Ok, if there’s a suspension guru here, I’d appreciate your help in figuring out the front end issues I’m having. I’ve got a 2006 LS430, with the regular suspension. 125,000 miles. Overall the car is in good shape. I’ve replaced the front struts and mounts, the ball joints and the LCA big bushings. I’m still having that creaking noise when I go over bumps at slow speeds. When I’m driving faster, I am still have some vibrations at speeds over 60. (I’m going to put on all new Michelins soon, my current Michelins are 6-7 years old.)

Besides the creaking/squeaking noise, when I go over road irregularities, it seems like the front end kind of ‘hunts’ for the lack of a better word. It’s not going super straight down the road like it should when the road surface is less than perfect. It’s not bad, but it’s not like it should be. It makes me think I need to replace the tie rods. Also, for the creaking noise, I guess that I need to replace the sway bar bushings - aka “Suspension Stabilizer Bar” bushings? What about the link assembly on the that stabilizer bar, should those be replaced? Will replacing the stabilizer bar bushings and the links get rid of the creaking noise?
Also, a minor complaint, going down the road my steering wheel isn’t perfectly level, it favors the left - as though I’m turning the wheel slightly left but going straight. Obviously when I do the work and get new tires, I’ll go get a four wheel alignment.
Yes, I could replace everything else on the front end, but I’ve already hit the obvious things, and I rather not buy new upper control arms etc if I don’t need to.
Thanks in advance.

 

I would check motor mounts (2) and transmission mount
the motor mounts look alright until you get the weight off and then they are often shot
transmission mount is supposed to be easy, but not for my level

 

For the squeaking noise?

 

Anyone? Bueller?

 

It’s tough to diagnose suspension issues via the internet.
Yes, the squeak is likely the sway bar bushings.
What brand parts are you using?

 

Everything is either original OEM, or the parts I’ve replaced are OEM. I tried spraying silicone into the sway bar bushings, but they were pretty hard to reach. Wanted to see if that helped.
I’m thinking I will have to replace my UCAs. And the sway bar bushings too.

 

You might as well (UCAs) at this point. It doesn't really make sense to replace a few suspension components if others are still questionable. Healthy suspension components work together in unison.
Yes, UCAs are expensive, but there are options. They are currently $225 ea from Amayama and $185 ea from Impex.
https://www.amayama.com/en/part/toyota/4863059035

 

Possible dry socket on a ball joint causing a creaking noise?