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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 07:44 AM
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I've got a 1991 LS400 w/ 81K miles and here's my problem. When driving and especially when coasting I feel a "rubbing" or slight vibration through the steering wheel and gear selector. I've already replaced the trans mount but the feeling is still there. Do you guys think it could be motor mounts or something else. Thanks in advance for your input.
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 07:59 AM
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Does it intensify with speed or remain constant from low to high speeds?
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 08:19 AM
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Front end/wheel/brake issue? Coasting w/rubbing problem would seem to eliminate motor mounts as the source..
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 08:40 AM
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It seems to remain constant, not really affected by speed. We have determined that new control arm bushings are needed and I've got them on order. Could it be the worn out CA bushings causing the problem. I guess we will see soon enough. Thanks
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 11:19 AM
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wheel balance perhaps?

or rear trans mount/prop shaft bushing?
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 05:40 PM
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ya PD prop shaft bushing.....get the arms fixed
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 06:21 PM
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Ok guys, no flames please, but WTF is a Prop Shaft Bushing. I have searched and don't find much information at all on where/what it is or how hard and expensive it is to replace. Thanks
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 06:36 PM
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without previous posts.. i would say trans mount / engine mounts. make sure the bracket attaching the exhaust to the transmission housing is not cracked or loose.
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 06:48 PM
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37511 COUPLING, FLEXIBLE
37511‑50010 UCF10; FR 1 $374.27
37511‑50020 UCF10; RR 1 $270.85
t o y o d i y dot com
Y cant i put this link here? http://www.*******.com/parts/

Last edited by 91 LS400; Jan 26, 2009 at 06:58 PM.
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 11:47 PM
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Originally Posted by ur2slow1
Ok guys, no flames please, but WTF is a Prop Shaft Bushing. I have searched and don't find much information at all on where/what it is or how hard and expensive it is to replace. Thanks
Prop shaft(propellar shaft) AKA Drive Shaft bushing is what they are referring to.
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 05:38 AM
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Originally Posted by 91 LS400
37511 COUPLING, FLEXIBLE
37511‑50010 UCF10; FR 1 $374.27
37511‑50020 UCF10; RR 1 $270.85
t o y o d i y dot com
Y cant i put this link here? http://www.*******.com/parts/

The 2 bushing/gaskets/couplings listed above retail for 214.00 each...Also new part #'s apply...
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Old Mar 23, 2009 | 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by ur2slow1
I've got a 1991 LS400 w/ 81K miles and here's my problem. When driving and especially when coasting I feel a "rubbing" or slight vibration through the steering wheel and gear selector. I've already replaced the trans mount but the feeling is still there. Do you guys think it could be motor mounts or something else. Thanks in advance for your input.
I also have a 1991 LS400 with 82k miles with a similar problem. I just had the complete propeller shaft replaced at the dealer. Didn't help... It is most noticeable when decelerating within specific speed ranges. 25-30mph and 45 to 55mph. I also recently replaced my upper and lower control arm bushings and transmission mount. All to no avail...

Have you had any aftermarket parts put on your vehicle lately (other than cosmetic)? How long have you been having the problem for? Have you had any luck identifying the problem?

My car cruises effortlessly on the highway (70-80mph). Every wheel has been checked and rechecked for balance. I even put four new Michelin's on the car and the same vibration is there afterwards. It also has all new brake pads and rotors (all OEM Parts)...

It feels like its coming more from the back than the front but its very difficult to tell for sure. The only vibration felt through the steering wheel is very slight when its happening... Definitely isolated enough through the steering wheel to rule out it being the root cause.

Last edited by JimsGX; Mar 23, 2009 at 04:23 PM.
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Old Mar 24, 2009 | 08:25 AM
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Sorry, but I gave up on the mystery and sold my 1991 and replaced it with a 2000 LS w/ 82K miles. Let me know if you have any luck.
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Old Mar 24, 2009 | 10:00 AM
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if you have any suspension problem, take it to your shop. if you have a good mechanic they will take it up and figure out what it is. it could be a whole bunch of things. I use one shop for my lexus and they will look at it for free. as a matter of fact, i am getting one lower ball joint, wheel bearings and upper control arm changed. but they only way to know what was needed was to have them lift it up, and inspect it, which they did for free. good luck
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Old Mar 24, 2009 | 12:58 PM
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Originally Posted by EastWind
if you have any suspension problem, take it to your shop. if you have a good mechanic they will take it up and figure out what it is. it could be a whole bunch of things. I use one shop for my lexus and they will look at it for free. as a matter of fact, i am getting one lower ball joint, wheel bearings and upper control arm changed. but they only way to know what was needed was to have them lift it up, and inspect it, which they did for free. good luck
Unfortunately, the Lexus dealer was the one who did the daignostic ($105)and recommended I replace the Prop Shaft to fix the vibration...

After driving it some more today, I must say that the overall smoothness of the vehicle is better, but I still have the same vibration, especially at 25-30 and maybe a little less now between 45-55....

I've been dealing with it for a year and a half now. This is a third Lexus (play) car for me. I may wait a little longer to see if it gets any worse on its own and therefore easier to identify as time goes on...

Now I'm leaning towards the differential bushings... From inspection, they can't find anything else wrong.
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