Clunk Fix with new TSB
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: TN
Thank you both for your input. Got the car back and they only replaced the driveshaft assembly. I inquired about the rear control arms, and according to the Service Advisor, the driveshaft is the only part needed to fix the issue. And she's right because the car has no more "jerks"!
? Thanks!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 9
From: MA
I've had the fix done on an 04' GX and an 08' GX. I didn't notice a difference in the steering either time. In both cases, they replaced both the driveshaft and control arms. The first time on the 04' I did notice the rear end rode a bit harsher for maybe a few months, but I think this was due to the control arm replacements. On the 08', I didn't notice the harshness in the rear end. The vehicle had only 4k miles on it when I had it done, so maybe it was less noticeable because it was so new. The 08' was done prior to a TSB being issued that included a fix for the 08'. This is why they did the shaft and the control arms instead of just the shaft.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 265
Likes: 19
From: CA
Had my TSB fix today and noticed after that the steering was a bit tighter. No clunk now whatsoever. Of those who have had this done, can you respond and let me know if you had a tighter steering after the fix, and if so, for how long did it last before returning to baseline, or did it ever return to baseline? Thanks!
? Thanks!
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: TN
I've had the fix done on an 04' GX and an 08' GX. I didn't notice a difference in the steering either time. In both cases, they replaced both the driveshaft and control arms. The first time on the 04' I did notice the rear end rode a bit harsher for maybe a few months, but I think this was due to the control arm replacements. On the 08', I didn't notice the harshness in the rear end. The vehicle had only 4k miles on it when I had it done, so maybe it was less noticeable because it was so new. The 08' was done prior to a TSB being issued that included a fix for the 08'. This is why they did the shaft and the control arms instead of just the shaft.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 37
From: MD
That said, there have been reports by some owners that had the previous TSIB performed, which included replacement of both control arms and bushings that complained of a stiffer ride. I had the previous TSIB performed on my truck without any impact to ride quality, well except that the CLUNK is all gone.
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: TN
The new driveshaft alone really should not impact ride quality. And I am assuming when you say the ride is harsher that you mean the rear suspension feels more stiff when going over bumps.
That said, there have been reports by some owners that had the previous TSIB performed, which included replacement of both control arms and bushings that complained of a stiffer ride. I had the previous TSIB performed on my truck without any impact to ride quality, well except that the CLUNK is all gone.
That said, there have been reports by some owners that had the previous TSIB performed, which included replacement of both control arms and bushings that complained of a stiffer ride. I had the previous TSIB performed on my truck without any impact to ride quality, well except that the CLUNK is all gone.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: NJ
Yes, I had that TSB done that included the control arms, etc. and definitely had a harsher ride afterwards. Where the original ride was dreamy even over speed bumps, the GX suddenly became like a jalopy over every little road imperfection.
I took it back several times to the dealer, who just claimed they didn't know what I was talking about. The mechanic even went for a ride with me, and said it was supposed to feel like that over bumps. Well my husband and I both know how the ride was before and after, and there was a definite difference - just no way to prove it.
Maybe next time before I let anyone do major work on my vehicle I need to attach recording acceleratomers before and after.
I took it back several times to the dealer, who just claimed they didn't know what I was talking about. The mechanic even went for a ride with me, and said it was supposed to feel like that over bumps. Well my husband and I both know how the ride was before and after, and there was a definite difference - just no way to prove it.
Maybe next time before I let anyone do major work on my vehicle I need to attach recording acceleratomers before and after.
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: TN
Yes, I had that TSB done that included the control arms, etc. and definitely had a harsher ride afterwards. Where the original ride was dreamy even over speed bumps, the GX suddenly became like a jalopy over every little road imperfection.
I took it back several times to the dealer, who just claimed they didn't know what I was talking about. The mechanic even went for a ride with me, and said it was supposed to feel like that over bumps. Well my husband and I both know how the ride was before and after, and there was a definite difference - just no way to prove it.
Maybe next time before I let anyone do major work on my vehicle I need to attach recording acceleratomers before and after.
I took it back several times to the dealer, who just claimed they didn't know what I was talking about. The mechanic even went for a ride with me, and said it was supposed to feel like that over bumps. Well my husband and I both know how the ride was before and after, and there was a definite difference - just no way to prove it.
