NTB was nice enough to give a free estimate. Put the car on the lift and noticed both front struts are going bad and leaking some oil. The tires are new, but from the bad shocks, the tires have started "cupping" and uneven wear. Rotating the tire at eye level I saw that it was all sorts of messed up.

Fixing this weekend. New Struts and tires (Hankook) + alignment

 

If the tires are out of round, they will make that womp womp womp sound. I bought an '08 IS 350 back in December (sport). The front tires were doing the same. After some checking, I took it to have the tires and bearings checked. Immediately it was found that the cheaper front tires were warped from them being run with low air and hitting pot holes and etc. If you do not run these low profile tires with proper air, it will damage them. I check them weekly at a minimum. Sometimes multiple times a week. I replaced the front tires and no more noise. For my 18's on the '08 350, the Front tires should be 235's I think (maybe 225's or 245's) with 35 psi. The rear are supposed to be 255's with 38 psi. It does make a difference. Also .. something about low profile tires. Be sure to go easy over bumps. They tend to loose air when bouncing around a lot.

 

As mentioned,

Struts went bad, and over time ruined the tires. Changed both and now I love my IS on a whole new level.

Items bought:

• Gas-A-Just 2 front struts
• Hankook 225 / 40 R18 tires

Steering and body roll has improved. Rides very soft and quiet.

Thanks guys!