Pig-Rig LX 470 "Build/Restore" thread

[dwh13]

8-3-2018
Brake system was still squealing and all typical lights came on again on dash so it went to Lexus dealer this time. New brake assembly was in order due to air being in system and damaging it. $2,894 which includes a courtesy discount from Lexus Corporate.

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Awesome write up! Curious as to why you had to pay for the brake assembly if they messed up and got air in the system?!!

 

[CloudCity]

Awesome write up! Curious as to why you had to pay for the brake assembly if they messed up and got air in the system?!!

I’m gonna have to leave that one at “an ongoing situation that hasn’t been resolved yet.” I’ll update once it’s finalized.

 

[dwh13]

I’m gonna have to leave that one at “an ongoing situation that hasn’t been resolved yet.” I’ll update once it’s finalized.

Gotcha. I had a similar situation happen with my VGRS actuator - a several thousand dollar repair caused by a botched repair on Lexus’ end. One call to Lexus corporate solved everything in 24 hours. Just FYI

 

[CloudCity]

I'll follow this. Doesn't rain often here, but it's rained quite a bit this past week and I'm noticing wet spots in the back.

Just added the first DIY to the site, let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
LuxCruisers.com Reseal Third Light Blanking Plate

I am not sure that a leaking seal will allow water inside the vehicle unless your drains are clogged, but I would think the more likely culprit would be the big rubber seal that the lift gate presses against when closed, sometimes they degrade or even get debris stuck under them that allows water to enter the rear.

 

[CloudCity]

Interested in the idea you had to cover the console. Were you just going to upholster the hard plastic?

Just updated that post with a pic for you!

 

[planomateo]

Ouch.

 

[dwh13]

Ouch.

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Mine is a little high too, why do you say ouch?

 

[planomateo]

Fluid expands when it gets hot , thus leaving no room for expansion. Overfilling the reservoir can lead to premature wear / overheating.

Hopefully he took this photo after he drove it for a while vs being cold.

 

[CloudCity]

Fluid expands when it gets hot , thus leaving no room for expansion. Overfilling the reservoir can lead to premature wear / overheating.

Hopefully he took this photo after he drove it for a while vs being cold.

Well spotted, that was the old unit that was overfilled by Toyota when they did their "work." The new one is actually slightly overfull also but Lexus said that's for the same reason you stated and is ok as some expansion is typical with heat. They did say when I have my brake pads replaced next they will have to take some fluid out to account for the thicker pads.

 

[ChuckB]

How’s your AHC performing?

 

[CloudCity]

How’s your AHC performing?

No issues other there, I played with it a lot when I first got the car but the novelty has worn off a bit so I only lift it for clearance these days or lower if I have older passengers.

 

[CloudCity]

Today I went to Honda dealer and bought some Shin Etsu Silicone Grease which is correct for lubricating the sunroof. I have read both opinions to lube the rails and cables, while others suggest never lube the tracks only the cables, so I started with the cables and doing more research before I apply to the tracks. It's about $25 at the dealer or $15 online for a large tube. You get a lot for your money however, 100grams which I think is 3.5-ounces and you use hardly any during the application. This is the same stuff people put on their rubber seals to "re-energize" them and make them pliable and stop squeaks and leaks.

 

[CloudCity]

Just got back from having the driveshafts lubed, had the shop try and locate a squeak, and check my steering as the dead spot in center seemed a little more vague than I expected. Slight thunk is gone now that driveshafts are greased, they said all steering bushings, rack & bolts are normal, could not locate source of squeak but think it may be the RR strut and said drive it until it gets worse.
Total cost was $60 with complimentary full inspection that noted condition on a wide variety of items (all checked normal). I'm happy.

 

[CloudCity]

Happy to report that the Pig Rig handled two visiting Canadians and a full contingent of local passengers to the Horse track and all around Portland with no problems and she got lots of kind words from the visitors about her comfortable seats and interior. They thought it was a brand new vehicle until about the third day in when I showed them the mileage (249,000 miles). Shorter adults used the third row and said it was actually fine, tho my knees would probably object after 15-minutes. Man do I love this thing.

 

[CloudCity]

Haven't checked in here in a minute, will try to be better about that, but today I removed my Power Steering Reservoir to clean it after hearing some noise upon startup. I don't think it's the pump as it quiets down quickly and only makes noise on cold mornings, so I assumed I just needed new fluid but the reservoir is so full of crud that I believe the filter is partially clogged and starving the pump initially until pressure builds.

I ordered a Dorman reservoir as they have great reviews overall and will install it since I could not get the current reservoir cleaned to my satisfaction. Also this will allow me to instantly see the fluid level since I can't make it out on the stained original. Will use synthetic ATF to refill, the last shop apparently used power steering fluid.

 

[MongooseGA]

If you find it's still whining when cold, you may also check your alternator if you haven't replaced it already. A dying alternator will sound very similar to a bad or stressed PS pump.

Only took me 3 fluid flushes to figure that out

 

[CloudCity]

If you find it's still whining when cold, you may also check your alternator if you haven't replaced it already. A dying alternator will sound very similar to a bad or stressed PS pump.

Only took me 3 fluid flushes to figure that out

Thanks much, I put a stethescope on it and it sounded like the PS pump, so if this doesn't work I do still have the pump, the alternator, and the belt tensioner to consider. I'm only getting the sound on start-up for either a few seconds on up to 30-seconds depending on outside temp (sound lasts longer the colder it is), did your alternator do this also or was it making sounds the whole time?

You always have great feedback, thanks again!

 

[CloudCity]

I got the Power Steering Reservoir installed and performed a fluid exchange (Mobile 1 synthetic ATF) and bleed. Was a simple and enjoyable project actually. Here's some pics, and the Dorman unit comes with the bracket, matches OEM dimensions perfectly and is a sturdy, well-built unit. I do stock this part in our Amazon Associate store on our website, cheaper than the dealer unit by far and less than the cost for the same unit at our local auto stores. We also have AT-205 to stop leaks if needed to extend life a bit more before replacing the rack. In my case was not needed but may be useful to some seeking a short-term fix.

Here's a link to our LuxCruisers Amazon Associate store for the reservoir I used. Dorman Power Steering Reservoir
We get a small commission from Amazon sales but your cost is the same, Amazon pays our fees.

 

[CloudCity]

Today I diagnosed my longtime squeak from the rear as coming from the emergency brake assembly. I drove it over a section of rough roadway that normally causes the truck to squeak, and based off some advice found here I pulled the emergency brake up slightly to apply load and wouldn't you know it, the squeak stopped. I will have it adjusted on my next service.

 

[CloudCity]

So this happened: Picked up a new 100-series