GKLCPA

I had a mechanic install some rear sway bar links last year and the rear is still clunking over bumps. It's almost as if they didn't tighten them properly. I need to get the car up and take a look and either tighten them or replace them. What I need is a reference of some sort as to how to do this, so if someone can give me a how to link, that'd be great. However in the absence of that, here are my questions:

1) Can this be done with the car on a ramp or does it have to be up on jacks with the wheels off (I'm assuming the latter is the case)?
2) Do I have to worry about relieving any tension on the suspension to either tighten, remove or install the links? If so, what's the best way to do that.

If anyone could give me any additional pointers on this, that'd be great. I did search and saw that I need an 7mm allen wrench and a box end. (I really suspect they didn't tighten these properly), but any additional pointers would be helpful. Thanks

RA40

iTrader: (6)

The end links and sway bar bushings are very simple so just snugging them up is typically sufficient. This can also be the carrier bushings or remotely the rear strut bushings.

midwest2

Slide under the car or pull the wheels and take a look. It will be fairly obvious if the links are loose enough to cause a clunk. I would doubt that they were installed incorrectly.

Search for "rear carrier bushings" to see a common rear-end problem. There are various other rear components that could cause rear noise. I too have a slight clunking over small bumps at slow speed. I suspect a rear upper control arm, but it is difficult to spot a problem until something wears out fully.

GKLCPA

Ok. Thanks Guys.

What I mean by being installed incorrectly is that they weren't fully snugged up. I'll search rear carrier bushings as suggested. I found a fairly decent illustration on the Lexus owners club site on the links which helps me visualize. Looks pretty simple to address.

If I have to replace them again, are there any particular recommendations about brands or is any generic just fine?

RA40

iTrader: (6)

They don't need to be overly tightened, just enough to give contact that they aren't loose. I've seen some very tight, as in compressed that they bulge from the retainers. That is to tight.

How many miles on car, this give us a general idea what suspension parts are suspect for replacement.

GKLCPA

I've got about 200K on the car. I have fairly new struts all the way about and addressed front end clunking a couple of years back. (I can't recall the part I replaced, but it wasn't the UCA's or the LCA's. It's a common failure item that escapes me now). I've not done anything on the rear other than struts and the sway bar links.