I'm in the process of installing new contacts and plunger in my starter. The starter housing has a stubby rubber piece attached to the body that is easily knocked off. What does it do? The plastic clip that holds it in place is broken.

 

I would guess it's the vent tube like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LarryBs-Vent-Tube-for-Denso-Starters-/200974141971?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ecafe0a13&vxp=mtr#ht_82wt_1362











or:

 

Is your starter giving you problems or is this just preventative maintenance? I had this done on my daughter's 2001 RX when starter was acting up at 74k, and no further problems from the starter since.

 

Proper servicing requires a special setup to make sure the two contact lay flat as you tighten them down. If any of the two become crooked then the plunger does not make good/perfect contact.

Here is my home grown technique.

I use my drill press (without any drill bit and in unpowered state. I just use the drill chuck to apply a down-ward pressure and use the plunger to push down on the contacts. So with a mild pressure in place, the plunger pushes the contacts flat allowing me to torque down the nuts. You can use a large c-clamp ... just make sure you apply a gentle force.

Salim

 

Much to my surprise, the vent tube is available from my local Lexus dealer. p/n 28119.