage. From the sound the debris I hit and the look of the damage, it appeared to be minor. Probably a tarp, or floor covering, or roofing material. Bumper had black smudges, no dents, license frame slightly bent, but the engine splash shield was mangled (thankfully not dragging). Never hit anything on the freeway in my Toyota during 25 years of driving. Wham - on my Lexus, first couple of months! The engine splash shield seemed hard to get for a while. I see it's avail on line now. The car seems ok with the mangled shield on though it makes noises from time to time. $100 for the part. No idea about labor. Priority? New battery, alignment, transmission shift seal, or lower ball joint? Which comes 1st?
very easy to replace. most of the time i needs to come off when doing an oil change. i cut out a small portion of it to gain access to the oil filter so removal is not necessary anymore. if it isn't dragging it should be ok. just make sure the pan, and the rest of the components weren't compromised.
battery first, you need it to start the car. ball joint would be next if you think it's in bad shape.
battery first, you need it to start the car. ball joint would be next if you think it's in bad shape.
That under cover can wait in light of the other repairs you want to perform. Those all seem pretty critical, battery and lower ball joints strike me first but how bad is the tranny seal?
When you do the ball joints, you'll need an alignment anyhow so those go together.
When you do the ball joints, you'll need an alignment anyhow so those go together.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Illinois
For what it's worth, I bought a new engine splash shield (I decimated a deer carcass with mine) from JC Whitney for $78 shipped a few weeks ago. It appears to be of a thicker plastic than the OEM one.
The alignment settings are likely to be off with a worn LBJ. It will hold better tolerances so getting the alignment spot on will be easier with the fresh part. Not necessary though considering how much $ tires can be, I'd do the alignment. That is provided the alignment guy is good.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: NEW MEXICO
OK. Thanks for feedback. I''m lining up recommended independent shops to do the work. Oddly enough, the Lexus dealer in my area (Orange Co, Ca) has a great consumer rating. Might go back there since it's close & the loan car last time was 2013 ES 350.
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