Idreamido

Hi All,

I am new to CL and recently bought this 2005 Lexus ES330 with 55k miles on it...i was so thrilled to get it that i didn't get it inspected (went by Carfax & Autocheck reports) and now i am kicking myself

After initial excitement wore off...i realized that car is making an annoying rattling sound in the front especially when going over a bump or a bad road and ride is not very smooth (my previous 2003 Accord had a better ride)...i checked the dealer service records online (@lexus.com) and this is what the latest record says:

RED - MOTOR MOUNT
RED - SHOCKS
RED - ALIGNMENT



I am not sure what this mean? does it have bad struts or mounts? (its just 55k miles on it)
went to dealer they said they'll charge $$$ for diagnostics if i don't get it fixed with them...decided to try some other shops.
i would really like to save some and get it done from outside dealership (i am in Miami if someone can suggest anything)

TIA.

Megafast13

Definitely should NOT be due for any replacement of suspension parts with that mileage, unless it was involved in some sort of unrecorded accident. Have the tires realigned and balanced ASAP, and see if that helps the problem. Beautiful car by the way, but it should drive really nice.

Idreamido

Thanks Megafast13....though car had an accident but it was just the bumper (carfax said minor cosmetic damage on bumper)...i went for alignment and guy said i should show it to Lexus specialists. (so that if there are any bushing or other issue) alignment can be done after that.
so i have booked an appointment with Lexus specialist (lextech), will update how it goes with them.

Chocolate

Regarding the ride, it should definitely be smooth with the stock 17" wheels. You're probably running on some or all of the original tires, which if they are in fact original, are harder/less pliable than they were when new. This affects both ride and grip and would be a good area to check/upgrade first.

msekanha

Damn that cat is clean!

\jealous

Is that the black diamond edition?

Idreamido

its not a diamond edition but yeah its pretty clean car....
i got it 20% tinted all around so looks beauty now...next am planning to put GTA or GROM Aux kit so that i can listen to music from my phone.

Lextech diagnosed it as front struts problem...so looks like i will have to change the struts on it now.

400ls

could have been 55,000 miles on rough terrain. look up front end knock on here.
common, although not generally with this mileage.

Idreamido

I got two new front struts KYB excel G from advanced auto & got them replaced.
Steering & wheels alignment later, ride is very smooth & no rattle from the front.
Some road noise is due to bad tires that I intend to replace soon. Overall am pleased with my ride.

Megafast13

Good news. For tires you should go with Michelin's.