ancdmd

I have a persistent noise I can't figure out, it's coming from the front left suspension. It sounds like knocking, and it occurs only at low speeds and while turning to the right. The noise is in the front left suspension, not the right. It occurs when I'm going over minor bumps, sewer lids, speed bumps, into a driveway, etc. It really makes the front end feel loose on the left side. The front air shocks, upper control arms, lower control arms/bushings, ball joints, outer tie rod ends, steering rack mounting bushings, sway bay bushings and links were all replaced about 35k miles ago, and I've had this problem for at least the last 20k miles..

Got 140k on the car, it's an '02, lowered mildly with 245/45/20 tires and 8.5x20 wheels with 38mm offset, nothing radical. On the highway I don't notice any issues. I've had the car on a lift a couple times and inspected the suspension but couldn't see any problems, I also shook the wheel/tire while it was in the air and couldn't hear anything knocking. I checked the bushings with a crow bar and they all appear solid with no play. What could I be overlooking?

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

I have a similar issue on my right side, it makes sort of a clunking sound at times, and I swear I can feel it wobbling after going over a bump sometimes.

over the years ive become very good at ignoring problems and hoping they just go away, so that is my plan for this one as well

ancdmd

Do you have air suspension?

740ilsamue

2002 ls 430 with the same issue and 137,000 miles.

L8RSk8R

I had the same happening, with front/driver side. Replaced air strut with a good used unit. Car rides like new again.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

This seems to be all over the Lexus lineup to one extent or another.

Common/easy starting points;

Check your endlinks, cheapest part that is made to be replaced, after sway bar bushings.

Get on the ground and see how the brake dust shields are holding up. On my 2001 ES300 the one side is rusted through, and it's loose. easy ways to fix are to cut it off, or if you're like me drill some small holes and a small ziptie to the wheel hub [backside of course].


When driving over some rough roads where the noise occurs [at a slower speed], you can also engage the parking brake a little bit to confirm whether or not it is the shoes in the rear caliper making noise. This again, is something that came about recently in my car as well... where I always thought it was suspension related.
When driving with the parking brake engaged my 'clunk' goes away...

Easy things to check, for yourself first.

ancdmd

I am going to replace my brake pads real soon and I guess the first thing I should check is the torque of all the bolts holding everything together. I find it hard to believe I have any ruined suspension parts since they're all close to new.