1998 LS400 Engine mount
10-26-17, 02:04 AM
#16
Racer
I purchased my OEM Lexus mounts for $240 through a Lexus seller, Bell Lexus, online back in May 2017 so it wasn't the $300 you speak of.
Labor for me was free since I know how to remove 17mm bolts and retighten them. It's really not that difficult of a job, just need to use your head and get creative when removing and installing the mounts.
The DIYs on here and the ones I found on the internet helped tremendously. I had air tools but in this case the clearance was not there for them so I used my box end wrenches for 90% of the job.
There are other parts of this car you can go aftermarket on, but the LS400 was originally marketed for it's smoothness and refinement and part of that was due to how isolated the engine was from the car when driving and at idle.
I wish you could experience how vibration free my 97 is with the new OEM mounts I installed. Initially I was thinking about saving a few bucks by going the eBay route but I'm glad I didn't. It's just not worth the savings especially considering how low cost this car is for maintenance to begin with. The timing belt service and these mounts are the only two expenses I've had in the 35k and 2 yrs I've owned it for. And these mounts will most likely never need replacing again in the lifetime of this vehicle.
Last edited by Losiracer2; 10-26-17 at 02:13 AM.
10-26-17, 08:37 AM
#17
Lexus Champion
I've been old school where past experiences with varying third party parts have left me doing the replacement drill sooner than the "lifetime warranty" would have one believe. My belief in do it right the first time saves the time and money and the Toyota part has the known reputation. Agree that the cost factor is a consideration so that is a YMMV. For ours I went with the Toyota part.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-1st-and-2nd-gen-1990-2000/871258-ls400-engine-mount-internal-view.html
10-26-17, 08:58 AM
#18
Lexus Champion
Sorry to say, but you'll most likely be doing a mount replacement in a few years time due to your cost cutting. There's a reason why the Lexus mounts last 20+ years in these cars.
I purchased my OEM Lexus mounts for $240 through a Lexus seller, Bell Lexus, online back in May 2017 so it wasn't the $300 you speak of.
Labor for me was free since I know how to remove 17mm bolts and retighten them. It's really not that difficult of a job, just need to use your head and get creative when removing and installing the mounts.
The DIYs on here and the ones I found on the internet helped tremendously. I had air tools but in this case the clearance was not there for them so I used my box end wrenches for 90% of the job.
There are other parts of this car you can go aftermarket on, but the LS400 was originally marketed for it's smoothness and refinement and part of that was due to how isolated the engine was from the car when driving and at idle.
I wish you could experience how vibration free my 97 is with the new OEM mounts I installed. Initially I was thinking about saving a few bucks by going the eBay route but I'm glad I didn't. It's just not worth the savings especially considering how low cost this car is for maintenance to begin with. The timing belt service and these mounts are the only two expenses I've had in the 35k and 2 yrs I've owned it for. And these mounts will most likely never need replacing again in the lifetime of this vehicle.
I purchased my OEM Lexus mounts for $240 through a Lexus seller, Bell Lexus, online back in May 2017 so it wasn't the $300 you speak of.
Labor for me was free since I know how to remove 17mm bolts and retighten them. It's really not that difficult of a job, just need to use your head and get creative when removing and installing the mounts.
The DIYs on here and the ones I found on the internet helped tremendously. I had air tools but in this case the clearance was not there for them so I used my box end wrenches for 90% of the job.
There are other parts of this car you can go aftermarket on, but the LS400 was originally marketed for it's smoothness and refinement and part of that was due to how isolated the engine was from the car when driving and at idle.
I wish you could experience how vibration free my 97 is with the new OEM mounts I installed. Initially I was thinking about saving a few bucks by going the eBay route but I'm glad I didn't. It's just not worth the savings especially considering how low cost this car is for maintenance to begin with. The timing belt service and these mounts are the only two expenses I've had in the 35k and 2 yrs I've owned it for. And these mounts will most likely never need replacing again in the lifetime of this vehicle.
There is hardly anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this man's lawful prey.
John Ruskin
10-26-17, 09:08 AM
#19
Lexus Champion
Sorry to say, but you'll most likely be doing a mount replacement in a few years time due to your cost cutting. There's a reason why the Lexus mounts last 20+ years in these cars.
I purchased my OEM Lexus mounts for $240 through a Lexus seller, Bell Lexus, online back in May 2017 so it wasn't the $300 you speak of.
Labor for me was free since I know how to remove 17mm bolts and retighten them. It's really not that difficult of a job, just need to use your head and get creative when removing and installing the mounts.
The DIYs on here and the ones I found on the internet helped tremendously. I had air tools but in this case the clearance was not there for them so I used my box end wrenches for 90% of the job.
There are other parts of this car you can go aftermarket on, but the LS400 was originally marketed for it's smoothness and refinement and part of that was due to how isolated the engine was from the car when driving and at idle.
