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Yep verts have problem with top frame latch mechanism. On one side I found it is making some knocking sound. I was trying to shake that lock from one side (driver) and it make some clicking noice. On opposite side it makes no sound at all.
Hello gents. I’ve been investigating my suspicions that the noise was originating from higher in the pillar than where the seat brace meets it, and have some updates worth sharing.
In my earlier post, I had mentioned that I’m able to replicate the noise by pushing on the bottom of the rear quarter glass, which I’ve since found is also replicable by pushing from the inside. This has led me to believe that there is some flex happening in the B pillar, which was temporarily fixed by welding the seat brace to the pillar.
Both the tightening of the screws and welding seem to be temporary because they address only the symptom, and not the cause which is the flex that happens in the pillar, whereas the previous solutions only cause the tension to move to a different point in the pillar.
I pulled the interior trim apart around the pillar to look for a cause, but after playing around with a few bolts and pulling on some parts, I was unsuccessful at finding anything obvious.
At that point, I got a little frustrated and haphazard, reaching for the rubber mallet and banging on the exposed pillar metal circled in the screenshot. And to my surprise, each time I smacked the pillar, I was able to reduce the flex noise from pushing/pulling on the pillar.
This measure has been pretty short-lived, as I’ve had to do this procedure three times, after the sound returned about a week following. But every time I’ve done it, it’s become quieter.
I’m sharing this with the hopes that someone more evolved than I am can use this finding to identify a specific cause and more permanent solution. I should also disclaimer that this might not be the cause for everyone, and that there is some risk in it permanent damage to your vehicle or to yourself, even if you are careful not to hit the wires, doorframe, or your hands.
So do it at your own risk and your mileage may vary!
While I appreciate your DIY approach, the fact that the issue returns after a week prevents me from exploring this specific fix with a mallet . But I am curious as to how tough it was to remove the rear interior sections? Also, did you have this area previously welded and the noise returned?
Originally Posted by ST1NKY
Hello gents. I’ve been investigating my suspicions that the noise was originating from higher in the pillar than where the seat brace meets it, and have some updates worth sharing.
In my earlier post, I had mentioned that I’m able to replicate the noise by pushing on the bottom of the rear quarter glass, which I’ve since found is also replicable by pushing from the inside. This has led me to believe that there is some flex happening in the B pillar, which was temporarily fixed by welding the seat brace to the pillar.
Both the tightening of the screws and welding seem to be temporary because they address only the symptom, and not the cause which is the flex that happens in the pillar, whereas the previous solutions only cause the tension to move to a different point in the pillar.
I pulled the interior trim apart around the pillar to look for a cause, but after playing around with a few bolts and pulling on some parts, I was unsuccessful at finding anything obvious.
At that point, I got a little frustrated and haphazard, reaching for the rubber mallet and banging on the exposed pillar metal circled in the screenshot. And to my surprise, each time I smacked the pillar, I was able to reduce the flex noise from pushing/pulling on the pillar.
This measure has been pretty short-lived, as I’ve had to do this procedure three times, after the sound returned about a week following. But every time I’ve done it, it’s become quieter.
I’m sharing this with the hopes that someone more evolved than I am can use this finding to identify a specific cause and more permanent solution. I should also disclaimer that this might not be the cause for everyone, and that there is some risk in it permanent damage to your vehicle or to yourself, even if you are careful not to hit the wires, doorframe, or your hands.
So do it at your own risk and your mileage may vary!
While I appreciate your DIY approach, the fact that the issue returns after a week prevents me from exploring this specific fix with a mallet . But I am curious as to how tough it was to remove the rear interior sections? Also, did you have this area previously welded and the noise returned?
It’s not for those of a sane mind for sure haha. I had the weld done in the recommended areas, being the bolt points connecting the brace to the pillar. But the noise return about a month or two afterwards. Very rarely the noise occurs on the opposite side, which leads me to think the lateral connection points whether it be the brace or roof exert a greater force on the pillars than necessary. Hence why the mallet might work to alleviate that pressure. Just my hypothesis though.
