fransattle

I have a slight clunking noise when I go over small bumps at low speeds while braking. It almost sounds like the brake pads are shifitng in the caliper. That is the only thing I can think of. I doubt the front end can be "worn out" with only 80K miles. Thoughts?

DCLexus

I have a similar noise on my 96'. It seems to be coming from the left front wheel area. The car also makes a clunk noise if I hit the brakes hard. I haven't been able to find anything but I also doubt my suspension is worn out since the car only has 45k miles on it.

GKLCPA

I have the same issue. My 96 Lex has only about 49K miles on it now. The cluncking is coming from the left front wheel area when I go over bumps. I've had the front end checked by two different mechanics and they can find nothing. I was getting a slightly difference noise with hard braking initially, but this noise has now gone away.

Jasbmo

if its a clink clink, the reason for that sounds is the pads are shifting in the caliper. this usually occurs in the short term after starting the car. once the pads heat up, they expand, fill up and the sounds is gone.

its normal, and many LS's have this.

you guys have NO miles on your rides!!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

if its a BIG clunk or Thump, then u have lost ur ca bushings.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

STRUT BARS. Very common for 2ng gen cars. Search for strut bar to find more info.
A little different on the 1st gens... but you can an idea abotu the part im reffering too:

http://www.lextreme.com/strutbar.html

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

Agreed, it is the strut bar bushings as mine did the same thing under hard quick braking until i changed them.

DCLexus

Thanks for the suggestions. What would cause the strut bar bushings to fail on a car with mileage this low? Do they dry out?

Is this something I can look at to see if it's bad? Would they appear cracked?

Thanks.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Common issue... many had to have them replaced around the same time you did. While I agree that they shouldnt fail this early, reality says otherwise.

Broker404

On my 99 with 120k, I have a clunking coming from my front right corner, but not very often, usually only at slow speeds, and it stops with any amount of braking. I'm guessing I need to replace the strut bar bushings, but I was wanting to wait until I can buy some from Daizen for the 2nd gen.

Harky

The age of the car and how it was driven can deteriorate these bushings moreso than pure miles driven. An 8 or 10 year old car will have bushings that are brittle and cracked from exposure to the atmosphere (ozone). And if you bang these bushings around, like hard braking, cornering and rough roads, they will loosen up and begin their clunky song.