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Installed Stoptech stainless brake hoses today. Hoses are metric (17mm on hard line end like OEM, but 12mm on caliper end instead of 14mm). Installation for the front passenger side was tricky…hard line wasn’t threading in easily, so I took my time to avoid crossing threads. Bled the brakes (18oz fluid w/o flushing ABS and traction control reservoirs since I don’t have the Toyota electronic SST). Pedal is definitely firmer. Combined with the Stoptech cross-drilled/slotted rotors and Porterfield R4s pads, braking is phenomenal!
Found out that the trunk release from the inside is controlled by the lever beside the steering wheel. It also has a lock that can be pushed in to defeat the unlocking mechanism.
Also found out that the external pushbutton to unlock the trunk had no switch or any wiring. The Lexus dealer told me my VIIN nr indicated the vehicle does not have this feature. I found this odd: All Toyotas and other non UL models have this feature but the top of the line does not. Next thing would be to make the external lock workable ( it is totally corroded)
Found out that the powersteering fluid filter is located INSIDE the PS reservoir and is unaccessible . To change the filter you need to buy the whole reservoir. In over 21 years the filter has never been cleaned . Time to change to prevent further cost along the line.
Lower control arm bushing is cracked. Mechanic says it will cost more to work on removing the bushing than buying a new control arm. It lasted over 21 years.
So far, the car has been good to me.
I replaced some broken connectors in the engine bay... definitely worth it as the old connectors all broke into pieces when trying to de-pin them. it's a small thing but super satisfying!
Trunk struts are on my short list... really curious to see how new ones compare to my current ones which I believe to be original.
Replaced them today with new ones from Bell Lexus. What a difference. Old ones were original and were pretty much shot. Also noticed that the wiring for my backup camera for my non-nav aftermarket system is frayed and has resulted in it only working sometimes... going to have to replace that this spring.
I don't have anything at the trunk to open it either. I just have a Premium without Smart Key, and I believe you only get a trunk button with Smart Key. So wierd ... my ancient 4Runner has a button to open the rear hatch, and that thing certainly doesn't have any kind of Smart Key setup.
For the power steering, I noticed that my old fluid was very dark colored. I followed the advice of TCCN and installed a new reservoir for the exact reason you mention ... you _don't_ want to have a clogged filter or there will be hell to pay ... and flushed the PS fluid. Nice and clean, and the reservoir is spotless. (The reservoir is a very expensive part, but you can get an OE one from Japan for less than half the price they sell them for here; just look around.)
As far as the LCABs, I had mine replaced (that's above my pay grade as far as DIY). It wasn't terribly expensive. I just sourced the parts -- gotta go with OE, period -- and brought them to my indie mechanic and he got the new ones on there no sweat. Definitely sharpens up handling.
Originally Posted by semar
Found out that the trunk release from the inside is controlled by the lever beside the steering wheel. It also has a lock that can be pushed in to defeat the unlocking mechanism.
Also found out that the external pushbutton to unlock the trunk had no switch or any wiring. The Lexus dealer told me my VIIN nr indicated the vehicle does not have this feature. I found this odd: All Toyotas and other non UL models have this feature but the top of the line does not. Next thing would be to make the external lock workable ( it is totally corroded)
Found out that the powersteering fluid filter is located INSIDE the PS reservoir and is unaccessible . To change the filter you need to buy the whole reservoir. In over 21 years the filter has never been cleaned . Time to change to prevent further cost along the line.
Lower control arm bushing is cracked. Mechanic says it will cost more to work on removing the bushing than buying a new control arm. It lasted over 21 years.
So far, the car has been good to me.
Installed new 555 endlinks and OEM bushings trying to fix a clunking on my front driver. Sadly it didn't fix my noise. I also replaced my original fuel cap.
Trunk struts are on my short list... really curious to see how new ones compare to my current ones which I believe to be original.
Trunk struts on these cars are extremely easy to replace; they just pop right off. For sure I would bite the bullet and just source OEM Lexus ones; they're way higher quality. That being said, even new ones aren't all that strong; you still have to push the trunk lid up. The struts don't propel it to the top position, they more or less just hold it steady for you.
12-30-23, 02:07 PM
Installed Stoptech stainless brake hoses
