LEXUS GS / Aristo Specific Check Items (in addition to a regular inspection!)

[@PanZapalka]

16:29 A sign of very heavy wear of front lower ball joints is a situation when the steering wheel dosen't come back to center position by itself. I bought my GS in such state and changed these joints the next day, and the issue was minimilezed. After every next part changed (upper control arms w/ joits, camber arm bushings) it worked better and better. So it's easy to check on some parking lot - turn the steering one rotation and slowly start driving and accelerate. If the car is not straighning (like mine was), the lower joits are DEAD, and the car is potentailly dangerous to drive in such state. Great vids BTW, cheers man.

[@ForwardMomentum]

Great tips! Thank you for commenting!

[@STYLITALWAYS]

Always check every panel on the car for the factory VIN tag... every factory panel on the car has a matching VIN to confirm it's never been in an accident. Due to the age of our cars.. replacing all the bushings brings the car back to life. Never neglect the ball joints on these cars. Replace them at intervals of 85k miles. Much cheaper then dealing with the damage a broken one causes.

[@Smeaded]

Dude. How do you only have 1.4k subscribers? Your content is killer and on point... Proud GS300 and GS400 owner myself so I appreciate these videos!

[@ForwardMomentum]

That means a ton to me and keeps me going. Thank you!

[@Smeaded]

@@ForwardMomentum No problem brotha! I'll support in any way possible!

[@bosshognit]

FACTS🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@iheartgs400]

Still amazing people sleep on the 2Gen GS platform a simple Aristo swap away from a super sedan status. Amazing content and great info on the GS.

[@bryanreynolds8034]

I own a 2001 GS430 my dad passed away and it was handed down to me I guess it's because I done most all the mantainance on it since my dad bought it brand new $60.000 in which it has been a remarkable car changed the motor oil every 3000 to 3500 miles and the brake pads when needed it now has 165000 miles the biggest problem that I have are the door actuators three of them are bad and the self leveling headlights don't work and they point strait towards the ground I figured out how to adjust them but they always end up that way again after a period of time. I just have to say this has been a rock solid car and still will run 160 mph if needed my mom called it her silver bullet it is millennium silver . Thank you for the heads up I'm planning to upgrade the stereo system which I have most of it purchased already just have to install this one is a little more difficult than all the systems I have installed in the passed . See you on the next one .

[@ForwardMomentum]

Welcome to the fam. Sorry about your dad passing away. I believe there’s a vehicle leveling sensor under the center armrest if you didn’t already know.

[@bryanreynolds8034]

Thanks I will check it out thanks to reply much appreciated.

[@helen10777]

Front Lower control arm is known for heavy worn too

[@ForwardMomentum]

Agreed. Check all pivot points for abnormal wear as mentioned in the video.

[@helen10777]

You can pack grease using a needle and shoot inside all ball joint to prolong its life

[@ForwardMomentum]

helen wong the Moog LBJs have a zerk fitting on them so you can grease. Reminds me I need to do mine.

[@explorehunter]

@@helen10777 If you pierce the rubber to inject grease how would you seal the rubber back?

[@helen10777]

Door toy motor brush highly goes out, steering gear needs lithium grease, servo motor go out or need grease, your radiator still original, need replacement, top plastic part is brittle already

[@explorehunter]

Precious useful content! Great tips in this video. Thanks a lot for the efforts and presenting. 🌹👍 Don't miss Rear main seal leak.. these are common with used Lexus GS430/400 engines. I've seen 2 used GS430/400 with the issue, and still ended up replacing the seal of the one I own. It's a heavy labor task which needs separating engine and transmission to replace the seal.

[@iBkMorgan]

Randomly stumbled across this channel as interested in buying my first 300/430 and honestly your content is fantastic, you put a lot of time and effort into it for your viewers and it shows. Appreciate all of the videos mate, keep up the good work. Much love from England!

[@ForwardMomentum]

This means a ton. Hours are indeed spent on these vids and I really appreciate your kind words!

[@minorityofone1510]

I recently bought one; your videos have been very helpful so thank you!

[@aaronbutler24]

solid advice. solid channel. always pick up a little something when i check out you channel, thanks

[@bcfairlie1]

Excellent information thank you. I am currently considering an Aristo 300. Here in New Zealand we get the JDM imports readily. Many have done extremely low mileage. EG one I have in mind has only done 30000 miles. The others have not yet done 60000 miles. Because they are JDM imports 99% are Aristos as when they were New, Japan did not use the Lexus mane domestically.

