Hi guys I have a 2015 es350. Recently I’ve been hearing a clunking noise coming from the rear (both sides, but mainly passenger rear) I took it to my mechanic and he checked everything and nothing seems to be loose (bushing or links for sway bar) was my initial thought. I also cleaned out the car to make sure nothing is loose. I’ll try to post a video as well. It only makes the noise going under 60KM.

 

I have the same noise. After further inspection, I found that both of my exhaust heat shields are loose. I saw some videos and the fix is to add fender washers to secure it to the body. I hope this helps.

 

I went ahead and made the repair today. It was tight area to work, but it's done, no more rattle.

 

So after many hours of research and suggestion from others...I decided to change the sway bar links. The noise is now gone. HOWEVER, I’m hearing a rattling sound coming from the front mainly when I go over cracks in the road with the right front suspension. It sounds like something would be loose and makes a metal rattling sound.

 

Try going over bumps with your sunroof open. That clunk is most likely your wind deflector.

 

Just in case this will help anyone...2014 ES300h @140k. I recently replaced the OEM struts and sway bar links - definitely needed it and rides better, but still getting clunking in the rear. Sounds like golf ***** in the trunk when going slow over a bumpy road and also clunks once when turning right and again turning left - alternate clunks. It has been driving me crazy so I tried replacing the sway bar bushings with OEM today - still no luck. I also checked exhaust shields per the post above and did find one that was pushed out of the way - but still no luck after repositioning... I had the whole rear of the car up for this and pried on all the suspension links - nothing is obviously loose.

After all of the above I found this thread - opened the sunroof visor and can't believe it - knocking noise is coming from up there. Open the roof and no noise. Never would have thought to look there...absolutely sounded like it was in the rear suspension or something rattling around in the trunk (I emptied the trunk).

I sprayed the sunroof seal with silicone, wiped it off with a towel, sprayed it again and closed it. NO NOISE.

I'll see how it goes for a week and probably order the rubber seal that goes around the glass - seems like it would be a quick job.

 

Here is a useful link how to replace the sunroof seal. I also have 2014 ES300h with 140k - I did the seal at 108k.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...s-the-fix.html

 

My wife’s 2014 ES350 had this same clunking noise for the last 3-4 years. Going over uneven pavement, speed bumps, etc would always result in a clunking noise. Very annoying. I thought it was worn shocks (all replaced, no change) or worn sway bar bushings or something loose in the parcel shelf. Finally did a Forum search and found this thread.

I bought a new Lexus sunroof seal off eBay and installed it today. Noise is 100% gone. Some added comments to this thread and the above linked thread (must read as well):

Use the Tilt button to raise the rear of the sunroof. Slide back the sunroof interior headliner panel. This will reveal the side accordion rubber curtains. Take a pic of each side of the exposed accordion curtain so you know how it looks installed. Pull the lower edge of each curtain away from the sunroof frame (as opposed to pulling the top edge away from the sunroof panel). Lift up each side accordion curtain to expose the Torx screws on each side. Use a T25 torx bit on a 6” 1/4” extension and 1/4” ratchet to loosen and remove both screws. Once the two screws are removed you can lift the front of the sunroof panel and wedge a towel or piece of foam between the sunroof panel and roof so the entire sunroof panel is above the roof. From the outside pull the sunroof seal away from the panel. Leave the removed seal on the roof area so you know which side of the seal is up and the orientation as a guide. Use a clean rag to clean the sunroof panel where the seal was attached as well as the inside roof frame - there will be lots of dirt/dust from years of ownership. Look at your new seal and find the four corners (green dots at each corner) as well as the slit in the seal which is the rear part of the seal. Starting on either side, install the seal onto the panel - start by setting the lower edge of the seal into the bottom of the panel and pry/lift up the seal into place. The top edge of the seal will “snap” into place when installed correctly. Work the seal into place an inch at a time in one direction. Do not stretch the seal! Be sure the first green dot matches the corner apex and continue installing the new seal all along the perimeter. I had to open all four doors and stand on the door openings to work the seal into place. Be persistent and careful - you will get into a rhythm. Once the seal is fully in place, you will then install the two side screws removed earlier. Do not tighten these two screws! Get them barely snug and check the front sunroof alignment from outside the car. Slightly loosen each screw and push up the front of the sunroof panel from inside the car to get the panel exactly level from looking at tue panel from the top. Tighten both screws when the panel is exactly level. Replace the accordion curtains and operate the sunroof a couple times to make sure the panel is exactly level when closed. See below pics I added to what has already been posted.

Below pics show the Part # for our 2014 ES350. Be sure to buy the correct seal for your year/model; pic of the two Torx screws; pic of the slit in the original and replacement seals at the rear; pic of the side accordion curtain