This sounds promising and I'm going to hold on taking my 2018 LC back to Lexus until I hear more. Have you had this fix applied to your Lexus? If so, did it work?
To answer the question, no it didn't. The whole exercise was overseen by a Lexus rep who believed (wrongly so) that the bolts securing the brace to the B pillar area needed to be tightened to a specific torque and in a particular sequence. In the event, this hypothesis made no difference whatsoever. However, along the way, the brace was removed and the noise completely disappeared. Now frankly I'm not sure if the brace is a structural element but something I will shortly be asking when mine goes in again in the first week of December.
One thought that occurs to me following Stinky's observation is to see whether it might be possible to put the brace under tension by putting in spacers to ensure it simply cannot move. I'm thinking to apply somehow or another some some "in to out" force on the pillar while the brace bolts are being tightened.
I'm afraid it is a case of watch this space, but I will share Stinky's findings with my dealer and this might just point them in the right direction, so in advance, thank you Stinky.
Last edited by Brinylon; Nov 22, 2024 at 03:07 AM.
Matters are moving on but the definitive fix (we hope) has yet to be established but as I understand it a Lexus representative will be visiting an affected car later this week. The Lexus tech(s) where the car currently languishes would it seem exhausted the previous brace tightening/welding solutions and I guess all but admitted defeat, hence the visit by a Lexus rep. I'm hoping, as I am sure the owner of said car is, that the rep will either be a tech type or at least someone who can and will assess the situation before either fixing the car or at least reporting back to Japan requesting a solution. Importantly, Lexus are not washing their hands and acknowledge they have numerous customers with the same problem, and as some suspect, will have more as time passes. Over here, we have a ten-year guarantee which should cover the problem.
So I am afraid the final solution is not quite there but so it would seem getting closer, and I will advise more as soon as possible.
Hey @Brinylon - any update to share on this? Thanks!
Hey @Brinylon - any update to share on this? Thanks!
Hello antidentit
Regretfully not as yet. My car is currently with Lexus who again acknowledge there is indeed a "click/clunk" as the car brakes, accelerates and rides certain road surfaces. It was booked in for 3 days investigation which runs out today (Thursday) and I'm kind of hoping they might get to the bottom of matters, but this seems a hard nut to crack. One way or the other, I will provide a further update tomorrow, but frankly, I will not be surprised if the car stays with Lexus over this coming weekend.
Hello antidentit
Regretfully not as yet. My car is currently with Lexus who again acknowledge there is indeed a "click/clunk" as the car brakes, accelerates and rides certain road surfaces. It was booked in for 3 days investigation which runs out today (Thursday) and I'm kind of hoping they might get to the bottom of matters, but this seems a hard nut to crack. One way or the other, I will provide a further update tomorrow, but frankly, I will not be surprised if the car stays with Lexus over this coming weekend.
Will keep you posted.
Regretfully, still no news and I suspect/know the car will remain with Lexus over the weekend. Sorry there isn't at least some news, but hopefully early next week there will be.
Apologies for not getting back sooner but I only picked up the car earlier in this week. Regretfully it's the same as ever was and so the saga continues.
Apologies for not getting back sooner but I only picked up the car earlier in this week. Regretfully it's the same as ever was and so the saga continues.
I'm going to wait for a written report which is due to be sent to me and then consider what it says. In fairness to Lexus they have said to bring it back if the problem persists, but frankly my confidence that they will locate and rectify the problem is not that high. I really cannot remember whether the last visit was either the fifth or sixth time the car has gone back in! I'm kind of hoping that as more cars report this problem so Lexus will be obliged to locate the source and figure out a permanent solution.
Good luck ! Had the same issue with my previous 2018 executive LC which I traded in last April for a sport plus 2017 LC at a Lexus dealership. The ramp in my underground parking is quite difficult to handle with almost a 90 degree angle and I suspect the crack was due to this as I could ear a frame flexing noise when leaving my parking. No issue yet with the new LC (fingers crossed).
. But I am curious as to how tough it was to remove the rear interior sections? Also, did you have this area previously welded and the noise returned? 