[@bosshognit]

Great video! Your getting better every time brotha🤙🏾

[@robdove8341]

I had every Arm, Link & Mount on the front suspension replaced recently. All Moog parts save for one pair of original Lexus Arms. What a difference! Unfortunately Moog only do the Sway Bar Links for the Rear Suspension...wish they did the full set :(

[@kenyatta932]

Good video valuable information 👍🏿

[@MushroomFleet]

i recently picked up a 2004 GS300 with Nornally Aspirated 2JZ-GE. She is in really good condition, surprising for the mileage (190,000). Aside from new wheels and tires, i had do a new cat back exhaust system. I had an engine light but it was just a case of buying new O2/Lambda Sensors (The Toyota Aygo used the same one so i saved a lot of money there, always check common part numbers) and it went away. I will be following your recommendations from this video! replacing the lower balljoints was not on my list until watching this! I do have the ABS / VSC OFF lights and it may be just a case of replacing a single Front wheel ABS sensor, i'll keep you posted. The 2JZ runs like a dream but i'll do new sparkplugs and filters for her soon. Thanks for all the info. I got really lucky with this one as nearly all the common issues have not applied to her and it seems to be all OEM parts after all those miles!

[@ForwardMomentum]

Awesome! Welcome to the LEXUS family.

[@andrewleakey3149]

My driver side LBJ broke on my 99 gs300 just under 180k miles. Was very fortunate it happened right as I went from a stop and it only took my ABS cable out with it. Prolly means I need to lose some quarantine weight lol, also I need a full front control arm overhaul cuz the steering wanders sooo much.

[@Abegon02]

Keep the videos going! I love your content I learn so much from each video you post!

[@tayteashworth2521]

Thank you for this, buying one real soon and this is going to be very useful!!

[@jovialvibes5962]

Another point to note on exterior - the inner tail lights on the trunk seem to fade on many GS. Not a deal breaker but it can make the car look tired and could be used to help bargain :) In the engine, the alternator going out is actually caused by a power steering leak from the lower hose on the ps pump. So look for a drip underneath that side to get an idea if the alternator may be compromised. Also, these VVTi 1UZ are known to have the valve cover bolts under torque'd from the factory which can lead to oil leaks. My 00 LS400 is at 225k miles and mine were so loose I could take them off with my finger. So if you are test driving one and see smoke/smell burning oil, it's most likely the valve covers leaking onto the exhaust heat shields.

[@ForwardMomentum]

Good stuff!

[@isaiahheine]

mine didnt have a cabin air filter.. i bought it for 2660so im not complaining. 188k miles. not terrible, however a couple scares. a lot of the electronics dont work. the back door lock actuators are out. all the stock speakers are blown, busted radiator (i firxed), new battery installed, the passenger side doesn't blow heat, i also cant control where the air blows. like it just blows as hard as you make it, but if you change the mode, it wont change.

[@isaiahheine]

couple more things, overall not a bad purchase but im spending at least another 2700 to make it run how i want, then im gonna do things to improve appearence

[@sidewayssedan4024]

that radiator looks like its on its way out. love the content btw

[@ForwardMomentum]

Agreed. And thanks for watching!

[@507GARAGE]

Awesome video, great breakdown of what to look for on these cars. It can be applied to most use car inspections.

[@ForwardMomentum]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@yourface8698]

Thanks for all the great information very helpful.

[@rfheredia2778]

Outstanding videos! Any chance when you'll post a how to on how to replace/repair the door lock actuators? Two of them are out on my 2000 GS300. Thanks and keep these coming

[@ForwardMomentum]

Thank you! It’s on my list for sure. In the meantime there are a couple vids out there in YT that will get you through it. They can be a real pain, but the cheapest method is to get the little motors and change them in the OEM case. Otherwise, the fastest method is to just order the entire actuator and change it out. It’s not too bad really...

[@MrCarGuy]

I avoid the big American aftermarket brands for suspension/steering and just use parts from Japan. Both GMB (hard to get here) and Sankei 555 (more available) are two that are commonly OEM Toyota suppliers. Sankei 555 used to produce these LBJs for Moog but don't anymore. Just play it safe.

[@timwallace6379]

Dont forget the vin numbers on the inside of the fenders under the hood.

[@ForwardMomentum]

Yes, good point.

[@ShawnyeProduction]

Thanks for all that advice. Its time for a inspection anyways for me. Love the content 👌

[@mikeyvilly6586]

Hey man! Great videos! Can you make a video how to change interior button bulbs? Transmission light is out in my GS300 as well as couple of buttons inc enter console. Thank you!

[@ForwardMomentum]

Thanks! That’s on my long list! I have bulbs out too.

