Over Extension of Suspension
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New York
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Over Extension of Suspension
I've had my 2012 RX 350 for more than a year now. From the very beginning I had this occasional problem: Stopping fairly quickly (but NOT any sort of panic stop) at a small downhill, I sometimes would get a rather substantial clunk somewhere in the rear. It sounded pretty serious--axle or suspension, I thought. Of course when I first brought it to my dealer (Ray Catena-Westchester, NY) I couldn't duplicate it. But then, I convinced the service manager to send a mechanic to my house, where there's a place where it often happens.
Finally, he heard the clunk (so I wasn't crazy). The service manager did some research and concluded I was hearing an "over-extension of the suspension". He sent another RX350 to my house, and indeed, we were able to replicate the clunk at the same place, in that different vehicle. On the other hand, a friend, who also has an RX350 said he never had the problem.
The service manager says there is nothing abnormal about the clunk. This is hard for me to believe. It's a really substantial clunk and in my 45 years of driving I've never experienced anything like it.
I searched this forum to see if anyone has reported this issue but couldn't find anything. So I ask here..does this sound familiar to anyone? Thanks
Michael
Finally, he heard the clunk (so I wasn't crazy). The service manager did some research and concluded I was hearing an "over-extension of the suspension". He sent another RX350 to my house, and indeed, we were able to replicate the clunk at the same place, in that different vehicle. On the other hand, a friend, who also has an RX350 said he never had the problem.
The service manager says there is nothing abnormal about the clunk. This is hard for me to believe. It's a really substantial clunk and in my 45 years of driving I've never experienced anything like it.
I searched this forum to see if anyone has reported this issue but couldn't find anything. So I ask here..does this sound familiar to anyone? Thanks
Michael
#2
Lexus Test Driver
I've had my 2012 RX 350 for more than a year now. From the very beginning I had this occasional problem: Stopping fairly quickly (but NOT any sort of panic stop) at a small downhill, I sometimes would get a rather substantial clunk somewhere in the rear. It sounded pretty serious--axle or suspension, I thought. Of course when I first brought it to my dealer (Ray Catena-Westchester, NY) I couldn't duplicate it. But then, I convinced the service manager to send a mechanic to my house, where there's a place where it often happens.
Finally, he heard the clunk (so I wasn't crazy). The service manager did some research and concluded I was hearing an "over-extension of the suspension". He sent another RX350 to my house, and indeed, we were able to replicate the clunk at the same place, in that different vehicle. On the other hand, a friend, who also has an RX350 said he never had the problem.
The service manager says there is nothing abnormal about the clunk. This is hard for me to believe. It's a really substantial clunk and in my 45 years of driving I've never experienced anything like it.
I searched this forum to see if anyone has reported this issue but couldn't find anything. So I ask here..does this sound familiar to anyone? Thanks
Michael
Finally, he heard the clunk (so I wasn't crazy). The service manager did some research and concluded I was hearing an "over-extension of the suspension". He sent another RX350 to my house, and indeed, we were able to replicate the clunk at the same place, in that different vehicle. On the other hand, a friend, who also has an RX350 said he never had the problem.
The service manager says there is nothing abnormal about the clunk. This is hard for me to believe. It's a really substantial clunk and in my 45 years of driving I've never experienced anything like it.
I searched this forum to see if anyone has reported this issue but couldn't find anything. So I ask here..does this sound familiar to anyone? Thanks
Michael
#3
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New York
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yh it does clunk slightly. Happened in all third generation RX's ive been in. Nothing abnormal. Even mine does it. It happens because the weight is shifted quickly to one side. When i say its a clunk. I mean its a small clunk which cannot be heard in the cabin. Only heard when the windows are open.
#4
I hear this every now and again. I just chalk it up to every car has their own little things. Lexus seems to be steering and suspension hiccups once and a while. As long as it doesn't become too glaring an issue, I can live with it.
#5
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2013
Location: OH
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Probably just hitting the bump stops on the strut towers. No big deal and why they are there, as long as you aren't doing it often (lowered cars on race tracks with hard braking/turns). Bit more noticeable/unusual on a "Luxury SUV", but the Rx is a VERY quiet vehicle mostly, but the suspension is pretty softly tuned.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
therocker
SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)
8
11-13-01 02:23 PM