bankr

I had the complete Strut Rods repaced, both sides. It helped some. From what Ive read, the lower ball joints are the next in line, not too bad on parts price if you use Carson.

My $.02.

Bankr

Atl

It's only the front, not the rear, and when you go over speed bumps slowly. I just don't understand why Lexus did not think there is a problem, usually they want to make some major $$$$. Alignment seems to be just fine. But I suspect you are right on the money, I will see what they want to replace the bushings, and decide.

Thank you everyone!!

Sixdown

I have the exact same problem, but it stops clunking when my suspension is "warmed up." If I go over bumps for the first half hour after starting the car, it makes the clunking noise, but if I go over a speed bump later on, it suddenly stops occurring...weird.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

try spraying silicone lube on the control arm, strut bar, and sway bar bushings.

then drive it around

DIY LS400

http://www.lextreme.com/strutbar.html
this should be helpful.
Quick question, is there another name for the strut bar? Do other cars have it too?

Ross LS400

Track Rod end? The lextreme exploded diagram is a bit confusing.

rob22

Thanks for posting this thread, I'm looking at doing my strut bar (rod) bushings and I was missing the torque specs as well.

Looking at the attached service manual page, it calls for removal of the shock absorber and the shock absorber bracket...is this necessary? I look under the car and it seems like it would be possible to simply loosen (1) the nut and caster (bushing side) and (2) the 2 nuts on the lower suspension arm, then lift the strut bar out.

Thanks-
Rob

1997 LS400

docdgt@com

To pkcslsior:


When trying the link you post all I get is an existing user sign in, nothing else. How can I gain access to the site? Can you be of help?

Many thanks in advance.

vfr

I've had the same issue with clunking at low speeds on rough surfaces on my 2000 LS400 (138,000 km). The dealer tells me it's the intermediate steering shaft. Too expensive to have fixed since it's not a safety issue. Anyone think it might be the shock mounts?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

first place to look would be the lower ball joints and the caster arms (aka strut bars) bushings. to check for tears have ur mechanic use a pry bar to put pressure on them.

Atl

Clunking sound is completely gone! Tech at Nalley Lexus tightened some bolts, and the car know is absolutely dead quiet over speed bumps, etc. No idea what he tightened, but it is fixed, and they charged me nothing!!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

front subframe.

vfr

Pure, are you saying there are bolts on the front subframe that need to be tightened? If so, I would love to hear from Atl to confirm this.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

That and the rear is supposed to be regular maintenance. I haven't done mine in a long time since it like 120 ft-lbs or there abouts. I couldn't get it to budge anyhow and it is quite difficult to get good leverage lying on the floor. It could be a possibility to check for all of us who have that sound.

Atl

That is what they tightened, had to check the invoice. Both sides in front would clunk going over speed bumps, or turning wheel while parking. Now it's perfect. No sound, nothing. And they charged me $0 !!
Still have small shimmy in steering wheel from 60 to 70 mph. New tires, rotors turned, new pads. No idea, but wish that was as easy to fix. It's these damned small things that drive me crazy! Shimmy, power steering pump leaking ever so slightly, that stupid idiot light that tells you your headlights are on, that you can't dim (really hate that light !!!) Since it is impossible to leave your headlights on anyway, I don't need a light telling me the headlights are on. Wish there was a way to kill that.