would you buy

[icedmagma]

There is a nice lx450, has 140,000 miles on it with lockers. The only thing is the caked

greese as shown in photo. Should I run away, or what would you suggest. It drives nice has no other problems that I can tell?

 

[the_owl]

looks like it has or had a leak at one time

 

[elmariachi]

There is a nice lx450, has 140,000 miles on it with lockers. The only thing is the caked

greese as shown in photo. Should I run away, or what would you suggest. It drives nice has no other problems that I can tell?

That's what it looks like when the front axle has never been serviced and after nearly all the moly has seeped out. Poor treatment but not uncommon because most people just don't know the service requirement of the steering knuckles. But what it means is that the inner components may have seen some heat and wear from lack of proper lube. I'd wouldn't necessarily run away, but at best it needs an immediate front axle rebuild and at worst that rebuild will have you needing another $750-$1000 in spindles and birfields on top of $300 in seals, gaskets and bearings. Search the FAQ for more info about front axle/knuckle service.

Also, the rust colored bands on the ball may mean there's water inside....which could suggest excessively worn internals. Its definitely not been in a Lexus service department in recent years.

 

[icedmagma]

Wow quick reply. Who would be good in Minneapolis to look at this, $750 not bad since the truck would cost about 9500. It rides well, has no other problems that I can tell. I am not a mechanic by any means. Don't mind getting dirty, but would probably send this to a mechanic. I am actually from Saskatoon, Canada but saw this in Minnesotta.

 

[elmariachi]

Wow quick reply. Who would be good in Minneapolis to look at this, $750 not bad since the truck would cost about 9500. It rides well, has no other problems that I can tell. I am not a mechanic by any means. Don't mind getting dirty, but would probably send this to a mechanic. I am actually from Saskatoon, Canada but saw this in Minnesotta.

Go to the Clubs section here at Mud and look around for someone to go help you.

Don't misinterpret my reference to $750. That's how much MORE you might have to spend on top of a front axle rebuild. If you do the work you can rebuild the front knuckles for around $300 in parts and materials. If you pay someone else to do it, add 10-12 hours of labor expense to that. And that's if nothing else inside needs replacing.

 

[Montana Cruiser]

If you need an honest mechanic in Minneapolis, take it to Steve's Park Amaco, great guy, knows his Toyota's and most of all honest.

4701 Excelsior Blvd
Minneapolis, MN 55401-0000
(612) 922-9724