'96 LX400 maint

Banshee365 · Lexus Owner Joined: Nov 27, 2006 Posts: 1

Hey guy's. Mother has a '96 LS400 with 162k miles running strong. it's idling a tad rough, my thought it plugs and wires, since they are probably original. I do not think the timing belt has ever been changed. Since it is an interference engine (I think) in this year and model a timing belt failure is not desirable. Being mechanically inclined I'm thinking about doing alot of maintanance on the car over the next few weeks including possibly:

*Brakes need some work
*Timing belt
*plugs and wires
*possible transmissiong flush, although it was changed at around 100k I think

Does this look like a good start, doing the plugs, wires, and timing belt at the same time would be a must. What else would you guy's recommend. The car just got repainted and we would like it to run a while longer. I don't hear really any odd engine noises and it drives like a new car. I'm changin the engine oil today and want to catch this stuff before a major failure occurs. Does the water pump have to be replaced with the timing belt or is it just a good idea to do so? Thanks guys.

-Kelly

eagle33 · Lexus Owner Joined: Mar 09, 2007 Posts: 1

It's really a matter of prefference....but think about it.
Water pump is driven by timing belt, so while you doing timing belt job its just make sence to replace water pump as well. Do you have to do it? No.
Now the question is .... Timing belt is not an easy task, and expensive if you are not DIY type. If you replace your water pump now, it most likely will run for another 100k at least. If you don't do it - it may go for 100k or 1k (noone knows). So you would have to do all the work all over again....just something to think about:roll:

miamiLS · Lexus Owner Joined: Apr 21, 2007 Posts: 1

Agree 100% with the above post.

Almost everybody does the water pump with the timing belt, like said 'it just makes sense" and an OEM could be had for about $100. It's also a good time to do your cam & crank seals, idler and tensioners. Could get a tad costly but once done you're good for a very long time. This job is not for the common do it yourselfer though.

I would also flush your power steering system and then clean your solenoid screen. Don't forget your LS400 uses Dextron III Auto Transmission Fluid. I uses Mobil 1 ATF. This is very good preventive maintenance to common P/S problems these cars are prone to.

BTW: You might also want to clean your Throttle Body. Sometimes good to clean up some idle issues.

CRAP: I didn't notice this post was so old!