Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I took my month old 99 to the dealer to have the differential fluid serviced as it was only $50.00 for the labor and I brought my own Lucas Synthetic gear oil for them to use. Anyway, they mentioned a few problems that need to be fixed but I am a bit confused and suspicious.

First:

They said that there were two bushing on each of my rear suspension that are cracked and need to be replaced but what they want to replace the whole carrier sub-assy RR (42304-50080) on both sides. Does this sound right? Their like $310.00 a pop without labor.

Second:

My power steering pump is leaking very slowly and they want to replace the power steering pressure hose (44410-50060) and the power steering control valve (44201-50150) for insane amount of money. I was looking over the power steering thread for my generation and the guy who fixed his said it was just an old o-ring. I am thinking mine is probably the same problem but the high pressure hose was not mentioned in the thread.

Third:

How can I tell if my shocks are no longer functioning as they should? What I thought was if you compress, let's say the drivers front side, and let the car spring back up and there is a little bounce then the time has come to replace them. I also notice the front end kind dives down when your have to hit the brakes hard. Another sign of tired shocks?

You don't even want to know how much they want to charge to do this work. Any advice how to proceed? Honestly, the rear end feels fine and I don't hear any pops or noise from the rear. If anything, the front feels a little loose at certain times on very rough road and I've heard a pop here and there if I have had to hit the brakes hard and hit a nasty bump at the same time. The roads here wreak havoc on suspensions.

BobN54

The power steering diagnosis sounds in line; those are common problem areas. It does sound like the front struts are ready to be replaced. You will have to decide between using OEM Lexus or less expensive aftermarket struts. Get a couple of quotes for the parts and labor from reputable independent repair shops. If you like your dealer, you can use those quotes to negotiate their labor rate down, as well as a discount on parts. Everything is negotiable. Others can comment better than I on your other suspension questions.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

suspension is about right as well since roads in PR are terrible. your car won't fall apart if not addressed so i wouldn't worry to much about it. i would take care of the power steering which is just as shown in the DIY.. the high press line may just be a precaution that the dealer threw in.

shocks are fairly cheap, it's the labor that will get ya. i suggest to get aftermarket shocks, KYB for instance (which is acutally an OEM brand), and have another shop install them. the dealer will always be your most expensive option.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I was looking at the KYB's. I put them on an old Oldsmobile I use to own years ago. They are great shocks.

Question: Any ideas what the carrier sub-assy is? I was looking at diagrams but I am still confused on what their function is and why are they so expensive?

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

yes, carrier sub-assy photo below, circled in red.

I dont think Lexus sells bushings for this item, but you can probably find them online.

BUT: get under car and be SURE the two bushings on the bottom are worn OUT,

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

also, on your "Second: My power steering pump is leaking very slowly and they want to replace the power steering pressure hose (44410-50060) and the power steering control valve (44201-50150) for insane amount of money. I was looking over the power steering thread for my generation and the guy who fixed his said it was just an old o-ring. I am thinking mine is probably the same problem but the high pressure hose was not mentioned in the thread."

On my 97 LS, I had to replace my power steering high pressure hose (could see it leaking). it runs from the pump, around the oil pan and to the control valve. I found one on ebay, perfect fit...
also, your control valve has a seal/s in it that can be replaced... see diagram: 44201 items.

Gene01

Don't put off fixing a power steering fluid leak on the 90-93 LS400s. (Did not know if it was true or not for the '99 cars.)
On the 90-93, the alternator is under the PS pump, and it doesn't react well to leaking PS fluid.
It would be another fairly expensive repair (like > $1000 at the dealer).
The next post (#8) says that this it does NOT apply to Series IV. I'm glad to hear that they fixed this design "feature".
Thanks to steve2006 for the info.

steve2006

No they moved the alternator position on the series IV so no soaked alternator for this model.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

I am not sure what you are referring to either, but the two illustrations were taken from the 99 listings

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Billy! Your answers are always informative and very helpful. I will check online for the bushings to see if I can find them. Seems stupid that you would need to spend $310.00 a pop for $10.00 bushing.

You are exactly right, I do have some fluid around the oil pan and high pressure hose. I was not able to diagnose it myself and originally thought my oil pan seals were seeping. I know in the last month I have noticed no drop in fluid level I know the leak is very slow but I will tacking this first.

In diagram 44201 I see the part numbers for the seals. Think it is worth doing the other seals mentioned in the DIY PS thread? I'm thinking I will probably do the whole timing service / tune up at the same time.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

sounds like a winner,
ps, I like your signature.... great thought for all....