ES300 Transmission

dwceg

I have a 1994 ES300 with 264,000 miles and the transmission is vibrating, first at exceleration from a stop and again when breaking from freeway speeds, other than that it runs great.
The Lexus dealer wants to replace the trans with a rebuilt one, very expensive and the trans shops want to rebuild it. I wonder if anyone has any ideas what the problems and cost could be, because once the trans shop takes it apart I'm afraid they will want to charge the ax even if it don't need complete re building.

Also, I've replaced the struts once and am wondering if the springs should be replaced, the dealer say's they never herd of anybody replacing the springs.

Any thoughts and help appreciated,

Thanks in advance.

oilcan2

I have a 94 with 110k only have had since 94k.
try to determine if the whole trans is shaking or
something inside the trans is loose and causing vibration.could also try just having the trans
fluid and filter changed or even have the trans
backflushed,(this would replace 100% of fluid.)
I would get a price from a good trans shop on a
100% rebuild ( if you need one)then that would be
your worse case price.
Have you tried aftermarket struts or stuck
with stock?I think the dealers reply is a lame
answer.the next time you change struts ,examine
the springs for any cracks or damage,if you can
get the specs measure the old spring against a
new one,I have never priced springs but don't
think they cost that much,they have to remove
springs to change struts so labor would be no
more or less.

alcan

Springs control vehicle ride height. Ride height specs for almost every passenger car and light truck are available at any alignment or spring shop. Get the specs, the measurement points, and a tape measure. Then determine if there is any spring sag. Most manufacurers allow 1/2" to 3/4" variation side to side.

dwceg

dwceg

Yes,I had the stock struts installed, are the aftermarket ones better ? And i think the springs are bad because i have a noise when going over say a speed bump, it sounds like a squeak in the spring its getting a bit annoying and i can't think of any other area it would come from.
I will try and backflush the trans and see if this helps.
The trans runs great other than the vibration- so i don't think it needs a complete rebuilt- once they take it apart i'm at the mercy of the shop.

Thanks again,

alcan

There should be rubber insulators between the bottom of the springs and the struts. It sounds like one was mispositioned, damaged or left out when the springs were installed on the new struts. If no problem there, then either an upper strut mount is defective (contains the upper spring insulator), or one of the new struts is defective (rare).

q45man

At 100k even on a Lexus most all of the rubber isolation components are harder [cracked] due to ozone and or salt damage. Motor/trans/suspension mounts are worn allowing things to move in non standard ways.
The only way to restore the like new ride is replacement of these bushings unfortunately some cannot be pressed out or secured seperately so you end up replacing a lot of metal carrires to just get at the rubber parts.
These wear and tear items are the major cause of DEPRECIATION plus of course the limited life of engines/transmissions and seat wear