Gymking

Hello,

I drive a 2007 IS350 with around 103,000 miles on the odometer. The car has the original springs/shocks, but has the F Sport front sway bar.

When I drive over an average sized bump/pothole and especially a speed bump, the passenger front side of the car makes a loud clanking noise and it feels like the car is bottoming out. Attached are pics of the passenger front.

Could the noise be from a bad shock? Or could it be the sway bar?

Thanks,
Thomas
Instagram: @kingoflexus

msgs350

iTrader: (2)

Looks like a lot of oil/grease around there. If its coming from the struts, then you know that strut is blown. You can replace it with an OEM equivalent for about $100 for parts and install in 1-2 hours yourself or get coil-overs if that's what you want.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

It does appear to be leaking. Time for a replacement, or COILOVERS!

is250fsprt

I'd go with coilover.

flektone

iTrader: (1)

Just be prepared for your ride to go to hell if you get coils

Nixcision

iTrader: (3)

Not too sure what you mean by this... the ride with coilovers is just fine and many members including myself have been on them for quite some time.

Eduskator

Yah, just buy the whole coilover thing. Lot of them come adjustable so you'll be able to find your perfect stance

Should be around 1000$ for the kit.

flektone

iTrader: (1)

Yes fine if you live in cali or florida with those nice smooth roads. But in the north east all of our roads arent like that. Any imperfections in the road you feel once you go with any kind of aftermarket suspension. Go drive a 3 gen IS 350 and the handling and ride comfort will blow coils away. Im so glad they made the 3 gen more sportier and closed the wheel gap. This is the last car im lowering with aftermarket parts.

Gymking

I've decided on coilovers, but I don't know which ones to get. I was looking at the BC Racing BR Series coilovers because the price is doable for me. Should I get the Swift springs upgrade? Also, I don't know anything about spring rates... lol

msgs350

iTrader: (2)

BCs are a good choice. You can ask the vendor to help you with spring rates and Swift upgrade.

Nixcision

iTrader: (3)

I live in Alberta, Canada with brutal roads and winter for 6 months and its still great.... Agreed on the 3rd gen's wheel gap solution, but no need to shy away from coilovers.... and I'm speaking from experience as a person who uses their IS as a daily driver

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

A 12k front and 8k rear BCR setup is very DD-friendly; I have this exact setup.

If you want a stiffer setup that will carve the corners best, then a 14k/12k setup would fit the bill.

jjc250

Do you know the part number for the struts? Do I just go to the parts department of a Lexus dealer and buy it from them? Thanks.

msgs350

iTrader: (2)

You can buy from Lexus or just go to AutoZone/O'Reily's or even order online from multiple sources.
Lexus equivalent replacements should be KYB, search the forums and you will see what others have used. I just ordered a front left strut (KYB) from Amazon with overnight delivery for under $100 for my 3GS. I had it installed within 1.5 hours.