[@jdm_obsession]

Both if my Gs's had bad tie rods and lower reward controll arm bushing go out

[@willieboyd79]

I need help i have a 99 lexus 300gs my radio comes on but no sound please help

[@ForwardMomentum]

You may have better luck over on Clublexus. Also, try searching your exact condition using Google and see what comes up if you haven’t already done so.

[@mikeysl379]

If you can do a video of how to replace the SERVO that’ll be nice. Great video btw

[@ForwardMomentum]

The air/mix servo is a bit of a pain. I’ll definitely add it to the list for a possible future episode.

[@mikeysl379]

Forward Momentum I wonder what servo it is tho. The passenger vents stuck at hot, while the rest blows cold

[@ForwardMomentum]

shijing lan this guy has a good vid. Does this help? kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4Gbl4eumK2se7s

[@Golo1949]

When the warmer weather comes ( I work on my drive) I have to change mine, the passenger side doesn't blow cold any more.

[@truonghthe]

I am not missing replace the suspension on the Lexus again lol. Wait until people see how much the LS460 front end cost :D

[@RedRider2001]

I have a 2005 GS 300 in which there is occasionally a very loud electric motor noise going haywire that comes and goes. It will last sometimes for 10 to 30 seconds or more. Then go away for an hour or month and come back. Any idea if that is the servo you mentioned and how easy of a fix it is?

[@ForwardMomentum]

There’s an ABS accumulator behind the firewall on the drivers side. It typically primes a couple times when you first start up. Is it that sound?

[@RedRider2001]

@@ForwardMomentum Nope, I'm familiar with that sound which is quiet to me. This sounds is _very_ loud. I'll see if I can't pull up the SPL meter next time but I'd guess 85dB or more. I have a recording of it somewhere.

[@RedRider2001]

@@ForwardMomentum I can send a recording of it somehow if you like. It's 45 seconds.

[@ForwardMomentum]

Hit me up on IG if you’re on there. DM me.

[@greggwaters5682]

ABS accumulate = $5,000

[@PH020]

updates on the SAFC, I just got a apexi safc2 and people are telling me not to install it on a NA 2GS300 for some reason... I bought it to go turbo soon and want to install it now... hows start up and do you have to constantly adjust the tune? would like to ask how you like it and how does it act up versus the factories ECU, I here its a pain in the ass

[@ForwardMomentum]

Hey - NEO is still good. Tune has held on the high map. I make small adjustments when the weather changes drastically (like seasonal change) but that’s it. 12.7-12.9 seems to be the sweet spot so that’s what I aim for. I cannot speak for the GS3, but I will say if I was going FI I would want something that could adjust timing as well and obviously the NEO cannot do that. I hope that helps!

[@PH020]

Thanks have any suggestions on solutions to adjust timing for these cars? budget wise

[@ForwardMomentum]

Pho TWENTY you may want to consult with some experts on options. Hit up FIGS, AEM, etc. Let me know if you get stuck and I may have other contacts for you.

[@knightvision9643]

@@ForwardMomentum awesome tips, was lucky to have acquired mine from a family friend who took good care. Over the years I've seen just about everything on the list save the LBJ (replaced by previous owner) and sticky sunroof. Around 20 years old, 189000 miles had to get Variable Valve Timing solenoid replaced. The engine had a rough idle and oil would dirty at a greater rate. Idk how common it happens but could be something to keep in mind, GS3 owner here.

[@Golo1949]

This is just a comment but does anyone else have the problem that if you park on a slope with the back higher rain builds up in the boot (trunk) gutter and drips in.

[@guillermovasquez4535]

What would you recommend if your climate control went bad? Is there a way to change the climate control actuator?

[@ForwardMomentum]

Do you mean the control unit on the dash or the mix system? I am all for replacing with a working OEM used unit.

[@guillermovasquez4535]

@@ForwardMomentum the thing is, it gets stuck on heater in the passenger side. So I bought an actuator for around 40.00 usd. I still yet to install it but I hope that it fixes that issue. Whenever I try switching from heater to ac and viscera it makes this loud noise.

[@ForwardMomentum]

Sounds like the mix servo to me. I’m no HVAC expert, but that noise is related to something broken internally in that part is my best guess. Mine is probably on its way out as it makes a faint clicking noise when switching.

[@guillermovasquez4535]

@@ForwardMomentum thank you so much. I did a little more research with what you said and it is something that tends to go out. I just didn't know what it was called. I really appreciate. Also, amazing content! Don't stop!

[@Firenar]

What kind of rims are those??, they look amazing on the 2nd gen gs!!

[@ForwardMomentum]

Thank you! They are 2016 GS350 rims. Got them for $200 with 50 miles on them.

