LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Need Advice - suspension "swaying"

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Old 07-03-12, 07:39 AM
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josephgary
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Unhappy Need Advice - suspension "swaying"

I have this swaying issue no matter how fast i'm going! it's very bad at speeds over 40mph. I haven't changed the tires yet but I was told that the sway bar bushings would cause that. I changed them out today and no change in the swaying. I am so frustrated with this car does anyone know how to solve this???

Last edited by RA40; 07-05-12 at 11:40 AM. Reason: Descriptive title
Old 07-03-12, 07:59 AM
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josephgary
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Unhappy Need Advice

94 LS 400 sways from side to side as soon as i get over 30mph. It doesn't happen all the time but quite often. I changed out the rear way bar links; because it only happens in the rear but that changed nothing. I did notice that the boot on my drivers rear axle was busted, could that have anything to do with it? I have seen posts about the tires could do it also, there are so many posts about what it could be I just need some clarification. It's only in the rear mainly on the drivers side.
Old 07-03-12, 11:47 AM
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timmy0tool
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hmm i would first check to see if your tires are balanced. usually unbalanced tires vibrate instead of sway but start with the easy stuff first. rotate the tires and see if it goes away.

could also be your shocks are blown.
Old 07-03-12, 12:46 PM
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j2b4o
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My 90 LS had a very slight wander above 50mph in a gradual turn. I would have to make very minor corrections throughout the turn to keep the same track between the lines. Yesterday I replaced both strut rod bushings and the sway is gone and the car tracks straight and true( my clunking is gone also). I realize the strut rod is different on the 95+ cars but it would be worth a look IMO.
Old 07-03-12, 12:46 PM
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RA40
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How many miles on car?
When was the last time the shocks were changed?
Old 07-03-12, 02:47 PM
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PureDrifter
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sounds like dead shocks. bushings/ball joints/tire balance give off much higher frequency vibrations, not just increased lateral sway.

checking sway bar endinks isn't a bad idea though.
Old 07-05-12, 08:46 AM
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josephgary
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Honestly the shocks look like the originals. I just bought this car so I'm just trying to get a feel for it. I have never owned one before so I'm learning as I go. The tires are a definite issue none of them are the same so that's one issue. Looking at the rear as the car sits the rear shocks do look like they are gone. So i'm going to start with shocks and tires and go from there.
Old 07-05-12, 08:54 AM
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Nissayota
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Check the shocks...
Old 07-05-12, 09:09 AM
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DonCorleone
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If all else checks out fine, a sticking caliper might also cause swaying/pulling.
Old 07-05-12, 11:40 AM
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RA40
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So that we aren't having two simultaneous threads occurring, I've merged the recent replies from the older thread into your recent thread. (Appreciate your searching. )
Old 07-05-12, 03:05 PM
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LexGX
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It sounds like dead shocks. My car started swaying when my shocks went out. I need to change them soon cause it feels really unstable when i drive.
Old 07-06-12, 09:29 AM
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josephgary
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Shocks are fine on vehicle they actually have been replaced. What I did notice was that the wobble is only on the driver's rear. The wheel seems to be angled in at the top and bottom pushed out, so I'm guessing something with the alignment. maybe an axle??? The boot is broken on that axle. I think i'm going to take it somewhere so that they can check my alignment maybe see if something is broken or loose.
Old 07-06-12, 11:09 AM
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RA010623
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i notice the stock shocks are very floaty and make the car handle very very bad.
i think set of coilover will fix the problem.
Old 07-06-12, 03:04 PM
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josephgary
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Originally Posted by kenji815
i notice the stock shocks are very floaty and make the car handle very very bad.
i think set of coilover will fix the problem.
I will price out some coilovers. What could cause my tire to be angled like that, that's probably alignment issues right?



Posted from ClubLexus.com App for Android
Old 07-06-12, 04:18 PM
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RA010623
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Originally Posted by josephgary
I will price out some coilovers. What could cause my tire to be angled like that, that's probably alignment issues right?



Posted from ClubLexus.com App for Android
negative camber is cause by alignment.
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