My car (2001 LS 430 UL) started making a much higher-pitched sound while cranking, much different from the past. The first time it did this, it hesitated to start, making that clicking sound that we would associate with a bad battery or solenoid. I believe the battery is still in good shape. Any ideas? Cost to replace?

 

I can do my Maxima in my sleep as it's accessible over the transaxle, front left (got so many bad replacement parts I did the job 3X), but got curious because the LS430 is 4X the amount of labor?

I guess this explains it....my google search is saying about $550, and $800 at dealer, yikes. imho this means the best possible part should be used, I really find the entire remanuf alternator/starter business to be a racket. A Lexus tech told me always rebuild your current one, it is the best quality you will ever find. And the parts/materials are < $25...

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/for...004-some-tips/

 

I quickly read through that thread.

I don't think I'll mess with taking the manifold off. I might go so far as to change plugs, etc., but that engine is WAY too precious for my limited experience!!!

 

I don't think the starter job is that bad considering the money you can save. Ppl who do the timing belt​ job themselves should also do the starter themselves. I've done both on my 400 but it's basically the same procedure and I'll pick the starter I've the timing belt every time. Just my opinion.

 

I have to believe that the starter is easier on the 430 VS. the 400. Just reading through some of the posts on the 400 page I've learned that the starter is a bear to change on the 1UZ-FE

 

I've never rebuilt one, but would like to try since we have "spare" cars. I would agree from my experience on the Maxima, that the original was the best, and giving it back as a core is a mistake. Or maybe you get one with a cheap enough core, and keep the original and take your time rebuilding it. Dunno.

I bought 3 aftermarkets with lifetime warranties from that reputable online place (RA), it's not their fault the starters were so cheaply made, and the 2nd one was bad out of the box but I found out after installing it (the stupid mfg. actually pulled the lifetime warranty, so it's no longer warranted! On the 3rd one, I saw the field wire fraying and cracking after 3 mos., and I electrical taped it, seemed to work as it's been over 2 yrs. now).....so with the LS, the question is, what should we realistically be using as a replacement....if an indie does it, and charges $550, and it fails due to a shoddy part, he's gonna have to eat the labor, as I did 3X. But if we DIY, we eat the labor. Still, wife's BFF's husband said always rebuild yourself. It's a coincidence that she works for Toyota Corporate and he is a Lexus tech, I didn't own a Toyota product when he gave me that advice, so it was a general statement...

 

WELL, are there any posts that illustrate clearly, in a step by step fashion, how this is done on the LS430?

 

Excellent question.

 

Here's one thread that discussed the starter repair;

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ter-motor.html

 

Hopefully a bit of visual will help! This is very similar to the LS430.

 

The starter is located in the V of the engine. The hard part is getting the bolts on the back. You'll need a LONG extension with a swivel head to get to the bolts and its easier if you loosen the tranny bolts and you go in from beneath the car.

I bought a remanufacturered one from Toyota/Lexus and it worked great. On my gs430, I used a re-manufactured from a local auto parts store and the starter pin/plunger was too long.

 

The guy in the video has a nice Snap On long flex-head ratchet, and looks like the old school Costco battery...even for the tech, it's nice to have the video as he mentioned to stay organized. I think pics and videos can be referred to in the unlikely event a person doesn't remember something....

edit: he doesn't show the starter until 24:22, and he chuckles quite a lot about the job...undoing coolant stuff is ok, but looks like fuel line/rail related is undone as well with this job...

 

They designed the access & replacement of the starter to equalize with the brake pad replacement!

At 28:42 it could have been CATASTROPHIC with the fuel rail disassembled????!

Pretty insane how much needs to be disassembled to get to the starter. WOW.