2000 Lexus LS400 - a bit of a bargain (to buy...)
Discussion
Thank you kindly.
I snagged the pump from my hotel reception last night (on my way back from the bar, of course). Looks fine.
I've then got some parts 'overnight from Japan', which should arrive next week ish - O rings for the lines that'll be taken off the old pump, the mounting stud (original likely the cause of the bracket snapping in the first place, new nuts for the stud and pulley. That ended up being £50ish incl shipping, so £450ish on the handbrake cable work, £200ish on pump parts then the labour on top. I'm hoping the labour for the pump change won't be too horrendous, but it depends on how easily the old bits come off, and whether there's any other damage tucked away.
Fingers crossed there isn't, because my 316k-mile Mercedes W124 is with my Man this week for investigation of a driveline noise, so the spirit is willing but the wallet is weak.
I snagged the pump from my hotel reception last night (on my way back from the bar, of course). Looks fine.
I've then got some parts 'overnight from Japan', which should arrive next week ish - O rings for the lines that'll be taken off the old pump, the mounting stud (original likely the cause of the bracket snapping in the first place, new nuts for the stud and pulley. That ended up being £50ish incl shipping, so £450ish on the handbrake cable work, £200ish on pump parts then the labour on top. I'm hoping the labour for the pump change won't be too horrendous, but it depends on how easily the old bits come off, and whether there's any other damage tucked away.
Fingers crossed there isn't, because my 316k-mile Mercedes W124 is with my Man this week for investigation of a driveline noise, so the spirit is willing but the wallet is weak.
It's the first time I've driven to the airport before a work trip - the flights back are always overnight, and I'm generally knackered before I head back, so falling asleep in the cab from the airport has happened - but I'm glad I did it this time, and not just because I'm grumpier and more antisocial than usual after a work week away. It was genuinely nice to be tootling away from Heathrow in my Lexus, after a relaxed (and work-funded) breakfast at the airport, washed down by a large coffee.
Car is squealing like a squealy thing, though. Settles down after a while, but still.
Anyway, I have the pump with me and am just waiting for my parts from Japan to set off before I book a date with my Man. Annoyingly, a week after I ordered the stuff - and paid more for shipping than the parts - it hasn't shipped yet, and it looks like the ETA is a full week later than I'm sure it was when I ordered. My Man has my W124 at the moment and hasn't yet got to the bottom of its noise problem, so it'll probably be a swapover day once the Lexus bits arrive. Which suits me, ish.
Anyway, the pump.
The dual bolt holes are on the back, with the whole unit at a slight angle from that shown. The stud comes through to the front of the pump. From what I've heard, the existing pump bracket has snapped between the bolt holes and the functional part-of-the-pump section of that half of the pump - thankfully it didn't fail further forward, and kill the pump in the process.
The bits I've got - eventually - coming from Japan are new O rings for the connections, new stud, new nut for the stud, and new nut for the pulley shaft. Hopefully that'll do it. Once they show up.
This time, I ended up with a Ford Fusion hybrid while in Boston. My first time driving a hybrid, and it was okay. Nothing to write home about on equipment or drive, but perfectly adequate.
Car is squealing like a squealy thing, though. Settles down after a while, but still.
Anyway, I have the pump with me and am just waiting for my parts from Japan to set off before I book a date with my Man. Annoyingly, a week after I ordered the stuff - and paid more for shipping than the parts - it hasn't shipped yet, and it looks like the ETA is a full week later than I'm sure it was when I ordered. My Man has my W124 at the moment and hasn't yet got to the bottom of its noise problem, so it'll probably be a swapover day once the Lexus bits arrive. Which suits me, ish.
Anyway, the pump.
The dual bolt holes are on the back, with the whole unit at a slight angle from that shown. The stud comes through to the front of the pump. From what I've heard, the existing pump bracket has snapped between the bolt holes and the functional part-of-the-pump section of that half of the pump - thankfully it didn't fail further forward, and kill the pump in the process.
The bits I've got - eventually - coming from Japan are new O rings for the connections, new stud, new nut for the stud, and new nut for the pulley shaft. Hopefully that'll do it. Once they show up.
This time, I ended up with a Ford Fusion hybrid while in Boston. My first time driving a hybrid, and it was okay. Nothing to write home about on equipment or drive, but perfectly adequate.
Jonny Smith, he of Fifth Gear, 9 years ago:
"This LS400 had been languishing for several years in a farmyard. Despite the fact everything worked and she ran well, the car was destined to die for the first episode of Fifth Gear. If you watched it you will see that it was used as a 2-tonne steel cushion for a Mini with no brakes.
For that reason I decided it was best to give the old girl an interesting last supper, so we attempted some tyre smoking. Burnouts didn't go well (concrete too abrasive) and the donut efforts were average, but nevertheless she didn't fail to punish her hind rubber.. ."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcjzcUKPS4E
And then this ( go to 2 min ):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RLhAPQHf60
"This LS400 had been languishing for several years in a farmyard. Despite the fact everything worked and she ran well, the car was destined to die for the first episode of Fifth Gear. If you watched it you will see that it was used as a 2-tonne steel cushion for a Mini with no brakes.