I wish you could experience how vibration free my 97 is with the new OEM mounts I installed. Initially I was thinking about saving a few bucks by going the eBay route but I'm glad I didn't. It's just not worth the savings especially considering how low cost this car is for maintenance to begin with. The timing belt service and these mounts are the only two expenses I've had in the 35k and 2 yrs I've owned it for. And these mounts will most likely never need replacing again in the lifetime of this vehicle.
I purchased my OEM Lexus mounts for $240 through a Lexus seller, Bell Lexus, online back in May 2017 so it wasn't the $300 you speak of.
Labor for me was free since I know how to remove 17mm bolts and retighten them. It's really not that difficult of a job, just need to use your head and get creative when removing and installing the mounts.
The DIYs on here and the ones I found on the internet helped tremendously. I had air tools but in this case the clearance was not there for them so I used my box end wrenches for 90% of the job.
There are other parts of this car you can go aftermarket on, but the LS400 was originally marketed for it's smoothness and refinement and part of that was due to how isolated the engine was from the car when driving and at idle.
I wish you could experience how vibration free my 97 is with the new OEM mounts I installed. Initially I was thinking about saving a few bucks by going the eBay route but I'm glad I didn't. It's just not worth the savings especially considering how low cost this car is for maintenance to begin with. The timing belt service and these mounts are the only two expenses I've had in the 35k and 2 yrs I've owned it for. And these mounts will most likely never need replacing again in the lifetime of this vehicle.
There is hardly anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this man's lawful prey.
John Ruskin
10-26-17, 09:21 AM
#20
We've also often heard that while these cars are affordable to buy, the maintenance will still reflect the level which these cars were targeted towards. I'm a firm believer that the red boxed Toyota is appropriate when making repairs. I can believe that for some third party makers they are simply solid rubber composite type mounts.
10-26-17, 07:48 PM
#21
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Hey John, you may be correct but the engine mounts I purchased are filled with fluid.
I do not have a hoist to lift the engine so how could I have replaced it myself? What can I use to lift the engine?
I would remove the pair in got installed and replace it with new OEMs if I could do it myself. So I am waiting for your instructions please.
Best regards,
Jude
I do not have a hoist to lift the engine so how could I have replaced it myself? What can I use to lift the engine?
I would remove the pair in got installed and replace it with new OEMs if I could do it myself. So I am waiting for your instructions please.
Best regards,
Jude
10-26-17, 08:10 PM
#22
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
10-26-17, 08:21 PM
#23
Jumerle,
You have to put the car on jack stands, all four corners, parallel to the ground (important!) and take the front wheels off.
You put a piece of 3/4 plywood under the engine oil pan and jack it up, undo the
heater valve on the firewall first so it can move upward a bit, or you will break that plastic part by the engine moving upward.
Lift the engine just a little and turn the 17mm nuts, I made a mistake of lifting it higher and putting pressure on the nuts, making them hard to turn. Stubby 17mm wrench is your friend for the job! Driver side is tricky, takes a while to turn the nut.
Also, one power steering hose was old and brittle and started leaking when I raised the engine. (Power steering return hose?)
It wasn't a very easy job, but not too bad.
I bought OEM mounts from Japan, a little different part number, supposedly re-designed for VVT engine. $114 a piece plus shipping.
Hope this helps.
Val
You have to put the car on jack stands, all four corners, parallel to the ground (important!) and take the front wheels off.
You put a piece of 3/4 plywood under the engine oil pan and jack it up, undo the
heater valve on the firewall first so it can move upward a bit, or you will break that plastic part by the engine moving upward.
Lift the engine just a little and turn the 17mm nuts, I made a mistake of lifting it higher and putting pressure on the nuts, making them hard to turn. Stubby 17mm wrench is your friend for the job! Driver side is tricky, takes a while to turn the nut.
Also, one power steering hose was old and brittle and started leaking when I raised the engine. (Power steering return hose?)
It wasn't a very easy job, but not too bad.
I bought OEM mounts from Japan, a little different part number, supposedly re-designed for VVT engine. $114 a piece plus shipping.
Hope this helps.
Val
10-26-17, 08:46 PM
#24
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Thanks a million Val. Note that I am referring to the 1998 LS400.
I might try my skills at it.
I might try my skills at it.
Jumerle,
You have to put the car on jack stands, all four corners, parallel to the ground (important!) and take the front wheels off.
You put a piece of 3/4 plywood under the engine oil pan and jack it up, undo the
heater valve on the firewall first so it can move upward a bit, or you will break that plastic part by the engine moving upward.
Lift the engine just a little and turn the 17mm nuts, I made a mistake of lifting it higher and putting pressure on the nuts, making them hard to turn. Stubby 17mm wrench is your friend for the job! Driver side is tricky, takes a while to turn the nut.
Also, one power steering hose was old and brittle and started leaking when I raised the engine. (Power steering return hose?)
