pab12

Hi, just wondering if it is me...
I hear a clunking noise from the rear of my '13 ES, 17k miles, when going over sharp bumps in the road and I'm wondering if I'm just being too picky? It sounds like something could be bouncing around in the trunk, or the spare tire might be loose. Neither of which is true since I hear the noise with the trunk empty, and I tightened the bolt on the spare tire in the "well".
It's not too loud but noticeable if you pay attention.
Has anybody else noticed this, could it be the jack and wheel tools in the case on top of the spare tire? I checked them when tightening the spare tire bolt but they seemed secure. These cars don't have fold down rear seat backs so I wouldn't think the seats would be making any noise, but is that a possibility? What about the springs, etc., for the trunk lid? Could they be vibrating and bumping into the trunk lid? Anything in the rear suspension that might be making a "clunk" when going over bumps.

Or am i just a little picky because of the Lexus reputation (however, I don't hear anything in my Jaguar when driving similarly...)

I'm taking it in for scheduled service, so I'm wondering if I should mention this to the order-writer.
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My karma just ran over your dogma
Current Hers: '13 Lexus ES350
Current Mine: '08 Jaguar S-Type 4.2 V8

jollick

I would mention it, could be a strut issue. No clunk on either of my ES.

azipod

It doesn't sound normal for sure.

I once had a Prius that started "clunking" on the driver's side rear when going over bumps or small road imperfections. It got progressively worse to the point where I knew that something was wrong.

I took apart the rear paneling and had someone drive over a not-so-nicely paved road so I could determine where it was coming from.
I was shocked to see that the bolt on top of the strut piston coming loose. Since there was no way to re-seat the bolt, I immediately took the car to the nearest shop -- while traveling VERY SLOW.

Just pay attention to the noise. Does it get louder over time? Can you remove some stuff off your trunk to see if its still there?

pab12

> Can you remove some stuff off your trunk to see if its still there?
Yup thanks, that what I already did, along with removing everything from the back seat. The noise is still there.

Mike728

Have you checked the rear shade, or trunk pass-through? How about exhaust? Could be any number of things.

pab12

>Have you checked the rear shade

Didn't think of that one, thanks!

pab12

>Have you checked the rear shade, or trunk pass-through?

Raised, lowered, raised and drove for a while and then lowered. Also opened and closed the pass through a couple of times and made sure the rear arm rest was fully up.
It seems quieter now! So far so good.

Thanks for the suggestion.