RE: PH Fleet: Lexus LS400/TVR Chimaera 400
Discussion
_Neal_ said:
Absolutely agree with this - my Chimaera 400 did its otter switch on the South Circular, had to hang around a while waiting for traffic to die down before limping it home. I bridged the fans with a paperclip then got the ottter switch replaced (I think you can get one that kicks the fans in at a lower temperature too, worth getting) and had a fan override switch installed.
Classic TVR issue, and the only time by Chimaera let me down. As I understand it, the otter switch (which senses heat) is itself damaged by heat. Well played TVR.
Mine did the same. You have hit the nail on the head yes the otter switch does seem to get damaged by heat, they only last about a year to 18 months before failing. Luckily they are easy to replace and cost about £12.00.Classic TVR issue, and the only time by Chimaera let me down. As I understand it, the otter switch (which senses heat) is itself damaged by heat. Well played TVR.
Garlick, what tyre pressures do you use on the LS? I've just bought a '99 LS400 (registered January so a '98 build) and it has 245/50 ZR17 99Y Pirelli tyres, nearly new thankfully. I assume it has the Dynamic Handling Pack though how I tell I'm not sure. The sticker in the CD compartment only gives pressures for the 16'' wheels.
I'm also after an Owner's handbook and a workshop manual if you ever come across spare ones.
I've also got a slight knock on the front suspension going over potholes, none on the test drive unfortunately but I did get it up to speed on a dual carriageway and it's nice and stable. It's had some bushes earlier this year so maybe a ball joint. And a slight wobble from the drivetrain on the overrun but only after filling up with fuel. Odd. Maybe a u/j on the prop although it's as smooth as anything otherwise. Thankfully the engine and gearbox seem perfect, nearly full Lexus history and the last owner kept a book detailing everything. He used fully synthetic oil which is a bonus and the cambelt and tensioners etc were done on schedule.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed I don't get hit by the sort of bills you've had.
A heck of a lot of a car for the money.
I'm also after an Owner's handbook and a workshop manual if you ever come across spare ones.
I've also got a slight knock on the front suspension going over potholes, none on the test drive unfortunately but I did get it up to speed on a dual carriageway and it's nice and stable. It's had some bushes earlier this year so maybe a ball joint. And a slight wobble from the drivetrain on the overrun but only after filling up with fuel. Odd. Maybe a u/j on the prop although it's as smooth as anything otherwise. Thankfully the engine and gearbox seem perfect, nearly full Lexus history and the last owner kept a book detailing everything. He used fully synthetic oil which is a bonus and the cambelt and tensioners etc were done on schedule.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed I don't get hit by the sort of bills you've had.
A heck of a lot of a car for the money.
rovermorris999 said:
Garlick, what tyre pressures do you use on the LS? I've just bought a '99 LS400 (registered January so a '98 build) and it has 245/50 ZR17 99Y Pirelli tyres, nearly new thankfully. I assume it has the Dynamic Handling Pack though how I tell I'm not sure. The sticker in the CD compartment only gives pressures for the 16'' wheels.
I have the TVR with me today, but the pressures are in the LS handbook which currently in the Lexus at home. As you say it's not easy to get hold of the pressure needed and in the end I had to call Lexus UK and they went searching for me. I'll dig it out for you.I replace my tyres with original size Pirelli's and they cost me between £200-250 each.
Also, bar the suspension rebuild the car has cost me very little indeed and the suspension cost was high because I'm fussy. It's a cheap car to own bar fuel IMO.
Thanks for that. I picked the car up yesterday and checked the tyre pressures this morning. Over 40psi in two and upper 30's in the others! I've dropped them to 35psi and it's made a big difference. The clonk from the front now only happens over a deep pothole and the whole car is so much better. I'll go with whatever pressure Lexus recommend for this tyre/wheel combo so thanks for looking.
A quick question as I don't have a handbook: do the mirrors fold electrically? I thought I saw somewhere that they did but can't find a switch for it although it may have been referring to a later car.
