anarchyx

The front end in my '98 LS400 (140k miles)is starting to sound pretty crappy. I do hear a muted knocking in the right front when going over bumps that sometimes sounds like a bad strut-mount, which may or may not be the problem, but the one that's really getting on my nerves is the one in the left front. Basically when I'm braking while going over some bumps, it's a pretty sharp knock sound. If I'm not braking, it won't make the noise unless it's a pretty big bump.

Before I go tracking down this noise, I was wondering if there's something extremely common I should be looking out for. I hear a lot of talk on here about control arm bushings. According to the prev-owner's service records the upper control arms were replaced by the dealer 60k miles ago. If I do need new control arms, how have the Ebay control arms been holding up for people? Longevity isn't really an issue for me as I put about 3k miles on the car a year.

Thanks.

YoshiMan

The part that commonly goes south and causes the issues you speak of is the strut bars. Its somewhat of a design flaw that needs attention every 80k miles or so. I don't really know much other than what i have skimmed off of the various posts on here, but i'm pretty sure its just the bushings in that particular part that need to be replaced

anarchyx

Yeah I was actually starting to think that myself after I posted. I was thinking it sounded like bad strut-rod bushings, but I didn't even know if the LS had strut rods or wishbone style lower control arms. I couldn't remember even though I've been under the car countless times.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

You don't need to replace the whole rod. Lexus sells the bushings solo. Cheaper and the dealer can press them in for you if you don't have a shop.

anarchyx

I work at a commercial truck shop and have access to a press. Is there a specific depth that they have to be pressed to or just flush?

LScowboyLS

just use your old ones as a guide - they wear out, but they don't become "unpressed"

you can also look at a new one at the dealership and see how its bushing was pressed and to what depth

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

make sure you put the new bushings in the right orientation into the arms. there's info on the threads in the faq/

Legender

Check here if I can get it to load.

anarchyx

That PDF is helpful. Thanks!

WaveRunner

I had an intense thump whenever I hit a bump or incline. Changing the strut rods fixed that but there is still some other popping or thud noises I can't identify. It sounds like it is right above the front driver side wheel. Could be strut mount. I need new struts anyway. My second guess could be lower ball joints. At some point in time all these components will be changed. I find the most costly and extensive upkeep on the LS400 is in fact the suspension. That's not a bad thing. Could be worse like engine and other powertrain issues.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

lower ball joints as are must! replace them before they separate on you! also check the sway bar endlinks.