I have a new-to-me 2008 LS600hl I recently purchased with just over 60k miles. When I test drove the car I noticed some vibration that the dealer and I presumed to be tires or even warped rotors, however after a balance and resurface (they paid for) the problem persisted. I then set out to isolate it further my getting up to 60mph and letting the car coast down to 35 several times. There is a very pronounced shudder in the driveline- almost like a washboard road effect, most noticeably as it drops through the 40's mph. I can completely eliminate this if I drop the drivetrain in neutral- therefor it has to be in regeneration or the transmission.

That said, the dealer had a Lexus engineer look at it. His assessment was uncertain, as there are no other LS600’s around to compare it too. They would like the problem to be more pronounced so that they can be sure where the problem is coming from and asked me to drive it an additional 5000 miles.

The mechanic and service tech agree with me there is a problem, but are now somewhat bound by their engineer telling them to wait 5000 miles.

Has anyone else ever hear of this problem- I’d really like to have something else to support my claim. The car has a week of warranty left on the drivetrain when I purchased it- so the problem is documented.

Thanks folks.

 

No vibration or shudder at all on mine.

 

I've driven 3 LS600 vehicles. One had no driveline shudder, one had mild shudder, one had strong shudder. It's most pronounced when turning at slow speeds and gently accelerating, or when reversing and turning at a 90 degree angle as in when you are reversing out of a parking spot. If you can establish the above exists and produces a shudder, you can move onto the fix below.

There is a TSIB on this (L-SB-0023-11) which covers 2008-2010 LS600 models. It's also listed on AllDataDIY as being covered under the 7yr/70miles powertrain warranty. The process is the transfer case fluid is drained, filled again, car is driven a mile, then repeat the entire process two more times.

 

Yup..they did this on mine prior to me buying it according to svc notes

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+1 had this done under the warranty and no problems after.

 

Tested it today and it has very strong vibration if I make a 90 degree turn from a complete stop and gently accelerate- exactly as you outlined. I'll circle back with the dealership on Monday. Thank you- I'll post the results.

 

I purchased mine this year in March and so far I haven't experienced any vibration issues mentioned

 

Kenetic charging on deceleration produces a slight vibe in my 2010 model..