Maybe next time before I let anyone do major work on my vehicle I need to attach recording acceleratomers before and after.
1) I felt a front end distracting vibration after the fix that the service department could not explain. I just got it back Friday after extensive testing and the only thing found was that the tires were very "out of balance." I paid $70 for a tire balancing and now my front end vibration is gone.
2) After my original clunk fix, I had the exact same ride issues you describe and accidently discovered how to fix the problem. I simply cycled the ride height thru medium-low-medium-hight-and back to medium one time and my smooth ride returned. I have no idea why this worked, but I have been told my many others on the forum that it helped them as well.
Hope this helps you!
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
Clunking Noise
If you have not taken the opportunity to do so, please take your GX470 in for the TSB fix, even if you have not observed the clunking noise. I went on a trip a week ago, so I left the vehicle at the dealership for the repair, while I was out of town. When I picked up the vehicle (no cost), I immediately noticed a change in its performance, but attributed it to the fact that I don't drive the vehicle that often. But, after my wife drove the vehicle, she made some interesting, voluntary comments. First, she noted that, before the repair, the vehicle responded from a dead stop as if it were towing a small trailer. Now, she said the vehicle has more instant response from a stopped position. Perhaps, the original equipment drive shaft is binding ever so slightly, creating extra load on the engine, and the change is clearly noticeable. I will get a better idea of wheather this is all in my mind, when I monitor potential changes in gas mileage. This forum has been so helpful to me that I wanted to be sure to pass on any useful information to others who so thoughtfully share their experiences.
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: California
I finally had the TSB performed by the Dealer after complaining about it numerous times. The clunk is now officially gone, and I am enjoying the ride now. The dealer only changed the drive shaft though. They said the control arms did not need to be changed. Did Lexus update the TSB?
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: va
you need to get vehicle "stablized"
i had TSB done 2 years back - new driveshaft and control arms...after fix, very stiff ride, air suspension non existent....complained, took it back.....utlimately got the right tech who figured out that the car needs to be 'stablized' ie. you cannot tighten the bolts until you let the car stablizie/ 'settle' .....whatever that means....but bottom line is that air supsension was back and so was the ride quality.....and no clunk.....don't not settle for a harsh ride... take it back and get the right tech or see another dealer..
Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Wi
took the plunge .. went to Lexus dealer , 4 hour trip for me, I had wanted the dealer to check for the clunk noise , drive in the service advisor tells me it actually looks like your sensors in the back are not working for the GX470 is too high in back and might be your problem with the clunk noise like ok .. then the service mgr gets involved very nice to say he says we'll check the GX out.... for he was aware I had spoke to him a few months ago , the service guy had the problem wrong , I waited and waited to find out they took a drive and it was the clunk noise , after a few hours of waiting , the service mgr comes to tell me the work is done , they went and replace the drive shaft parts , had no ideal there were even fixing , glad it's repaired and not have to drive back to get the fix.
also mentioned that some customers have the issue gone and they still hear the clunk ,
we'll see how it goes with my GX .
so it's done , I feel better knowing that it's been documented and parts replaced ..
I'll be taking the GX out and testing the clunk noise ..
also mentioned that some customers have the issue gone and they still hear the clunk ,
we'll see how it goes with my GX .
so it's done , I feel better knowing that it's been documented and parts replaced ..
I'll be taking the GX out and testing the clunk noise ..
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Ga
I spoke to service dealer they tell me they don't have any information about TSB#DL001-06 they ask me do I received any letter from Lexus dealer,do Lexus have any thing post about the TSB#DL001-06.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 37
From: MD
Check the previous page of this thread, find the post with the pdf of the TSB, print it and bring it in to your dealer. Simple as that.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
From: illinois
Clunk Fix
Took my 2006 GX470 to the dealer for 45,000 mile service last week. Since my 4 year/50,000 mile warranty is almost up (even though I understand the clunk is covered under the drivetrain warranty) I decided to deal with the clunk issue even though it really doesn't bother me. Mentioned it to the service advisor and they checked it and replaced the driveshaft (not control arms). They also replaced the battery under warranty as they said wasn't up to specs. Anyway, fairly painless.