Bocatrip

I spoke with the service manager at a local Lexus dealership that I have dealt with a number of times and am getting a price today. He told me he hasn't done any of these in quite some time. Probably because of the cost and the fact that these cars are getting old and owners aren't sinking large sums of money into them.If anything, independent shops are doing the more expensive jobs. Dropping the valve body on the trans and following the above steps does not seem like a simple job for a novice. Yes, a recommended trans shop is an option but here in Florida it is not easy to find any trust worthy shops. I'll be choosing between one or two Lexus dealerships and my Indy. I want to have some recourse in case there are any issues when putting the parts back together. To be continued. Thanks all.

Bocatrip

2013FSport. I think you might be right on track with your idea. I called a recommended Indy today and they gave me a very reasonable price to do the job. I went by the shop today to investigate further, and asked how he is doing this job for cheap money when the trans pan and valve body need to be removed. He said that although Lexus and some shops say that is their method, what they actually do is what you mentioned.....get a seal puller, after dropping the rear cross member, exhaust, and let the trans drop down as well. Then there is room to work. This Indy told me there is so much fluid down there, he can't be absolutely certain it is not leaking from the pan, but after changing the seals and driving a few hundred miles I should know. A few years ago when I first noticed the leak, I had everything washed down thoroughly and then kept an eye on it. It was leaking from the passenger side seal and dripping down to the pan. This guys price is too reasonable to pass up on and he has high recommendations from Angies List. I think I'll give him a try and keep everyone informed.

Bocatrip

I got my transmission shifter bushings replaced by my Indy today. One Lexus dealer quoted me $400+ tax, and a second Lexus dealership quoted me $650. My Indy charged me $275 and I got the bushings. I also decided to replace the engine oil dipstick O ring which seems to be notorious for leaking. My engine oil pan is quite wet with oil and I decided to try replacing the dipstick O ring first before going through the enormous expense of resealing the oil pan (extensive job requiring lifting the engine to get to all the bolts). I was even surprised how difficult it was to get to the screw holding in the dipstick.....(2 hour job). The old O ring was quite brittle and hard as a rock. Anyway, $500 later I'm hoping some or most of my oil leaks are resolved. The LS430 is not an inexpensive car when it comes to repairing oil leaks.

911LE

Hopefully that fixes your leaks. If not, there is actually a much faster/cheaper way to get to the oil pan bolts. It's possible to support the engine and just remove the suspension cradle to access the bolts. Turns a nightmare job into one that can be accomplished in just a few hours. I'll be doing just that to my '01 in the next week or 2 so I can take pics and post a how to if anyone is interested.

Bocatrip

Sounds like a great plan and idea 911LE......As our cars are aging, for those dedicated/loyal owners that keep their cars up to date, shortcuts are necessary! Please keep us informed with this great money saving info.

bradland

911
If you could use a helping hand, and you're in the greater PHX area send me a PM. I'd love to see this done and I'm happy to help out.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

As a data point, the selector shaft seal replacement on our 400 was $205 from the indy. The two seals were $15 and the rest labor, this must be fairly involved.