Ascari_2

So I recently ran over someone's drive shaft and as a result needed to have the sub-frame, exhaust, and all lower control arms, replaced (all done at a Lexus dealer). Now, on some occasions, usually after the car has sat for an entire night, I hear a creaking noise when turning the steering wheel. As you can hear from the video below, this occurs when turning to the left before hitting full lock. When I called the SA to set up an appointment and bring the car in his first response is "oh that's normal ... that's your rack and pinion system." I told him I am pretty sure that this is now how an LS is supposed to sound and that it's not normal. I am going in on Wednesday to see the tech and have him check the car.

Anyone have any ideas what might be making that noise?

hfahmy

That's not normal.

Nospinzone

When he tries to hand you the "that's normal" nonsense, tell him let's take out one of your LS demos and see if it does it. That will put an end to that crap.

jasone36

"werd"

Nospinzone's absolutely right... don't be afraid to apply some light pressure on the discussion.

Chuckinnj

NOT normal!!....... Be firm and don't accept his BS reply.
BTW! Tell him you are a "regular" on Club Lexus...... This should make him realize that he is NOT playing with John Q. Public and you are armed with valuable knowledge from the power of CL.

KNOWLEDGE IS GOOD! (Faber College)

Dr. Jekyll

iTrader: (1)

Not normal. Have you examined underneath the car? Sounds like it's rubbing/hitting something

SW17LS

Definitely not normal...

R Z

Yeah that's not right. I don't hear anything when turning the wheel. Keep at them until it's the way you want.

Tec80

There is a steering noise/groan TSB for the LS460. My dealer replaced the intermediate shaft and the groan vanished. It sounded similar to this.

boz151

One suggestion, make sure you bring have this video on your phone on the off chance they can't recreate the problem. I used to have to prove things like intermittent windshield washer stopping and SAT radio losing connection to my Mercedes dealer with iPhone videos all the time. They usually are happy to use them if they for one reason or another can't "recreate" the issue.

SW17LS

The total BS that dealers spew is unreal. "Oh that's your rack and pinion". I'd ask if he even knows what a rack and pinion is and to describe io you.

Ascari_2

Well after sending the video to the SA he did respond with something along the lines of "Thank you for the video. I definitely want to have your car looked at by the technician." So he is not being unreasonable. Just wanted to see if anyone had any ideas on what it could be so that I can mention that when I drop the car off later today.

islandbeef

Take it to a reputable Independent Service station for a second opinion (or third). In my area, we have dealership service alternatives with the same equipment run by senior Lexus service techs who went independent.

The "Indy Mechs" are not pushed to upsale or pressure you, they'll tell you what's wrong (usually) and charge about a fraction for the repair (lower labor costs). Also, they don't charge to diagnose the problem like the dealership does (about $100).

Ascari_2

Dealer's diagnosis ... brake pads. Not sure I fully understand the physics behind that but the brakes are due for a new set, so I might just take care of that and then see if the sound comes back.

SupraTurbo

Sent you a PM.