Need some help from those smarter and wiser than myself.
I have a 2001 LS430 UL with 261k.
I just finished with a lot of maintenance at ~259k: timing belt kit, valve covers, plugs, coils, pads, rotors, thermostat, all fluids (engine oil, transmission fluid, diff oil, PS fluid) and new tires and alignment, hood struts, and wipers.
But now I have two issues:
(1) I now get a vibrating/rubbing noise when I turn the wheel LEFT. It doesn't happen when turning right. Even the slightest angle to the left and the noise appears but doesn't transfer through the steering wheel. The more you turn the louder the noise. It doesn't change when braking during a turn. I've crawled under neath and so no signs of rubbing anywhere. The under tray is intact and secure. When I jack the car up, it doesn't seem as if any wheels bearings are going bad (only checked front). From my research, one suggestion would be check the LCA bushing. Have not done this yet.
(2) Car is sluggish and slips whenever put under a hard load; either hard acceleration from stop or downshifting to pass. When the fluid was drained it was definitely not fresh, almost black. I am debating doing another drain and refill or just biting the bullet and changing the torque converter. I know it's sacrilege on CL but aftermarket is ~$135 from Rock Auto and ~$1100 OEM.
Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

 

I would do another drain and fill on the transmission or at the very least make sure the level is correct. Replacing the torque converter won't do anything. I would also recommend cleaning your MAF if you are experiencing sluggish acceleration NOT related to transmission slippage.