E46CT CT200h Diary (w/ pictures)
#108
Installed brand new lower chrome "brightwork" (as they say in england) grill/trim piece from the 2016+ models. $280 shipped from Lexus. Kind of a rip but it's a huge upgrade from painted gray from the 2014/2015 models. I would've liked the black chrome ones indolent has but didn't feel like swinging that kinda dough.
the grill wasn't as easy as i thought. entire bumper had to pull off.. (easy) but the hard part was how the grill was attached to the lower f sport grill. i still don't know how i got the trim piece off. just when you think you've removed all clips and screws, something else is holding it on. it's all layered in a weird way.
the grill wasn't as easy as i thought. entire bumper had to pull off.. (easy) but the hard part was how the grill was attached to the lower f sport grill. i still don't know how i got the trim piece off. just when you think you've removed all clips and screws, something else is holding it on. it's all layered in a weird way.
The following users liked this post:
nigel821 (09-19-22)
#109
Installed brand new lower chrome "brightwork" (as they say in england) grill/trim piece from the 2016+ models. $280 shipped from Lexus. Kind of a rip but it's a huge upgrade from painted gray from the 2014/2015 models. I would've liked the black chrome ones indolent has but didn't feel like swinging that kinda dough.
the grill wasn't as easy as i thought. entire bumper had to pull off.. (easy) but the hard part was how the grill was attached to the lower f sport grill. i still don't know how i got the trim piece off. just when you think you've removed all clips and screws, something else is holding it on. it's all layered in a weird way.
the grill wasn't as easy as i thought. entire bumper had to pull off.. (easy) but the hard part was how the grill was attached to the lower f sport grill. i still don't know how i got the trim piece off. just when you think you've removed all clips and screws, something else is holding it on. it's all layered in a weird way.
#110
My CT200h has developed a rapid click sound as I come to a stop with light braking. Maybe from 10-0 mph. The rate of tick slows down as the car slows. Happens only with light brake application. I removed the wheel and inspected everything and retorqued everything. I am suspecting the front strut mount. It started as a light, slower tick, now it's a slightly louder faster tick. May try to sneak a wrench on the top strut nut too
I heard a 3rd gen prius braking in my neighborhood making a similar noise while braking to a stop. Since it uses pretty much identical front suspension, i am guessing it could be a common item.
I heard a 3rd gen prius braking in my neighborhood making a similar noise while braking to a stop. Since it uses pretty much identical front suspension, i am guessing it could be a common item.
#111
#112
Changed oil again. 5k. K&N oil filter that was super cheap on sale $2 (or was it $1.50--thanks to the person who linked it) and Castrol Magnatec 0W-20 for $16. The amazon oil is $6 more expensive. new crush washer of course.
#113
My CT200h has developed a rapid click sound as I come to a stop with light braking. Maybe from 10-0 mph. The rate of tick slows down as the car slows. Happens only with light brake application. I removed the wheel and inspected everything and retorqued everything. I am suspecting the front strut mount. It started as a light, slower tick, now it's a slightly louder faster tick. May try to sneak a wrench on the top strut nut too
I heard a 3rd gen prius braking in my neighborhood making a similar noise while braking to a stop. Since it uses pretty much identical front suspension, i am guessing it could be a common item.
I heard a 3rd gen prius braking in my neighborhood making a similar noise while braking to a stop. Since it uses pretty much identical front suspension, i am guessing it could be a common item.
#114
Never figured it out. Lexus wanted $190 to diagnose it and said if its under the powertrain warranty, they'll wave that diagnosis fee. I may just bite the bullet pay it and have them diagnose it..just in case it turns out to be covered under warranty.
I disassembled and reassembled and cleaned the front caliper and pads. No change. And i've pretty much ruled out the strut or strut bearing. I am thinking the axle. I imagine to find out, they'd have to put it on a lift and brake.. but then the car wouldn't be under load. strange for sure..
I disassembled and reassembled and cleaned the front caliper and pads. No change. And i've pretty much ruled out the strut or strut bearing. I am thinking the axle. I imagine to find out, they'd have to put it on a lift and brake.. but then the car wouldn't be under load. strange for sure..
#115
Wrapped both front door window control panel in gloss black vinyl. Very happy how it turned out and gives a much more premium appearance and feel. Best of all it was pretty much free as I used left over vinyl scraps from past projects. I even glossed out the parts where you put your fingers inside using inlays.
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nigel821 (09-19-22)
#116
Wrapped both front door window control panel in gloss black vinyl. Very happy how it turned out and gives a much more premium appearance and feel. Best of all it was pretty much free as I used left over vinyl scraps from past projects. I even glossed out the parts where you put your fingers inside using inlays.
But yeah definitely a more premium look to it without standing out too much. We would likely need to remove the entire door panel for the door handle trim im guessing.
#117
Thanks.. Yeah the door handle trim is tucked too tightly to wrap it nicely. I forgot if that plastic trim is plastic welded on but if it is forget it lol. been a while since i had the panels off.
The driver's door window trim is easy it just lifts upwards. however the passenger door window trim takes more finesse, you have to pop off the grippy rubbery textured door handle trim first, then two 10mm screws under that hold the plastic frame door handle, then the window switch trim comes out.
I want to wrap the steering wheel trim next but dreading pulling the airbag. not that its hard, just a PITA to disconnect the battery since the battery is pretty buried.
The driver's door window trim is easy it just lifts upwards. however the passenger door window trim takes more finesse, you have to pop off the grippy rubbery textured door handle trim first, then two 10mm screws under that hold the plastic frame door handle, then the window switch trim comes out.
I want to wrap the steering wheel trim next but dreading pulling the airbag. not that its hard, just a PITA to disconnect the battery since the battery is pretty buried.
#118
Ah yes the passenger side with that big handle.
I don't remeber what the steering wheel looks like but on the IS that trim will pop off just high enough to allow for wrapping without removing anything. Then its just working around the FS logo.
I don't remeber what the steering wheel looks like but on the IS that trim will pop off just high enough to allow for wrapping without removing anything. Then its just working around the FS logo.
#119
I need to remove the trim anyway because the trim squeaks when i turn the wheel so i need to remove it to insulate it. been putting it off a year
#120
I am considering getting new OEM floormats for about 120 shipped. I wish I could buy only the driver's mat. I took a steamer and steam cleaner to it and cant get the lexus embroidery white again. plus the mat is just worn out. i guess that's what 5 years of driving does to it.
But kind of a steep price to pay. My other mats are pristine.
But kind of a steep price to pay. My other mats are pristine.