LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Front Suspension Clunk

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-16-11, 07:00 PM
  #1  
S30ZG
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
S30ZG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: WA
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Front Suspension Clunk

Hey guys I'm having a bit of trouble diagnosing a clunking noise from the front of suspension of my car. Just to give some background on the car, I have replaced the UCAs, LBJs and tierods all within the past 4 months. I also have BC coils (18k/10k) on the car, and its a '91 with approximately 180k on the clock.

I'm just wondering what would be the next logical part to replace up front? I've read that the strut rod bushings deteriorate over time but wanted to know if there is anything else that's prone to wear over time that I could replace?
Old 12-16-11, 07:26 PM
  #2  
RA40
Super Moderator

iTrader: (6)
 
RA40's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: California
Posts: 20,850
Received 463 Likes on 361 Posts
Default

The strut bar bushing is pretty much THE one. I had my guy go over the front on mine with the express consent fix what it needs. In his experience, he said 90% of the time the strut bar bushing is the one that will fix the noises. Mine at the time had 155K miles and he thought the UCA, LCA were fine. Now if the suspension has been knocked around and allowed to wear, other areas may need attention.

What sucks is getting an alignment one by one as you replace these single parts. I did a multi replacement so I won't know unless I were to measure each part for spec. I'm not about to do that. Especially to find that a part was still good and I had it removed for the sake of replacement. I live with the thought that it was worn.
Old 12-16-11, 07:28 PM
  #3  
LiCelsior
Retired

iTrader: (32)
 
LiCelsior's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NY
Posts: 12,362
Received 17 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

any specific condition when its clunking? ie going over a bump, turning etc.
Old 12-16-11, 08:07 PM
  #4  
S30ZG
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
S30ZG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: WA
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LiCelsior
any specific condition when its clunking? ie going over a bump, turning etc.
ah I forgot to include that part. I can hear the clunk on bumpy roads at lower speeds (5-35 mph) but I can't hear it at freeway speeds (40-70). It occurs wile driving straight and occasionally while taking sharp, low speed turns.

Originally Posted by RA40
The strut bar bushing is pretty much THE one. I had my guy go over the front on mine with the express consent fix what it needs. In his experience, he said 90% of the time the strut bar bushing is the one that will fix the noises. Mine at the time had 155K miles and he thought the UCA, LCA were fine. Now if the suspension has been knocked around and allowed to wear, other areas may need attention.

What sucks is getting an alignment one by one as you replace these single parts. I did a multi replacement so I won't know unless I were to measure each part for spec. I'm not about to do that. Especially to find that a part was still good and I had it removed for the sake of replacement. I live with the thought that it was worn.
Okay cool good to know about the strut bar bushing, I was kinda leaning in that direction but thought it maybe something else.
Old 12-16-11, 08:22 PM
  #5  
LiCelsior
Retired

iTrader: (32)
 
LiCelsior's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NY
Posts: 12,362
Received 17 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

its not like a sway bar bushing clunk is it?
Old 12-16-11, 08:52 PM
  #6  
JimsGX
Lexus Test Driver
 
JimsGX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: MA
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Check the lower control arm bushings as well...
Old 12-16-11, 09:38 PM
  #7  
Cope
Rookie
 
Cope's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Ga
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

S/R Bushing took care of mine. 98 with 140K.
Old 12-17-11, 06:46 PM
  #8  
S30ZG
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
S30ZG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: WA
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LiCelsior
its not like a sway bar bushing clunk is it?
possibly, haven't had a chance to look at the car for the past week but I'll get it up in the air within the next 2 days.


Also I ordered some Strut rod bushings yesterday so hopefully that will alleviate the problem.
Old 12-17-11, 11:07 PM
  #9  
LiCelsior
Retired

iTrader: (32)
 
LiCelsior's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NY
Posts: 12,362
Received 17 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

forgot the size but u can get the energy suspension part for it. just measure up your front sway bar size and see which bushing fits the bar.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Goofaroo
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
15
07-18-11 08:36 AM
cmotek24
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
5
08-09-09 09:29 PM
RA40
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
18
04-30-08 07:17 PM
luvmylexus
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
9
12-23-04 10:05 AM
CTX
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
2
08-23-04 07:20 PM



Quick Reply: Front Suspension Clunk



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:35 PM.