r0man

I have a 1998 GS 300, with 80K miles. When i stand still and move my steering wheel to the left only it makes a clicking noise when im turning to the left (while standing still) if i turn it quick to the left it keeps clicking the quicker i turn the wheel (only to the left) if i turn it slow to the left its a slow click click like something rubbing ever inch i turn but exactly the same distance as depending on how fast or how slow i turn the wheel, when i drive the car and make a left turn it makes the noise as well, if im holdin the wheel steedy while making the left turn it click when and there are likc little bumps the it starts making that same noise, i took it to 3 shops (not lexus dealer) and they said its the rack and pinion, lexus wants $1000 just for the part or from the non dealer shops they said they can rebuilt the rack and pinion for $250 + labor but they can't guarnetee it will fix the problem any one have any ideas what this can be?????? is it diffenetly the rack and pinion??????

Thanks

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

I would have the lower balljoints checked out first. The GS series is known for wearing out the lower balljoints and once worn they can make a variety of noises from clicking sounds when the wear starts to all out screeches when they are very bad. Simle way to test this is to raise the car and turn the wheel. If you do not hear the noise, most likely your balljoint(s) are bad. Replace both as odds are they both are bad.
Lee

TerryTCL

i agree, it sounds like the lower ball joint...

however, make sure -

1) there's fluid in your power steering reserviour

2) with the wheel turned to lock in each direction,
check the steering linkage... check to see if there's
a ripped seal of the steering linkage. you'll see fluid.

3) with the car on a level surface, jack up the front end.
make sure the car is secure on jackstands.
grab the wheel at the 3 and 9 o' clock position, shake the
wheel. listen for the clicking sounds and where it's coming from.

grab the wheel at the 12 and 6 o' clock position, do the same.

gradually move around the wheel and check for the clicking noise.

you can pinpoint where it's coming from.

doing your own investigation will probably lead you to finding
something that the dealer might of just assumed.

r0man

the thing is when i pick the car up on a lift not by the wheels, just by the bottom of the car and the wheels are on nothing (meaning some lifts have where u drive the car onto the lift and some times u drive the car and u put those sticks under the body itself and raise it) when i drive it on it still makes that noise because the presure, when i drive it on a life without presure on the wheels meaning the sticks under the bottom of the car on the lift, and the wheels are not sitting on anything it DOES NOT make that noise

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

While on the lift, did you inspect the balljoints?

TerryTCL

do you hear any grinding or loud whinning noises coming from that wheel when driving?

if all else fails, sounds to be a wheel bearing

HKGS300

I also had this clicking noise together with a slight clungin feeling while steering.
It was especially noticeable while driving very slowly, e.g. while parking.

When i had it inspected they told me that they suspected that the lower balljoints were worn. I replaced both of them (parts cost: approx. USD180 for both). Firstly, I was a bit sceptical, but afterwards I felt a HUGE difference in steering. The car handles MUCH better

By the way, my car is also a 1998 GS300 and worn balljoints are a common problems for our cars. (our cars are heavy and a lot of us use very wide tires)

r00kie

Any shop recommendations in S. CA (LA area) to get this checked out/fixed besides dealer?? Thanks.

r0man

how much do ball joints usually go for?

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

Lower balljoints go from 75.00-109.00 each depending on your relationship with your dealer. Always replace both as the new ones are updated.