Hi everyone! I have been on a mission to reduce some of the squeaks and rattles in my 98 LS400. Its nothing major but stuff like this drives me nuts! One of the big problem areas was the center armrest. Just putting my arm on it would make it squeak so much I wasn't using the armrest. Well my arm deserves a rest!

I took the hinged arm rest apart. On the the middle tray, I popped out the plastic tray and put a piece of felt underneath the tray. I then put cloth tape on the tabs that hold the tray in. I had to use some force to put the tray back in but got it. I lubricated the metal hinges. I then put strips of furniture felt pads on the bottom of the armrest cushion where it connect to the base. This keeps the contacts on the leather and not the plastic which was squeaking. Put another small felt pad on the upper lid and voila! It doesn't rattle or squeak at all now! It also feels very tight and much more solid that it did before.

I'm not sure if this is a common problem but it was very easy to fix and was completely successful! Now trying to figure out my rear glass/brake light/sub rattle!

 

Glad you got that fixed. The noises ours makes is the moodroof/sunroof sliding shade and on some really hard dips, the dash will squeak. I attribute that to the flex of the car. Other than that, it has been pretty good.

I learned on past cars, try not to take stuff apart that doesn't need it. Whatever reason, the factory torque on most fasteners is quite good. Removing them seems to bring on subsequent noises. That excludes a buddy's Camaro long ago that at 6K miles sounded like it was going to fall apart due to all the rattles and squeaks. He bought a 300ZX and was amazed how well put togther it was and was quiet.