Help! Long Distance Suspension Diagnosis
06-13-14, 08:05 AM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2014
Location: MO
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Help! Long Distance Suspension Diagnosis
Hello SC Gurus:
I’ve been looking for a 98-00 SC400 for awhile and have located a 98 SC400 out of state. The good news is that it only has 70K. Because I can’t do the inspection myself, I had one of those mobile pre-purchase inspection services go look at it.
It revealed some problems with the suspension as follows:
“Road test shows the engine performing well and the transmission shifting as designed. Vehicle has a decent ride, but there is a knocking at the right front when braking and accelerating from a coast. There is some play in the steering.”
More specifically, they said the following:
“Ball Joints & Tie Rods: The front end is loose over bumps. More diagnosis needed.”
“Shocks & Bushings: The right front has a knocking noise when braking or accelerating from a coast.”
As you guys know these cars, what’s your hypothesis for the problems? Based on your hypothesis, what could I expect to pay an independent mechanic to fix?
I’m hoping it’s something relatively simple (bushings, shocks, struts) rather than something that could be substantially more expensive (motor mounts, rack & pinion).
The original plan was to buy tomorrow (Saturday) and drive home (300 miles).
Thanks so much!
I’ve been looking for a 98-00 SC400 for awhile and have located a 98 SC400 out of state. The good news is that it only has 70K. Because I can’t do the inspection myself, I had one of those mobile pre-purchase inspection services go look at it.
It revealed some problems with the suspension as follows:
“Road test shows the engine performing well and the transmission shifting as designed. Vehicle has a decent ride, but there is a knocking at the right front when braking and accelerating from a coast. There is some play in the steering.”
More specifically, they said the following:
“Ball Joints & Tie Rods: The front end is loose over bumps. More diagnosis needed.”
“Shocks & Bushings: The right front has a knocking noise when braking or accelerating from a coast.”
As you guys know these cars, what’s your hypothesis for the problems? Based on your hypothesis, what could I expect to pay an independent mechanic to fix?
I’m hoping it’s something relatively simple (bushings, shocks, struts) rather than something that could be substantially more expensive (motor mounts, rack & pinion).
The original plan was to buy tomorrow (Saturday) and drive home (300 miles).
Thanks so much!
06-13-14, 10:19 AM
#3
^ what INTIMAZY said.
There's also a thread on here somwhere (probably back a year or two now) that has torque specs for front sub-frame nuts. Because these components are aluminum they tend to flex and the nuts loosen over time. Torquing them back to spec usually tightens up the front end and gets rid of some noises.
There's also a thread on here somwhere (probably back a year or two now) that has torque specs for front sub-frame nuts. Because these components are aluminum they tend to flex and the nuts loosen over time. Torquing them back to spec usually tightens up the front end and gets rid of some noises.
06-13-14, 10:30 AM
#4
Found the thread for you. You can try this. Who knows, it might work and its free.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...em-w-pics.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...em-w-pics.html
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