A quick question as I don't have a handbook: do the mirrors fold electrically? I thought I saw somewhere that they did but can't find a switch for it although it may have been referring to a later car.
rovermorris999 said:
A quick question as I don't have a handbook: do the mirrors fold electrically? I thought I saw somewhere that they did but can't find a switch for it although it may have been referring to a later car.
Mine don't, not sure if it was an option, but on my car I pop them in myself. An update. I've found the clonk. I've just had all the wheels off as I like to have a good check over when I get a car and the top outer joint on the rather weedy-looking wishbone on the driver's side had loads of play. The other side is fine and all the other joints and bushes look ok. Oddly enough, it looks as though the bushes have been changed so why not change the wishbone? Unless the joint has just failed but there's loads of play so I'd imagine it has been like it for a while.
It looks easy enough to replace so the question now is do I bend over at the Lexus dealer or get an ebay special for a fraction of the price?
Edited to answer my own question. There's a thread on the Lexus Owners Club forum warning against the ebay specials. So anyone know where I can get OEM parts a bit cheaper or do I have to bite the bullet?
It looks easy enough to replace so the question now is do I bend over at the Lexus dealer or get an ebay special for a fraction of the price?
Edited to answer my own question. There's a thread on the Lexus Owners Club forum warning against the ebay specials. So anyone know where I can get OEM parts a bit cheaper or do I have to bite the bullet?
Edited by rovermorris999 on Thursday 23 August 12:23
rovermorris999 said:
A quick question as I don't have a handbook: do the mirrors fold electrically? I thought I saw somewhere that they did but can't find a switch for it although it may have been referring to a later car.
the mirrors folded in electrically on my 1992 celsior...here is what the switch looked like
I've just had a quote from Lexus for the top wishbone - £400 + vat. Ouch. I've seen them on ebay for about £40 but several people on the OC forum have had problems with them failing and a suspicion they are old ones tarted up with a new boot and a lick of paint. Anyone have a cheaper source for OEM quality bits at a bit less?
Edited to add: Just joined the OC as they can get a decent discount on genuine bits. It eases the pain slightly.
Edited to add: Just joined the OC as they can get a decent discount on genuine bits. It eases the pain slightly.
Edited by rovermorris999 on Friday 24th August 14:17
Edited by rovermorris999 on Friday 24th August 14:58
rovermorris999 said:
I've just had a quote from Lexus for the top wishbone - £400 + vat. Ouch. I've seen them on ebay for about £40 but several people on the OC forum have had problems with them failing and a suspicion they are old ones tarted up with a new boot and a lick of paint. Anyone have a cheaper source for OEM quality bits at a bit less?
Edited to add: Just joined the OC as they can get a decent discount on genuine bits. It eases the pain slightly.
the second hand ones are hit and miss from what I understand.Edited to add: Just joined the OC as they can get a decent discount on genuine bits. It eases the pain slightly.
Edited by rovermorris999 on Friday 24th August 14:17
Edited by rovermorris999 on Friday 24th August 14:58
If done properly, they should be no worse than a new wishbone form lexus... all they are doing is fitting a new ball joint.
I fitted second hand ones on my celsior and had no problems.
The best way to purchase these parts is via US suppliers where even after shipping and tax they are way cheaper. Am just spending thousands on my old LS 400 (1997) to keep it running for the next ten years. Front suspension is going to cost well over £1200 all in for parts after 110,000 miles in central London.
Well I've just ordered a new wishbone from Rock Autos, £190 including all UK taxes and express courier. The Lexus price in the UK was £480 inc vat or a bit less with Club discount. I'll report back on the quality though I expect it to be good. They offered four different manufacturers, I've bought the most expensive.
I should have thought of US parts suppliers as I used to run a couple of American vehicles in the past and always bought parts direct from the USA as they were so cheap and at least OEM quality or better. The delivery times from the US were often as quick as a UK supplier.
I should have thought of US parts suppliers as I used to run a couple of American vehicles in the past and always bought parts direct from the USA as they were so cheap and at least OEM quality or better. The delivery times from the US were often as quick as a UK supplier.
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