Reults From Midas Checkup
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Driver
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 91
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From: CA
Reults From Midas Checkup
I took my 1995 LS 400 to the local Midas for a comprehensive checkup. My car has about 118,000 miles and runs great, and I thought it would be a good idea to do some preventitive maintenance. Here are the results of the checkup, along with estimates.
1. There is a small oil leak from the valve cover, and the gasket should be replaced. Parts $288 and labor $130.45.
2. Serpentine belt is cracked and should be replaced. Parts $58.80 and labor $72.
3. Rack and pinion assembly could use replacement, as there is a small leak of power steering fluid. Parts $817.88 and labor $360. The car steers perfectly fine, so I don't see the harm of keeping it as it is.
4. Four-wheel alignment package offered at $109.95. I will do that when I buy a new set of tires.
5. Wiper blades are streaking and should be replaced. Parts $51.45 and labor $9.60. I can do that myself for cheaper.
Aside from that, according to the manager nothing else is wrong. The car is in otherwise great shape. The manager recommends replacing the valve cover gasket and the serpentine belt, as those he considers more important; he said that for the rack and pinion issue, I can just periodically add power steering fluid when needed. They will use OEM parts and the work will have a one-year warranty.
What do you guys think? The car drives perfectly well as it is now, but for me I am thinking about doing the repairs on #1 and #2.
1. There is a small oil leak from the valve cover, and the gasket should be replaced. Parts $288 and labor $130.45.
2. Serpentine belt is cracked and should be replaced. Parts $58.80 and labor $72.
3. Rack and pinion assembly could use replacement, as there is a small leak of power steering fluid. Parts $817.88 and labor $360. The car steers perfectly fine, so I don't see the harm of keeping it as it is.
4. Four-wheel alignment package offered at $109.95. I will do that when I buy a new set of tires.
5. Wiper blades are streaking and should be replaced. Parts $51.45 and labor $9.60. I can do that myself for cheaper.
Aside from that, according to the manager nothing else is wrong. The car is in otherwise great shape. The manager recommends replacing the valve cover gasket and the serpentine belt, as those he considers more important; he said that for the rack and pinion issue, I can just periodically add power steering fluid when needed. They will use OEM parts and the work will have a one-year warranty.
What do you guys think? The car drives perfectly well as it is now, but for me I am thinking about doing the repairs on #1 and #2.
you can have them do the valve cover but the serp belt is so easy you can save the $72 and do it yourself if you have the right tool. there are threads here to show you what to do.
The serpentine belt is easy for DIY and would take about 10-15 minutes.
Make sure to check the color of the fluids yourself. Tranny, P&S because these fluids are key to preventing $$ repairs. Differential fluid service costs about $60 so if unsure have it drained.
Make sure to check the color of the fluids yourself. Tranny, P&S because these fluids are key to preventing $$ repairs. Differential fluid service costs about $60 so if unsure have it drained.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,078
Likes: 87
From: Birmingham, AL
Midas is NOT the place to have a car evaluated but here goes
wouldn't worry about it a bit - could even be their imagination, LS400 rarely does this
Labor $72??? - that is friggin scam - I could install this in less than 2 minutes on a bet! (though granted, I have done a lot of these and know the tricks) - this should be done, but do it yourself, $72 buys a lot of tools at harbor freight!
these people are cracked, you are likely leaking PS fluid, but the rack is the least common place for an LS400 to leak - just because some goober neanderthal finds some PS fluid located on the rack, doesn't mean they should assume the rack itself is leaking 
alignment is a very good thing, take it to a place with a new Hunter machine
even the friggin dealership only charges about $10-$15 for a set of wiper blades - scammers!
1. There is a small oil leak from the valve cover, and the gasket should be replaced. Parts $288 and labor $130.45.
2. Serpentine belt is cracked and should be replaced. Parts $58.80 and labor $72.
3. Rack and pinion assembly could use replacement, as there is a small leak of power steering fluid. Parts $817.88 and labor $360. The car steers perfectly fine, so I don't see the harm of keeping it as it is.
