Newbie Here, need help with my 1996 LS
#1
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Newbie Here, need help with my 1996 LS
So I'll probably catch flack for making a new thread but I can't find any info? I have 96 ebony teal pearl ls and it's my restore vehicle aside from a few problems ( strut rods, weird gas smell when running, and a possessed radio) its a really decent car. I'm replacing the head unit and purchased a double DIN kit on eBay but I need to know what wiring kit I need to install my radio. Also if any one knows anything about the gas smell its only after the car has run for a little while it just smells like gas and exhaust. When I go over bumps and apply the brakes I get a clunking in the front of the engine compartment? Is this a serious issue? Can someone please help me? Thanks!
#2
Pole Position
Your gas smell sounds like maybe an O2 sensor is bad b/c you say the smell is gas/exhaust. Did you get it checked for codes? Even if the light isn't on you might have something stored. The clunk sounds like the strut rod bushings are shot. (common issue) I know there's a harness to use for the new head unit but I'm not sure which one b/c I've never changed my radio. (actually, I don't even use it) Try looking, or asking, in the audio section. I know it's been talked about many, many times so if you search some more you should find it.
#3
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Your gas smell sounds like maybe an O2 sensor is bad b/c you say the smell is gas/exhaust. Did you get it checked for codes? Even if the light isn't on you might have something stored. The clunk sounds like the strut rod bushings are shot. (common issue) I know there's a harness to use for the new head unit but I'm not sure which one b/c I've never changed my radio. (actually, I don't even use it) Try looking, or asking, in the audio section. I know it's been talked about many, many times so if you search some more you should find it.
#4
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The clunking sounds like it could be strut rod bushings or lower ball joints, both fairly common issues on the LS. If it happens only when you apply the brakes it would be more in line with strut rod bushings, if it happens when you hit bumps or rough spots in the road then it would be more in line with lower ball joints.
#5
BahHumBug
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LBJ is different, and not related specifically to braking or bumps but rather creates play, potentially being noisy over bumps.
front Strut rod bushings though will almost always have a characteristic "thump" when going over abrupt bumps/potholes and sometimes "squeak" during braking.
front Strut rod bushings though will almost always have a characteristic "thump" when going over abrupt bumps/potholes and sometimes "squeak" during braking.
#6
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Mine can be either when I go over large like potholes or bumps and when applying the brakes and a stop sign and small cracks in the road create a thumping noise but all are a loud thumping noise I can't feel a lot of play in the steering either. Im planning on fixing soon though are strut rod bushings expensive and hard to put in. And is this an issue that needs to be addressed soon or is it more a cosmetic/ annoying issue?
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#8
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Now that I looked at Sewell's site, it only shows the one. Maybe the manufacture date doesn't matter. ???
Last edited by deanshark; 11-17-11 at 12:07 PM.
#9
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Well that sounds great I was worried it was expensive if anyone has any pointers or tips just please let me know I'm not totally familiar with this vehicle. I owned a ES330 and wrecked it and they are totally different cars!
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#14
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Mine's clunking too. Replacing strut rods would be plan A before moving on the the LBJs or UCAs, right?
Doing a "strut rod replace" search resulted with several threads, here's two that look helpful (to add to the already helpful information in this thread):
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ock-noise.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...95-2000-a.html
Doing a "strut rod replace" search resulted with several threads, here's two that look helpful (to add to the already helpful information in this thread):
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ock-noise.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...95-2000-a.html
Last edited by AzHotLS; 11-17-11 at 10:41 PM.
#15
BahHumBug
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you will need a shop with a press to swap the bushings, or if there's none reasonably priced near you, whole bars with bushings are available for ~$110/each or so.