For that reason I decided it was best to give the old girl an interesting last supper, so we attempted some tyre smoking. Burnouts didn't go well (concrete too abrasive) and the donut efforts were average, but nevertheless she didn't fail to punish her hind rubber.. ."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcjzcUKPS4E
And then this ( go to 2 min ):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RLhAPQHf60
Edited by ST565NP on Wednesday 29th January 20:41
Seems a bit of a waste.
No photos yet, but I've received another gift from the Lexus fairy - shed diggings have revealed a beefy jump starter (not sure if we're talking leads or jump pack) for the car. PO refuses to have any money.
So I spent out on brake hardware and a new rad cap from Rock Auto, which I'll bring back from my next US trip next week.
I suspect the brake noise relates to something other than the discs or pads, so the hardware (pad securing pins & spring clips) will be joined by OEM anti-squeal shims (two per pad) and new pads, once I get around to it.
Finally, the fixings for the PS pump have arrived, so that'll be done when I'm back from the States. Hopefully my MB will be improved by then, and I can swap back.
Then the rebuilding of my bank balance can begin!
No photos yet, but I've received another gift from the Lexus fairy - shed diggings have revealed a beefy jump starter (not sure if we're talking leads or jump pack) for the car. PO refuses to have any money.
So I spent out on brake hardware and a new rad cap from Rock Auto, which I'll bring back from my next US trip next week.
I suspect the brake noise relates to something other than the discs or pads, so the hardware (pad securing pins & spring clips) will be joined by OEM anti-squeal shims (two per pad) and new pads, once I get around to it.
Finally, the fixings for the PS pump have arrived, so that'll be done when I'm back from the States. Hopefully my MB will be improved by then, and I can swap back.
Then the rebuilding of my bank balance can begin!
Back from the US again, hopefully for the last time for a while. My chariot this time was a Chevy Impala, which was adequate.
The Lexus did sterling service to/from Heathrow, and I'll hopefully get the PS pump done this week.
I've checked out the jump start pack that was given to me a couple of weeks back, and all seems well. Hopefully I won't have to use it much!
I had some brake bits delivered to my hotel this time around - no photo unless you really want one. Nothing special, just the wire clips, spring clips & front securing pins. Plus a new rad cap, as it was cheap.
The Lexus did sterling service to/from Heathrow, and I'll hopefully get the PS pump done this week.
I've checked out the jump start pack that was given to me a couple of weeks back, and all seems well. Hopefully I won't have to use it much!
I had some brake bits delivered to my hotel this time around - no photo unless you really want one. Nothing special, just the wire clips, spring clips & front securing pins. Plus a new rad cap, as it was cheap.
Pump changed, and peace reigns.
Here's the offending article:
While the bolt holes are closer together on the late LS400s than the earlier cars (there's may 1/2" difference, at a guess), it's quite a hefty piece of metal to snap. But snap it has. I suspect the front wasn't properly bolted down for a long time, and the torque & heat has weakened it over the course of years. Amazing it lasted as long as it did (and, if it hadn't been for the pulley bearing squeal, it would likely have gone unnoticed for longer). The break was at the back of the pump housing - check out the shot of the new pump, earlier up, to see how the pump is put together.
Glad it made it this far (just short of 260k miles). Next up for this car will be the brake squeal, or the aerial. For now, it's time to put petrol in - again - and enjoy the ride.
Here's the offending article:
While the bolt holes are closer together on the late LS400s than the earlier cars (there's may 1/2" difference, at a guess), it's quite a hefty piece of metal to snap. But snap it has. I suspect the front wasn't properly bolted down for a long time, and the torque & heat has weakened it over the course of years. Amazing it lasted as long as it did (and, if it hadn't been for the pulley bearing squeal, it would likely have gone unnoticed for longer). The break was at the back of the pump housing - check out the shot of the new pump, earlier up, to see how the pump is put together.
Glad it made it this far (just short of 260k miles). Next up for this car will be the brake squeal, or the aerial. For now, it's time to put petrol in - again - and enjoy the ride.
Thank you, sir. It's nice to have a less squealing car.
The new pump seems fine.... but I suspect the old one was OEM where this is aftermarket, as the new pump groans a little in car park manoeuvres. It's okay, though, and better than the ever-present risk of the old one flying across the engine bay.
Little milestone reached:
On with the next job(s): squealing brakes. It's the fronts, during light low-speed stuff and, outside the car, it's pretty damn loud. Hopefully something I can resolve myself.
Brembo front pads on order from ECP eith one of their better-reduction sales (I know there are variable things said about ECP, but they're local, £37ish seems reasonable, and I'll go at a time when they're not busy so I don't have to spend 10 mins being ignored). Also getting some silicone paste for lube duties.
I have new spring clips, pad retaining pins etc on hand from my last US trip. May as well change them in, as I've heard comments about noisy brakes because the pins weren't straight.
I'm toying with the idea of getting a set of OEM pad shims (US is the cheapest) as this seems to be another noise point. Any thoughts? It'd add £70ish to the cost, but what price peaceful wafting?
