Inspection found many problems. Are they serious? Should I fix them ASAP? (1 Viewer)

[jielyu]

Hello everyone! I bought a 1999 LX470 with 21K 210K miles on it 2 weeks ago (see previous post). For PPI, I took it to inspection where they found many problems. I am not familiar with the mechanical part of cars myself so I would really appreciate experts' opinion from everybody here on how serious these problema are and how much should I expect to fix them. See the complete report here, especially the "13 Requires Immediate Action" section. To summarize,

Problem 1: Engine Knocking
- There is a video attached to the report that shows the sound
- The knocking sound only appears at the end of each trip. When I first start the engine, there is no knocking sound
- The mechanic suggested it could be a damaged connecting rod bearing, or just the oil being not thick enough

Problem 2: Steering Gear/Rack
- Report says "steering rack boots torn, steering gear or rack leaking, inner/outer tie rod damaged/free play"

Problem 3: CV Axel Boots Torn
- Report says "CV axle boots broken and leaking grease"
- They suggested replacing the CV axel. Is this needed or would a simple boots replacement be enough

Problem 4: Front Differential Leaking
- Report says "front differential fluid is leaking, input seal leaking, replacement recommended"

Problem 5: Aged Radiator (Fixed)
- Mechanics said the radiator is unsafe to drive, so I had they replace the radiator & hoses and flushed the AC fluids after the PPI

 

[riffman12]

Not sure if that’s a knock, but it doesn’t sound great. I would start by checking that all the spark plugs are tight and that there is no exhaust leak from a manifold crack (common problem)

The rest looks like pretty normal stuff on a vehicle of this age.

 

[excessive]

well, here's my opinion. All of those items are concerns and need to be addresssed if you plan to keep the truck.
The "knocking" does not sound like a true bottom end knock. I would bet it's one of the accessories going bad. Take off the serpentine belt and check each component's bearings individually. This would also be a good time to peek at the timing belt.
The Steering rack should be addressed ASAP. You may be able to get by with just fixing the bellows and kicking the can down the road a bit longer.
The CV axles will also need to be addressed, but that is something that can wait a while
Same with the front Diff seal, you can put that off for longer as long as you keep an eye on the fluid level.

these are all normal things for a 20+ year old vehicle and are all considered normal wear and tear

 

[3_puppies]

also check the fan bracket
have you already bought the rig?
most likely the entire front end needs service, wheel bearings, etc, along with the cv axles
I'd make sure the diff leak isn't from above, does the fluid smell like gear oil?
it must not be a NJ rig with the lack of corrosion?

 

[jielyu]

The "knocking" does not sound like a true bottom end knock. I would bet it's one of the accessories going bad. Take off the serpentine belt and check each component's bearings individually. This would also be a good time to peek at the timing belt.

Speaking of belts, here is something interesting I found earlier. Might not be related to the "knocking" but pretty curious what this is?

From driver-side front wheel well, with lights shining from engine bay, you can see the screw

I pointed it out to a mechanic during oil change, and he pushed it in with a long rod and said it should be fine. Here is the same angle after. Not sure if this is the screw or something else

The nail could also be seen from the engine bay. Here is roughly where it was (I believe)

 

[jielyu]

also check the fan bracket
have you already bought the rig?
most likely the entire front end needs service, wheel bearings, etc, along with the cv axles
I'd make sure the diff leak isn't from above, does the fluid smell like gear oil?
it must not be a NJ rig with the lack of corrosion?

Yes, I already bought the rig. It spend 5 years in NJ and then 20 years in GA, hence the lack of corrosion

 

[GTV]

I bought a 1999 LX470 with 21K miles on it

Ok where's the typo?

 

[Malleus]

Really...21,000 miles???

 

[D21FJ60]

im surprised thats all there is needed if those miles are true. that thing sat for long periods of time

 

[jielyu]

Sorry guy, I meant to say 210K mile