My 1997 ls is starting to show some wear and tear mechanically. I am getting some clunk when shifting from reverse to drive, so I presume I need u-joints replaced.

I am told from my mechanic that they are a special u-joint that is integrated into the driveshaft.

What's the bottom line on resolving this in the most economical fashion? I am going to be keeping the car for at least another 5 years, and likely another 100k miles before I can see parting with the car. Its got 145k on it now, and is in such excellent condition theres no reason to replace it.

Any advise is appreciated.

 

The car does not have a universal joint like you'd find in most domestics, you have a rubber isolator called a hardy-disc.
They are about $50-85 per part to replace.
There is one at the trans=>drive shaft and another at the driver shaft=>diff.
You likely need to replace both as they sort of wear out at the same rate.

Also, while you are in there. Check the center support and bearing.

If you are decently mechanically inclined, this is a simple enough job to do in a driveway assuming you have a good selection of metric tools!

 

the big rubber disks are also known as guibo bushings.

from what you're saying though I would check the transmission mount first, it has a much shorter service life and is a hell of a lot easier/cheaper to replace.

 

Yes, also called Guibo's... Here what to look for before you replace:


If your flex discs look anything but like the new disc, or there is any cracking around the bolt bushings, I'd go ahead and replace them regardless of the condition of the tranny mount. That is, if you actually plan on keeping the car for another 100k miles.

Also, to check the driveline, have the car I the air with the wheels off the ground. Get a buddy to sit in the driver seat and hold the brakes on while he slowly shifts from P=>R=>N=>D and back a bunch of times with the car running. Any clunk should be pretty easy to find just by putting your hands on various things while feeling and listening to where the clunk is coming from.

Again, if you're a mechanically inclined person, this is all something that can be done in a driveway with a jack and stands. However, I accept no responsibility should you hurt yourself or others! Use common sense and stay away from hot things! :bigthumb:

 

Thanks! I think I will just replace both flex joints, the trans mount, and the carrier bearing at the same time just to keep it all fresh.

 

Could a bad flex joint cause a vibration like bad ujoints?

 

it would have to be pretty bad but yes, it is possible.

 

I saw a posting for the clunk going from reverse to drive for the 97 IS-350. Is the instruction same for the 06' IS-350?

 

I have had 12 LS's go from 100k to 210k and replaced the tranny mount on ALL of them, motor supports on one of them, but never the flex disc.... I guess I live a charmed life or dont know what to look for... but I am not a jerky driver and dont take off fast...

 

this is the LS400 forum, and i think you mean 07 IS350 vs 06 IS350.
however considering the 2nd gen IS line ranges from 06-13, i would be led to guess that yes the clunk instructions are the same. the car is too new to be experiencing such problems no?! unless it's been hooned extensively!