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Lexus LS Rear Wheel Drive System

16 messages,  Last post on Dec 09, 2009 at 10:53 AM

You are in the Lexus LS 400/LS 430 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus LS 400, Lexus LS 430, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#7 of 16 Re: How does the Lexus gs300 rear wheel drive handle in the snow? [stephena by aggie76

Jan 28, 2008 (7:35 pm)

Replying to: stephenabelson (Jan 26, 2008 3:05 pm)
Stephenabelson,
 
I had a GS300 with Blizzak's before I got my LS and it did great in NW Illinois in all types of winter weather. Go for it.

#8 of 16 rear wheel drive vs front wheel drive by harry29

Feb 09, 2008 (5:23 pm)

My wife's car is front wheel drive and we are considering purchasing a rear wheel drive car. Would welcome any comments on how rear wheel drive acts in snow conditions.

#9 of 16 Re: rear wheel drive vs front wheel drive [harry29] by aggie76

Feb 10, 2008 (5:31 am)

Replying to: harry29 (Feb 09, 2008 5:23 pm)
If you do a search I think you will find that there are numerous topics concerning this fact. I've had both fwd and rwd and find that using snow tires makes all the difference. I'm up in N. MN now as I've said before and find it no problem to drive my LS430 in any conditions. Icy roads are a whole different game, as they are for fwd as well.
 
Don't the rwd overly influence your decision, dry weather its the way to go over fwd for driving dynamics and again, do a search across all the different forums. Lots of conversations and whole forums devoted just to fwd vs. rwd vs. awd.

#10 of 16 Re: rear wheel drive vs front wheel drive [harry29] by wwest

Feb 10, 2008 (11:27 am)

Replying to: harry29 (Feb 09, 2008 5:23 pm)
A mixed "bag", a VERY mixed bag.
 
Since the engine/transaxle weigh is mostly carried by the front wheels FWD will almost always have better traction for getting you up and going, moving, initially on the slippery stuff.
 
But once you're moving the rules change just a bit. Any 4WD/4X4 owner will tell you that it is not wise to have the 4 wheel drive system engaged once you are in roadway or hwy cruise mode. Not only is there little or no need for "drive" to those front wheels that "drive" can quickly lead to loss of directional control.
 
An ideal drive system would be to engage the drive to all four wheels, or even biased toward the front, just as long as there are small or no lateral forces on those front wheels. Once you need to turn, or use the front wheels to correct the direction of the vehicle, it is unwise to have engine torque, leading or lagging (compression braking) coupled to them.
 
For what I consider an ideal AWD "compromise" study the Honda/Acura SH-AWD system.

#11 of 16 Re: How does the Lexus ls400 and ls430 do in the snow? [stephenabelson] by lexx2

Feb 14, 2008 (12:01 pm)

Replying to: stephenabelson (Dec 16, 2007 12:12 pm)
I had the same concerns when I purchased my 2002 LS 430. I spoke to other owners at the dealership. All said the same thing, "don"t worry about it".
 
I live in Cleveland where it is snow on top of ice on top of chuck holes.
I run the tires it came with, summer tires, push the "snow" button on occasion, and drive off. The LS handles better than my wife's Honda CR-V, but not as good as my 2003 ES 300. In any event, don't worry about it.

#12 of 16 Transmission Flush??? by ls96

Jun 22, 2009 (7:29 pm)

I have a 96 LS400, 154,400. 2nd owner, purchased at 98,000 miles. Have not had to do any major maintenance only oil changes. Was recommended last oil change that I needed a transmission flush due to dark fluid. I have been getting mixed opinions..most friends say don't???? Any opinions/recommendations. I'm confused? thanks.

#13 of 16 Re: Transmission Flush??? [ls96] by wwest

Jun 27, 2009 (9:06 am)

Replying to: ls96 (Jun 22, 2009 7:29 pm)
Hmm...second owner...
 
Abusive first owner, used as a taxi, or for towing..??
 
If the ATF actually is dark it might also smell burned in which case a flush would be appropriate.
 
Check it yourself, it should be pink and transparent.

#14 of 16 Re: How does the Lexus gs300 rear wheel drive handle in the snow? [stephena [rennybosch] by ryguy4

Jul 17, 2009 (8:16 pm)

Replying to: rennybosch (Jan 26, 2008 3:45 pm)
i have a lexus gs 400 rear wheel drive.I live in western new york and it isnt very good in the snow its a bit more powerfull than the 300 but i wouldent think the 300 would be much better in the snow .Hope that helps you .

#15 of 16 Drive train question. by wwest

Nov 17, 2009 (5:26 pm)

'92 LS400 with 155,000 miles. Runs perfect, just passed WA state emissions test with flying colors. driving along at ~40MPH there is a rare "tug" feeling, and sound, as if the brake were applied just for an instant. Cannot readily duplicate. Sometimes "tug....tug...tug" and it seems anything I do, change, (a little less throttle or a little more, etc, etc) and it goes away
 
Car pulls STRONG, transmission seems to be fine, shifting okay, etc. ATF okay.
 
Suspecious of trac system triggering briefly and haven't had a chance yet to run with it turned off. Will also try running with OD off.
 
There is only one U-joint in the drive/line, shaft, anyone had one fail in this manner..?

#16 of 16 Re: Drive train question. [wwest] by wwest

Dec 09, 2009 (10:53 am)

Replying to: wwest (Nov 17, 2009 5:26 pm)
Problem turned out to electrical. The ignition timing sensor wiring from the driver's side engine bank was just barely "touching" the accessory drive belt. Shield braid was worn through as was one of the two sensor wires. Don't now understand why the engine ran at all. Especially don't understand why, as much as I drove the car in the TDCL check mode, no sensor error was recorded.
 
Looks as if the mechanic who replaced the timing belt missed putting the sensor cable back into the restraining clip.
 
Lesson....
 
If it ain't broke don't FIX it....
 
The nice aspect of all this is I inadvertently discovered a way to "fix" the traction control system. The major complaint I have had in the past is how long it takes to "unwind" the dethrottling aspects of the TC system and regain control of the engine RPM.
 
There are two screws that hold the (separate) TC throttle plate in place and I simply backed them out and removed the TC throttle plate. Now when/if teh TC activates the engine will no longer get dethrottled at all.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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