[@Firenar]

Forward Momentum Amazing ! I plan on getting a 2nd gen GS soon . currently watching all your videos rn to educate my self

[@Firenar]

Forward Momentum Forgot to ask, is it direct fitment?

[@ForwardMomentum]

Yes, they bolt right up. FYI, I do have 25mm H&R spacers in the back. And, they are a lot heavier than the 16’s if you run them. You will feel the difference off the line. But that’s the compromise right?

[@Firenar]

Forward Momentum ended up buying a black on black 2001 gs 300 171k miles. Can’t wait to clean her up !

[@anthonymendes9265]

Yo, i just bought a 98 white gs400 205k miles and windows dont roll up or down, seat memory doesnt work, 1 door doesnt stay locked, and power door lock switch only locks 1 door, sunroof dont open and dome lights do work. Do u think I should start with a new driver window switch? Possibly window motors/lock actuators? Sunroof switch panel/motor? Checked all fuses, Any advise would be greatly appreciated, thank you very much.

[@ForwardMomentum]

You have quite a few things going on. It doesn’t sound like it’s one part making this all happen, so I would break it down into bite-sized pieces and tackle the easy stuff first. You may want to invest in a factory manual (FSM) as it’s going to save you a ton of time isolating these issues. From that list I would start with the dead/dying door lock. Does your FOB roll all the windows down when you hold unlock? What happens when you put the key in the drivers side door lock and hold it towards the back of the car? Definitely start with isolation troubleshooting.

[@anthonymendes9265]

Honestly I need to buy a new battery for the fob it was no good, so I didn't even try the fob yet. I did just try the key held backwards and all the windows start to go down as I hold it and turning key forward rolls them back up, no sunroof action though. Thanks appreciate it =)

[@ForwardMomentum]

Cool. That should help you get started. Keep me posted!

[@monsterjam56]

@@anthonymendes9265 Just to add to what he's saying, it could also be possible that a door computer is shot, and junkyard or part out car should be cheap to source one as it is a computer. If you would like a service manual and wiring diagrams cardiagn (dot) com has them for free and not just a preview. You might be able to trace the problem back to a specific door. Usually MPX is the body control module so if that fuse in the engine bay or kick panels is blown you should be able to just replace it.

[@explorehunter]

@@monsterjam56 thanks for the information 🌹👍

[@theojuan834]

when should i change the timing belt? in my gs it was changed in 2014 at 45,000 miles, now the car has 67,000?

[@ForwardMomentum]

I did mine at 120K miles. It looked great.

[@theojuan834]

Forward Momentum so I have to replace the belt around 100,000 miles, but in your GS the belt was original?

[@ForwardMomentum]

Correct. The interval really depends on conditions and how much you want to chance it. I would have to check the manual, but I think it says every 100K for normal driving. Don’t quote me on that.

[@theojuan834]

Forward Momentum thank you very much you have a nice channel, you are among the few in the world that gives useful information on Lexus GS 🤗😎😎

[@Joe-qn2rg]

Those rims don’t come with that car originally

[@ForwardMomentum]

And?

[@turbogears900]

Gs300 or gs430 which 1 you say to buy

[@ForwardMomentum]

It depends on what you want to do in the future. If I was offered a car to choose from, I’d go 430 for my personal needs. The 300 is solid, but way down on power.

[@turbogears900]

@@ForwardMomentum im getting a 430 dor a really good price with a 185k on it

[@hempflows]

Dude thanks a lot. 🗣🗣

[@yellow98gt]

01-05 Lexus GS Say Lexus on all the pieces of glass.

[@ForwardMomentum]

Crazy. Thx for the info.

[@yellow98gt]

@@ForwardMomentumNo problem It's actually got a very light factory tint to the glass as well. I have owned both 98-00 as well as 01-05 models.

[@yellow98gt]

I really enjoy your videos 👍. I had the exact same car 99 Cinnabar Pearl GS4 but a Canadian version. You will find it in my videos

[@buxtonkudakwashe2003]

Great video bro I bought mine just recent with 300 k and the engine runs perfectly fine haven't checked the suspension which I will do please advise on the tyre size on the wheels like yours coz on mine they have different sizes front tyres are a bit higher than the back and advise me also on after market exhaust wat type of I can use with if possible to get in touch with me on my email as I need more infor [e-mail] thanks

[@ForwardMomentum]

Thanks and welcome. I run 18x8 GS350 wheels with 245/40/18 tires. For exhaust you have quite a few options. I personally went custom. Don’t go too large on pipe diameter (2.25” max each side unless FI).

[@buxtonkudakwashe2003]

Thanks bro really appreciate

[@ajuarez4032]

Koo