Driver's side window issue
 

Took delivery of my wife's aunt's 2002. Car is from S California. 83K miles. The driver's window would only go down about 1/2 inch and stop. The window motor sounds like a brake is being applied to it in the sense it isn't an abrupt hard stop but more like a slow stop. When looking at the window from inside the car, the rubber squeegee /felt looking thing looks like it is getting sucked down to some degree, and the panel is bulging inwards toward the car's interior. I was tempted to spray some oil but knew that is I did that I might end up detonating the insides of the window mechanism and making things worse. Anyone else have this happen?

from what I've read this seems like a semi common issue with LS models. The solution I found is to use 303 Automotive Protectant (about $12 on amazon or any auto parts shop) and spray all along the liners of the affected window.
My driver side window would drop all the way down but would really struggle to come back up, sometimes I'd be stuck with the window all the way down. Spraying the 303 protectant around the window liner solved the issue and it's worked perfect since. this protectant helps lubricate the liners which get stuck with dirt/debris over the years. I live close to the beach, and my LS has always been in this area so I assumed mine were affected by sand getting stuck inside. worth a shot for only $12 before looking into failing window motors

Honda's Shin-Etsu grease is your friend here. It is what they use at the Lexus dealership service departments to keep all the window channel as well as all other weatherstrip in the car (hood, trunk, doors, windows) like new. Use sparingly but apply to literally every rubber seal and you can't go wrong

Both are good suggestions. I have used Shin Etsu successfully on all my LS's. You can get it on Amazon but it is much less expensive (unless they have raised the price during the pandemic) at the parts counter of the local Honda dealer.

I've tried various conditioners, waxed the inside glass surface, tried Rain-X, silicone spray. The problem isn't a lack of lubrication but one of the durometer of this rubber trim has deteriorated and will roll regardless of what lubricant is added. What is the inside rubber molding's part # ? The local Lexus dealer does not have a replacement part for it and the entire door panel would have to be replaced ($3800). The parts manager called it a belt molding. Thanks.

It kinda looks like it's part of the run-channel assembly - it shows to be part of the same two part numbers - 68151C (drivers) and 68141C (passenger), It doesn't show a separate part number for just the lower belt piece although it does look like it attaches separately. https://parts.lexus.com/a/Lexus_2002...1430-6701.html

68151-50013
I hope this works.

I hope this rubber part once installed will be in contact with the inner surface of the window. I think the part that is in contact with the outer surface of the window has a chrome molding.

Just wanted to add my experience. My 06 had this minor squeak and rub sound whenever i hit rough roads or a decent curve where the body 'twists'. it bothered me but the rubber door seals and trim were all intact. I got the Shin-Etsu and just applied it to all the rubber on the doors, windows, trunk..etc.

WOW what a difference!! So quiet and smooth!! Very worth it.
I will grease/lube up my other cars this week. Amazing.

Thanks for the recommendations. Cheers!

The door seals are very easy to replace - I replaced all 4 on my 160k LS and the car is not only quieter, when you close the doors with the new seals they take on a new sound (non UL version).
New seals are not that much money.

Removing the door panel and swapping out the motor is a bit more involved, but by no means a DIFFICULT job.

And once you're done, you'll be an expert :-)

That is true about experience - pulling the door cards is not actually hard - 7 screws
Plenty of YT to show how.
You will spend more time fixing the regulator etc than pulling the door card.

Goodluck