I've not done brake pads before, but I'm assuming it's whip off wheels, turn strut to access caliper, pull off retaining stuff & remove old pads, clean up & lube contact points (except the obvious one!), clean discs, refit. Would that be about right? I'll try to remember to clean & lube the caliper slide pins (if that's what they're called) while I'm at it.
Thinking I won't replace the discs at this stage - I think they're relatively recent, and may as well check over the existing ones before spending the money.
The new pump seems fine.... but I suspect the old one was OEM where this is aftermarket, as the new pump groans a little in car park manoeuvres. It's okay, though, and better than the ever-present risk of the old one flying across the engine bay.
Little milestone reached:
On with the next job(s): squealing brakes. It's the fronts, during light low-speed stuff and, outside the car, it's pretty damn loud. Hopefully something I can resolve myself.
Brembo front pads on order from ECP eith one of their better-reduction sales (I know there are variable things said about ECP, but they're local, £37ish seems reasonable, and I'll go at a time when they're not busy so I don't have to spend 10 mins being ignored). Also getting some silicone paste for lube duties.
I have new spring clips, pad retaining pins etc on hand from my last US trip. May as well change them in, as I've heard comments about noisy brakes because the pins weren't straight.
I'm toying with the idea of getting a set of OEM pad shims (US is the cheapest) as this seems to be another noise point. Any thoughts? It'd add £70ish to the cost, but what price peaceful wafting?
I've not done brake pads before, but I'm assuming it's whip off wheels, turn strut to access caliper, pull off retaining stuff & remove old pads, clean up & lube contact points (except the obvious one!), clean discs, refit. Would that be about right? I'll try to remember to clean & lube the caliper slide pins (if that's what they're called) while I'm at it.
Thinking I won't replace the discs at this stage - I think they're relatively recent, and may as well check over the existing ones before spending the money.
I had squealing brakes on one of my old cars, was horrendously loud from outside....I didn't realise until I had the windows down one day! It was cured by taking the brakes apart, cleaning everything up and greasing the sliders etc. No new parts required. Might be worth trying that before splashing out on some new parts?
For the pads, I've now got everything but the OEM shims, so I may as well change them over and make sure everything that should be lubed is lubed.
There is a shake through the steering wheel when braking from higher speeds. I'm wondering whether that's more likely discs or alignment. Part of me is almost tempted to just get new front discs while I'm taking far too long with the pads.
There is a shake through the steering wheel when braking from higher speeds. I'm wondering whether that's more likely discs or alignment. Part of me is almost tempted to just get new front discs while I'm taking far too long with the pads.
That could be interesting - tell me more... (sorry for the delayed reply)
Today, I've replaced the front pads. And I don't think the squeal will have gone away.
With the LS providing lovely lockdown transport when food supplies are low, and with it being parked around the corner (okay, a couple of corners) because of building work next to my normal spot, I've become very aware of the squeal. Particularly as everyone is home at the moment, so there's nowhere to hide.
Two hours has seen the work done, from getting the tools out to being back inside scraping the black goo off my hands.
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/JJXS9oCz.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/4t6fAP6z" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/4t6fAP6z.jpg)
But there's something rotten in the state of Denmark: both discs should be secured to their hubs by two screws each, and screws there are none.
Well, that's not entirely true: it looks like there are the remains of two sheared screws on the passenger side hub.
The old pads look reasonably healthy - but I dont know about pads, so any comments are welcomed - and three of the four old pads had their full complement of shims, so I'm now wondering whether the problem might be that the discs are moving slightly under braking. They couldn't move much, because they're sandwiched betwixt wheel and hub, but it might be enough.
Missing screws I can sort out; snapped ones I'm not so sure.
Oh, and I have these three little fittings left over from the hardware pack. Couldn't see them on the old pads, couldn't see a fourth one. No idea what they are, or whether my car should have them.
Overall, another job requiring patience but only hand tools and some research.
Today, I've replaced the front pads. And I don't think the squeal will have gone away.
With the LS providing lovely lockdown transport when food supplies are low, and with it being parked around the corner (okay, a couple of corners) because of building work next to my normal spot, I've become very aware of the squeal. Particularly as everyone is home at the moment, so there's nowhere to hide.
Two hours has seen the work done, from getting the tools out to being back inside scraping the black goo off my hands.
But there's something rotten in the state of Denmark: both discs should be secured to their hubs by two screws each, and screws there are none.
Well, that's not entirely true: it looks like there are the remains of two sheared screws on the passenger side hub.
The old pads look reasonably healthy - but I dont know about pads, so any comments are welcomed - and three of the four old pads had their full complement of shims, so I'm now wondering whether the problem might be that the discs are moving slightly under braking. They couldn't move much, because they're sandwiched betwixt wheel and hub, but it might be enough.
Missing screws I can sort out; snapped ones I'm not so sure.
Oh, and I have these three little fittings left over from the hardware pack. Couldn't see them on the old pads, couldn't see a fourth one. No idea what they are, or whether my car should have them.
Overall, another job requiring patience but only hand tools and some research.
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