Brian S

I've got a 98 LS with about 90,000.

Over the last couple couple months, I've noticed a knock coming from the front passenger side of the car, seemingly around the wheel well. It has gradually gotten louder. Note that it's not a constant rattle, but more of a quick "clunk". It doesn't happen on every bump, but rather sharper, more abrupt bumps. I tried pushing that side up and down when the car was stationary to see if I could hear anything, but got nothing. Any clues? Anything very common at this mileage?

Thanks,

Brian

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

I have the same issue, but on my drivers side. I checked it out, and looks like my lower control arm bushings have givin up, along with the upper knockle bushing (both sides). I also feel a bit of vibration too.

thekat

Same thing here.. looks like a control arm to me..

but the mechanic called them "Strut Bars"
Ordered them from Lexus, they also called them item a strut bar..
Replaced both of them.. ( the lower ones.. haven't checked the upper.. hmm..
maybe on the next trip to the shop..)

My symptoms..
Rebound on shcoks were great most bumps.. no noise..
"small" bumps.. sounds like the front end was falling off.. :-)

from what I found you had to replace the whole arm.. no bushing was
available .. if someone else has better info.. please post..

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

How much am I looking at?

thekat

Forgot the cost..off the top of my head.. can't find the friggin email either.. :-(
I "think" they were about 80 each from

http://www.lexuspartsmall.com/inquiry.php

send them an email and post.. I saw the other CL parts dealers.. but did NOT
see www.lexuspartsmall.com/ on the list.. (I bough an 04 RX330 from Sewel 2 months
ago for the "boss".. they never mentioned they had an online parts site..)

I have been buying parts from this place for about 5 years now.. everytime
I needed a part.. (used to have 95 SC400 ) I would call the dealer
then send these folks an email..
Every time they were Always much cheaper..

I did ask them why their parts were so much less than the local dealer..
and they said because we sell at wholesale..

but check out the prices on your own.. just to be sure..

hth

just found a quote from a set of plug wires I ordered about 3 years ago..

Quantity: QTY - 1
Item: wires
Your Price: 96.85
(Retail: 122.88)

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Thanks man, appriciate it

Brian S

I don't have any vibration, just a simple knock. But it definately is coming from right around the passenger fron wheel area.

Brian

Hackman

Don't know if this is your problem but I used to have a problem like this on my 1st gen LS. The wheel well is mounted to some plastic mounts that fasten it to the frame. One of these mounts would periodically pull loose and cause a sporadic "rattle". It should be pretty easy to tell if you're having the same problem.

Popping it back in would work for a while and then it would pull lose again. I finally fixed it for good (or at least until it was totalled) by putting some rubber cement on the back of the mount before pushing it back in.

I just checked my 98 LS and it does appear to have the same kind of mounts. Look specifically to the interior of the wheel well. The plastic should not have any play if the mounts are seated properly.

Good luck!

Brian S

This was a suspect, and I'll check it when I get a chance. I am starting to think it is something suspension-related based on the sound, but I hope not (not too keen on spending the $$$).

Anyone know how long I should expect the springs, shocks, ball joints, etc. to last on these things? It is six years old, so I guess it may be nearing time for replacement of some of this stuff.

Thanks,

Brian

thekat

mine was a definite knocking sound.. not just a rattle..

When I had my strut bars replaced.. I called the local Stealer.. it was
about 500-600 dollars..

hth

Brian S

Was it like a single knock sound? How loud are we talking?

Thanks,

Brian

Horta

Hey all I have a simular sound but coming from the rear. I sat in the back seat about a year ago and heard this banging clunking sound. Actually I had the same sound in my RX and it turned out to be the strut bushings or somehting like that Lexus replace it under "good will".

Anyways you dont here the sound in the LS from the drivers seat, but from time to time when I let my buddies drive I can hear the sound. When I get my service doen I have mentioned it to the dealer but they have not been able to reproduce the noise.

I will just keep pushing. The dealer has been very recptive and is trying to help. They have asked me to bring the car in when their suspension specialist is working. He will ride in the back seat and see if we can reproduce the sound.

Whats amazing is that I have buddies (These are professional middle age guys) riding in my car on a weekly basis and have even taked 100 plus mile trips and NOONE has EVER told me about the sound. I ride in the bask seat every very blue moon and I hear it? Am I or shall I say We just too dam picky and **** about out cars?

thekat

My symptoms..
Rebound on shcoks were great most bumps.. no noise..
"small" bumps.. sounds like the front end was coming through
the passenger floorboard..
I mean LOUD.. but only on small shallow type bumps..

hth

Brian S

Thanks for the info. I wouldn't define my knock as quite that dramatic. I need to have the Timing Belt replaced. If I don't figure it out by then, I'll see if they notice anything.

Thanks,

Brian

thekat

Funny you should mention timing belt.. just got qutoes for parts..
Check em out.. good prices..

16100-50023.....WATER PUMP.....$99.56
13568-59045......TIMING BELT.....$53.17
13540-50030.....TIMING BELT TENS......$40.64
13505-50022.....TIMING BELT IDLER NO 1.....$101.14
13503-0F010.....TIMING BELT IDLER NO 2.....$64.11
90916-D2230.....DRIVE BELT.....$72.86
53440-59025.....HOOD STRUTS.....$71.25 EA.
SHIPPING.....$15.00