It wasn't a very easy job, but not too bad.
I bought OEM mounts from Japan, a little different part number, supposedly re-designed for VVT engine. $114 a piece plus shipping.
Hope this helps.
Val
You have to put the car on jack stands, all four corners, parallel to the ground (important!) and take the front wheels off.
You put a piece of 3/4 plywood under the engine oil pan and jack it up, undo the
heater valve on the firewall first so it can move upward a bit, or you will break that plastic part by the engine moving upward.
Lift the engine just a little and turn the 17mm nuts, I made a mistake of lifting it higher and putting pressure on the nuts, making them hard to turn. Stubby 17mm wrench is your friend for the job! Driver side is tricky, takes a while to turn the nut.
Also, one power steering hose was old and brittle and started leaking when I raised the engine. (Power steering return hose?)
It wasn't a very easy job, but not too bad.
I bought OEM mounts from Japan, a little different part number, supposedly re-designed for VVT engine. $114 a piece plus shipping.
Hope this helps.
Val
10-27-17, 12:59 AM
#26
Racer
Jumerle,
You have to put the car on jack stands, all four corners, parallel to the ground (important!) and take the front wheels off.
You put a piece of 3/4 plywood under the engine oil pan and jack it up, undo the
heater valve on the firewall first so it can move upward a bit, or you will break that plastic part by the engine moving upward.
Lift the engine just a little and turn the 17mm nuts, I made a mistake of lifting it higher and putting pressure on the nuts, making them hard to turn. Stubby 17mm wrench is your friend for the job! Driver side is tricky, takes a while to turn the nut.
Also, one power steering hose was old and brittle and started leaking when I raised the engine. (Power steering return hose?)
It wasn't a very easy job, but not too bad.
I bought OEM mounts from Japan, a little different part number, supposedly re-designed for VVT engine. $114 a piece plus shipping.
Hope this helps.
Val
You have to put the car on jack stands, all four corners, parallel to the ground (important!) and take the front wheels off.
You put a piece of 3/4 plywood under the engine oil pan and jack it up, undo the
heater valve on the firewall first so it can move upward a bit, or you will break that plastic part by the engine moving upward.
Lift the engine just a little and turn the 17mm nuts, I made a mistake of lifting it higher and putting pressure on the nuts, making them hard to turn. Stubby 17mm wrench is your friend for the job! Driver side is tricky, takes a while to turn the nut.
Also, one power steering hose was old and brittle and started leaking when I raised the engine. (Power steering return hose?)
It wasn't a very easy job, but not too bad.
I bought OEM mounts from Japan, a little different part number, supposedly re-designed for VVT engine. $114 a piece plus shipping.
Hope this helps.
Val
The following users liked this post:
spuds (02-20-18)
10-27-17, 09:10 AM
#27
Driver School Candidate
Jumerle,
You have to put the car on jack stands, all four corners, parallel to the ground (important!) and take the front wheels off.
You put a piece of 3/4 plywood under the engine oil pan and jack it up, undo the
heater valve on the firewall first so it can move upward a bit, or you will break that plastic part by the engine moving upward.
Val
You have to put the car on jack stands, all four corners, parallel to the ground (important!) and take the front wheels off.
You put a piece of 3/4 plywood under the engine oil pan and jack it up, undo the
heater valve on the firewall first so it can move upward a bit, or you will break that plastic part by the engine moving upward.
Val
1) Did you completely remove the piece below (taken from another thread)? Did any liquid spill out?
2) Also, why remove the front wheels? I'm thinking about tackling this on for a 99, but this would be the first time.
10-27-17, 11:15 AM
#28
I didn't remove the heater valve completely, just unbolted it from the firewall, so it moves a bit with the hose attached. Some coolant will flow out ( I think ) if you take it off.
As for the front wheels off, you will have more room to move around there, more light too.
As for the front wheels off, you will have more room to move around there, more light too.
02-17-18, 09:57 AM
#29
Racer
Do you think this is the real deal?they claim its FACTORY OEM LEXUS 97-00 LS400 ENGINE MOTOR STRUT MOUNT INSULATOR 12361-50101
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FACTORY-OEM-LEXUS-97-00-LS400-ENGINE-MOTOR-STRUT-MOUNT-INSULATOR-12361-50101/152463073088?fits=Make%3ALexus%7CModel%3ALS400&epid=2249245935&hash=item237f81df40:g:BdQAAOSwYVlaDSDn
price:US $82.45
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FACTORY-OEM-LEXUS-97-00-LS400-ENGINE-MOTOR-STRUT-MOUNT-INSULATOR-12361-50101/152463073088?fits=Make%3ALexus%7CModel%3ALS400&epid=2249245935&hash=item237f81df40:g:BdQAAOSwYVlaDSDn
Condition:New
price:US $82.45
Last edited by spuds; 02-17-18 at 10:03 AM.
