1994 LS400: Suspension issues

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Mar 29, 2016 | 06:57 PM
  #1  
I have issues with the suspension. My car makes a clunking noise as I go over bumps, and also if I'm driving like 10 to 20 miles per hour and I step on the brakes it will make a clunking noise as well. I have replaced the shocks(Nov. '15) and the lower ball joints (Jan. '15)in the front suspension. The clunking noise seems to be coming from the front.
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Mar 29, 2016 | 06:59 PM
  #2  
Quote: I have issues with the suspension. My car makes a clunking noise as I go over bumps, and also if I'm driving like 10 to 20 miles per hour and I step on the brakes it will make a clunking noise as well. I have replaced the shocks(Nov. '15) and the lower ball joints (Jan. '15)in the front suspension. The clunking noise seems to be coming from the front.
Lower control arm bushings and strut rod bushings.
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Mar 29, 2016 | 07:10 PM
  #3  
Quote: Lower control arm bushings and strut rod bushings.
Are these two parts sold separately? I have not heard of these....
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Mar 29, 2016 | 07:12 PM
  #4  
Also, a ball joint went bad and I replaced it this week.....here is what it looked like, cotter pin was sheared off.

1994 LS400:  Suspension issues-20160321_080458.jpg  

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Mar 29, 2016 | 07:13 PM
  #5  
1994 LS400: Suspension issues
The mechanic told me he had to cut the tie rod off to replace the ball joint....here is a pic. Not sure why the ball joint was messed up....sent back to Rock Auto for full refund...

1994 LS400:  Suspension issues-20160329_151312.jpg  

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Mar 29, 2016 | 11:23 PM
  #6  
replace the strut rod bushing, aka the radius arm/caster arm bushing. Your mechanic had no reason to cut the tie rod end unless he was so incompetent he couldn't get it apart.

Strut rod bushings are interchangeable within your generation only, 89-94 in this case. Do not try to buy 95-00 strut rod bushings, they will not interchange.
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Mar 29, 2016 | 11:38 PM
  #7  
1994 LS400: Suspension issues
Quote: replace the strut rod bushing, aka the radius arm/caster arm bushing. Your mechanic had no reason to cut the tie rod end unless he was so incompetent he couldn't get it apart.

Strut rod bushings are interchangeable within your generation only, 89-94 in this case. Do not try to buy 95-00 strut rod bushings, they will not interchange.
Yes Puredrifter, I was thinking he was incompetent also because my regular mechanic changed the ball joint with no problem before....I only took it to him because I needed it changed before my wheel fell off.....$50/tie rod, $75/flat rate labor.....also $60/hour labor x 2 to install ball joint.......he got me.
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Mar 30, 2016 | 01:54 AM
  #8  
2 hours for a front lbj R&R?


Yeah he got you.
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Mar 30, 2016 | 03:10 AM
  #9  
All my clunking was the upper control arms.
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Mar 30, 2016 | 04:36 AM
  #10  
Quote: All my clunking was the upper control arms.
That was my first thought also....
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Mar 30, 2016 | 02:28 PM
  #11  
there are TONS of threads already stating that most suspension clunks are due to worn strut rod bushes. of course other components fail too including the upper a arms. inspect both!
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Mar 30, 2016 | 09:44 PM
  #12  
Quote: there are TONS of threads already stating that most suspension clunks are due to worn strut rod bushes. of course other components fail too including the upper a arms. inspect both!
Yes I am going to start here.....I've had Lexus tell me the upper control arms need replaced, then Midas told me they was fine....the strut rod bushes is where I'll start....
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Mar 30, 2016 | 10:22 PM
  #13  
Is the strut rod bushing a part of the upper control arm?
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Mar 31, 2016 | 04:56 AM
  #14  
no, completely separate piece. Search is your friend. The bushing comes as a complete unit that bolts in to replace the old. They go bad with WAY more frequency than the UCAs and have a characteristic "thump" /"Clunk" when going over bumps.
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Mar 31, 2016 | 04:41 PM
  #15  
Quote: no, completely separate piece. Search is your friend. The bushing comes as a complete unit that bolts in to replace the old. They go bad with WAY more frequency than the UCAs and have a characteristic "thump" /"Clunk" when going over bumps.
Yes I found some for $173 each and was.surprised so I was hoping they were a part of the upper control arm....
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