For a while I have been hearing a noise every time I hit a pot hole and I took off the tire when replacing the break pads last week. I noticed that when you pull up and release the rotor assembly it makes a clunking noise. I am not sure if it is a bushing or the front struts. I have TRD lower springs on it, but is has always made the noise.

Mine is a 99 GS300

 

I would suggest checking your lowerball joints, caster arm bushings, and the known front suspension issues on the 2nd gens. You can also go to the suspension section and check the stickys.

I had an issue like this in the past, it just ended up being the sway bar being loose. Once I tightened it, it went away... GL.

 

Don't hit Potholes.. Problem solved..

 

try and avoid pot holes hahahahahhaha.

But yeah check all the bushings too

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I will stay clear of any pot holes! Also when it makes the noise it feels like the steering wheel shakes and the car doesnt feel stable.

I may just have to replace each bushing one at a time.

 

I live in pot-hole central (they fill 4,000 a day according to the city) and I too hear a 'clank-clunk' sort of noise. I've had the Lexus dealer inspect my front suspension three times and they say everything is tight. I'm going to go out on a limb and say this car has a naturally noisy suspension.
BTW, I have a friend who is service manager in Ford and Chev dealers. When I told him I bought a Lexus he said, "they're great cars, super reliable, but the suspension will drive you nuts."

 

Seems like you need some MOOG lower ball joints & inner+outer tie rods and a good alignment and that should be a great start to ending this problem bro.

 

just put lower bj on my 99but noise still there,changed front swaybar bushings and nice and solid and quite now.had buddy rock car side too side wile put hand on swaybar,thats how i found it.when was on hoist there wasent much play.

 

That's good to hear bro. So front sway bar bushings did the job?? Good piece of mind to not hear those noises anymore I bet... You should consider some MOOG outer & inner tie rods as well with a proper alignment at a reputable shop. That'll have you riding even more quiet...

 

I'd also check to make sure the caliper bolts are tightened all the way. I had my LS400 caliper bolts come loose after I performed the swap and it made random "clunks" as well.

 

Broken struts make a rattling sound when hitting bumps.

 

Great point made bro!! Allot of things to look for when these noises are going on. Great to hear advice from all angles!