Help me with some bushing noise
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 6
From: TX
So it cannot be upper strut mounts, collars or bump stops? If it is not struts, lower ball joints, CA's or strut rod then what else? Can't see the sway bar bushings causing that kind of noise.....?
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: NC
I figure its gonna be the ball joints at this point, from what you and others said.
I've got so much time and money invested at this point, I gotta take it back, I just hate to hear another "looks good, we don't know".
I've got so much time and money invested at this point, I gotta take it back, I just hate to hear another "looks good, we don't know".
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 6
From: TX
Supposedly lower ball joints don't last beyond 100k or atleast they should be changed around that mileage point. When the mechanic gets the wheels off he will be able to tell real quick if the ball joint is bad. When I had mine changed, a pitman arm puller was not even necessary.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: NC
Supposedly lower ball joints don't last beyond 100k or atleast they should be changed around that mileage point. When the mechanic gets the wheels off he will be able to tell real quick if the ball joint is bad.
It's an awkward situation of me (not a car expert) telling my mechanic what to look at, and him telling me its fine...then I drive off with a clunk. Taking it back next week regardless.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 6
From: TX
It is awkward telling the mechanic what to look for. My guy said the same - ball joints, CA's are tight until he took the wheel off, etc. and barely touched the lbj and it came apart. He then said surprisingly, yes it is bad. I would still like to know if upper strut mount or bump stop could make the clunk. Since mine is lowered about 2" I sometimes rarely bottom out on the front bump stop (it has been trimmed to 1" to 1.5") and it makes a distinct thump.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: NC
Yeah, I'm about to just buy some ball joints from l-tuned and see what labor would be. I've been reading on us.lexusownersclub too and they also mention stabalizer bar bushings, tie rod ends, and trailing arm bushings, as possible clunk causers.
I have new bump stops all around, and I'm not lowered so I doubt its that or the strut mount causing it (front mounts are original, backs are new). I'll check the front strut mount bolts in the engine bay for looseness as well.
I have new bump stops all around, and I'm not lowered so I doubt its that or the strut mount causing it (front mounts are original, backs are new). I'll check the front strut mount bolts in the engine bay for looseness as well.
Driver
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 181
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
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Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 287
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From: NC
UPDATE: Well I'm waiting on my tax return before I buy ball joints (75% sure that is my clunk) but i have two questions:
1. is there anyway to check a bad ball joint by jacking the car up, looking for play etc? My mechanic says he checked and I believe him but maybe there is another way to check before I spend $$$ on parts....
2. How specialized do you need to be to do suspension work on this car? What I mean is, can I take it to a cheaper shop (that does good work) but mainly does domestics and hondas?
Thanks
1. is there anyway to check a bad ball joint by jacking the car up, looking for play etc? My mechanic says he checked and I believe him but maybe there is another way to check before I spend $$$ on parts....
2. How specialized do you need to be to do suspension work on this car? What I mean is, can I take it to a cheaper shop (that does good work) but mainly does domestics and hondas?
Thanks
suspension is suspension, the techniques are pretty much the same for each TYPE of suspension, i doubt the shop ud be going to has had massive amounts of experience with tghe type of suspension we have (double wishbone/multilink) but given the torque everything down right and u get an alignment afterwards you should be fine.
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