jarogj

In an earlier post, I had mentioned that I was experiencing a faint rumble or rattling noise from the left front wheel area of my new LS430. I have since driven it with two diagnostic specialists from Lexus and they both tell me it is the 17 inch tires making the noise. It is most noticeable at speeds of 10 to 15mph going over dips, bumps and rough road surfaces. When I sit on the passenger side and listen for the sound under the same conditions, I hear nothing. It is only when I drive and hear it on the left side. I can only describe it as a faint jiggling or rumbling type sound or even like a basketball dribble from underneath the car somewhere or in the left front wheel area. Does anyone have any idea what it might be or could Lexus be right. Personally, I don't buy the tire idea. It always seems difficult to isolate these things because with the tech you can't always duplicate the same road conditions, etc. In my case you need dead quiet in the car and as I said slow speed. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

gs400998

If the dealership is willing to let you borrow a set of different wheel/tire combination for a test drive, then you will be able to determine whether diagnostic specialists from Lexus is correct or not.

pscmj

Might want to consider switching the front wheel to the rear and the rear to the front. Then see if the noise follows. If so, it could be the lug cover (I'm assuming your wheels have some sort of cover over the lugs). If the sound is still from the front, then chances are it is a problem with the car … after all, the right front doesn’t make this noise (again I’m assuming). Another idea would be to simply mount the spare on the left front just long enough to determine if it is your wheel. Another possibility, since you are able to reproduce at such low speeds, driving with the window down and the door open while leaning out to get a look at the left front wheel as it goes over bumps may provide more precision as to where the noise is coming from (I've done this on a few occasions, although very carefully). Another option would be to find an area where you know the noise can be reproduced, and have someone either driving beside you or on a bike so they can listen from the outside. I know these methods sound drastic, but sometimes that’s what it takes. I've heard of others who actually have someone ride on the hood (or in the trunk) to detect noises such as this. However, there's no way I would let anyone lay on the hood of my LS.

Anyway, just some suggestions. I know how frustrating these problems can be, especially on such a wonderful car as the LS. Good luck ...

Hackman

Jarogj: I'm sure this can't be the problem with your new LS430 but my old '91 LS400 had a problem with a rattle on the passenger side, so I thought I'd mention it, JIC.

Later, it developed the same rattle on the driver side. Upon examination, I discovered that one of the screw mounts for one of the screws holding the wheel well in had popped-out on each side.

I was able to pop them back in easily enough, though. However, the passenger side mount wouldn't stay for long before it would pop back out again. Putting a little silicone on the mount before pushing it back in did the trick.

Like I said, doubtful it's the problem here but It's worth a check.

Phil

Jarogi - I don't have a solution to your problem. I too have an '03 LS430 and have not experienced any negative problems. I wish you luck my friend. I think some the of the suggestions you have been given may prove to be useful. Let us know in case it happens to us.

Regards, Phil