4. Four-wheel alignment package offered at $109.95. I will do that when I buy a new set of tires.
5. Wiper blades are streaking and should be replaced. Parts $51.45 and labor $9.60. I can do that myself for cheaper.
Last edited by LScowboyLS; Oct 22, 2013 at 01:00 PM.
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Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,856
Likes: 87
From: TX
Nice you got it checked out... but as mentioned above.. that is not the place and lot of the maintenance and even some diagnostics on these cars can be managed by using this site...and learning from people who've already learned, and willing to share what they know.
I'm in agreement with LScowboy's recommendations... I did replace the high pressure power steering hose... but the whole rack? I doubt it.
I'm in agreement with LScowboy's recommendations... I did replace the high pressure power steering hose... but the whole rack? I doubt it.
first thing thats wrong with this post
take it to a local mechanic who you trust.. itll be cheaper and you'll be ensured that the services are actually done.
i would never let any midas, jiffy lube, etc. ever touch my car
I took my 1995 LS 400 to the local Midas for a comprehensive checkup.
i would never let any midas, jiffy lube, etc. ever touch my car
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,078
Likes: 87
From: Birmingham, AL
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 814
Likes: 2
From: Illinois
I had the valve cover gaskets replaced (they were leaking) at 180,000...OEM parts were $30/gasket.
And yeah that's ridiculous about the wiper blades...score some cheap ones from Rock Auto for $3/each.
And yeah that's ridiculous about the wiper blades...score some cheap ones from Rock Auto for $3/each.
I took my 1995 LS 400 to the local Midas for a comprehensive checkup. My car has about 118,000 miles and runs great, and I thought it would be a good idea to do some preventitive maintenance. Here are the results of the checkup, along with estimates.
1. There is a small oil leak from the valve cover, and the gasket should be replaced. Parts $288 and labor $130.45.
parts: $60-70 OEM.
2. Serpentine belt is cracked and should be replaced. Parts $58.80 and labor $72.
GoodYear Gatorback: $30, installation: 15mins and a wrench at home. Idiotproof.
3. Rack and pinion assembly could use replacement, as there is a small leak of power steering fluid. Parts $817.88 and labor $360. The car steers perfectly fine, so I don't see the harm of keeping it as it is.
rebuild from local shop: <$200, labor isn't horrible. can wait until leak gets bigger or develops play.
4. Four-wheel alignment package offered at $109.95. I will do that when I buy a new set of tires.
5. Wiper blades are streaking and should be replaced. Parts $51.45 and labor $9.60. I can do that myself for cheaper.
duh.
Aside from that, according to the manager nothing else is wrong. The car is in otherwise great shape. The manager recommends replacing the valve cover gasket and the serpentine belt, as those he considers more important; he said that for the rack and pinion issue, I can just periodically add power steering fluid when needed. They will use OEM parts and the work will have a one-year warranty.
What do you guys think? The car drives perfectly well as it is now, but for me I am thinking about doing the repairs on #1 and #2.
1. There is a small oil leak from the valve cover, and the gasket should be replaced. Parts $288 and labor $130.45.
parts: $60-70 OEM.
2. Serpentine belt is cracked and should be replaced. Parts $58.80 and labor $72.
GoodYear Gatorback: $30, installation: 15mins and a wrench at home. Idiotproof.
3. Rack and pinion assembly could use replacement, as there is a small leak of power steering fluid. Parts $817.88 and labor $360. The car steers perfectly fine, so I don't see the harm of keeping it as it is.
rebuild from local shop: <$200, labor isn't horrible. can wait until leak gets bigger or develops play.
4. Four-wheel alignment package offered at $109.95. I will do that when I buy a new set of tires.
5. Wiper blades are streaking and should be replaced. Parts $51.45 and labor $9.60. I can do that myself for cheaper.
duh.
Aside from that, according to the manager nothing else is wrong. The car is in otherwise great shape. The manager recommends replacing the valve cover gasket and the serpentine belt, as those he considers more important; he said that for the rack and pinion issue, I can just periodically add power steering fluid when needed. They will use OEM parts and the work will have a one-year warranty.
What do you guys think? The car drives perfectly well as it is now, but for me I am thinking about doing the repairs on #1 and #2.
see bold .