Blue1991

Hey guys, i have a 1991 ls400 with about 187,000 miles. I've started to notice that when putting it into reverse when the engine is cold, it clunks hard into gear with a real metal sound to it. Once it warms up though, the sound moves from the reverse gear to the drive gear. After it's warm, reverse shifts very smoothly and drive becomes the clunk. I've checked the fluid and it looks good, but it hasnt been changed for at least 10,000 miles, most likely more. It doesn't matter if you start in park then move it or neutral, same sound occurs. Also, I've noticed that when in reverse, unless you very slowly ease onto the gas there is a creaking sound that seems either from the transmission or the rear end. Same with drive, although it's more rare unless you step on it from a stop. WTF could this be?

thanks

leboyd1

It could be the propeller shaft u-joints. Their practically impossible to replace and unfortunately, the shaft itself is expensive. You might be able to find a low-mileage used one at a junk yard for a reasonable price (IIRC the new one is about $700). As long as it hasn't been sitting out in the weather, it might last 100k miles.

glenmore

iTrader: (1)

You might be lucky and it is just drive shaft bushings. I think there are two of them, one in the front and one in the rear. Wouldn't take much just to take a look. I don't know what is involved in replacing them but in my 1991 Mercedes there is an almost identical part and replacing them is routine, maybe a little muscling is all.

Check ebay for "lexus drive shaft bushing" and you get an idea what they look like.

leboyd1

Unfortunately, I don't think this is the case with Lexus. My understanding is that it's nearly impossible to replace anything on the propeller drive (drive shaft). However, I've not seen any that went bad without an accident. Otherwise, it seems to always be the rear transmission mount. I have 160k on mine and the propeller shaft is fine.

Lexozz

No it's not impossible, I've had my bushings replaced on my '95 when I had transmission work done. The hard shifting into drive when away. The bushing looks like a cookie.

glenmore

iTrader: (1)

A BIG cookie!