RX330Betsy

My Dealer says I should replace spark plugs at 90K ( I have 105K), but the Owner's Manual says replace plugs at 120K. When should I change the plugs?
(Dealer cost is $500)


Another question: How often should the power steering fluid be replaced? Had it replaced last year (Oct 2009). Dealer says I should replace again, because the fluid has a tendency to seperate, which causes seals to fail, and ultimately the rack and pinion fails. Is this true? (Dealer cost is $200 - $250)

Can anyone provide any guidance? Please advise.

Thanks.

billy44bo

Take it to a Toyota dealer and have the plugs changed out at 120k and I have 77k on my 2005 RX330 and have never had the power steering fluid replaced. The brake fluid every 30k miles also have had then drain and fill the transmission every 30k miles but never the power steering fluid. Last transmission drain and fill was <$90. Try to saty away from that Lexus sealership if you can.

RX330Betsy

billy44bo, How much did the Toyota dealer charge for the spark plug replacement?

RX330Betsy

Thanks for the advice!

billy44bo

Never had the spark plug replacement done on my RX 330 it only has 77k miles on it and on Saturday it will belong to the dealer as our new RX 450h that was ordered back in September will be going home with us. Call around to a few Toyota stores and see who gives you the best price for the work you need to have done. Did you have the timing belt changed out at 90k miles? If not need to get that done RIGHT away before, it puts you in a world of pain and money. If the MPG have not fallen off hold off until you get around the 120k mark.

RX330Betsy

Yep. Had the 90K service done earlier this year...cost me over $2,000 and it did not include changing the spark plugs. Thanks again for the advice.

billy44bo

did the give you a kiss for that ! It is < $500 at my Toyota store here for the new timing belt , oil and tires < $75 and that is for Mobile 1 , transmission drain and fill < $90 ,Brake fluid change was < $80 . I order the air filters and blades for the wipers <$70 online. Is your an AWD then there is a little more for that one. STAY AWAY from the SEALERSHIP and save a lot of money that you could go out and do something for you or your family. Yes you do not got a car while they do the work but my will take me home so I do not have to stay there but for oil and small things I stay there.

Lexmex

Spark plugs you can wait until 120K.

For the power steering fluid, that sounded like garbage what you were told at the dealer. I use Mobil 1 ATF for the Power Steering Fluid and that stuff can easily go longer than the interval mentioned by your dealer. You can literally buy a bottle (like $9 at an auto parts store), suck out the old fluid, pour in the new, drive, suck out the flood and pour in the remaining amount. A lot cheaper than the amount you were quoted.

rxpx40

iTrader: (1)

Take it to the DEALER??? I think not.
I just changed the front three spark plugs on my wife's RX330 very easily. Contemplating taking the throttle body off to clean it and reach the rear three spark plugs. The dealer *might* get the car for the timing belt replacement. maybe..
Chris

JamesHuang

iTrader: (1)

Is the Toyota dealership able to update the vehicle service records on My Lexus? Or is it only if you take it the Lexus dealer? Guess you can manually add your updates on the website as well...

Rainbird

Toyota won't update the vehicle service record. You can update the information yourself. They do limit the information in the service description "pull down menus". What I do to overcome that is add to the Service provider, some additional information. For Example:

Toyota of Santa Barbara - 30K Service

Always keep receipts of all maintenance done on your vehicle. Your entering information on the Lexus Owners website is not proof that the work was done.

HtownBlue

I replaced my plugs at 133K. They hardly had any signs of damage or wear. The transfer on the plug (where the diode transfer to the tip over time) was hardly even apparent. I would bet you could EASILY get 150K on the factory set. I got 155K on my RX300 I had previously fwiw.

JamesHuang

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Rainbird for the nice suggestion.

arnieosp

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like your dealer doesn't want to miss his yacht payment.