I am a Fan of LEXUS brand but a complete newbie as far as tech details are concerned. If any of you can help me , I would appreciate it.

Recently I bought ( I thought it was a good deal based on KBB Value) a used 2005 Lexus430. I just bought it on an impulse as the Ultra Luxury option and the color were to my liking. I did not get it examined by a Mechanic ( I don't know any one whom I could trust based on personal experience as I am new to the locality). I had this blind faith in the brand that I took a wild guess and bought it anyway.

Later on the right side rear wheel suspension seem to be a bit flat and was giving a bad thud noise every time the car went over a speed bump or pot hole ( even minor) . The Lexus dealer said I need to replace the shock absorbers. I did but even then , I am not sure if the ride is what it is supposed to be. I have previously owned a ES330 ( 2004) and it was much much better that this one.

Even at Standard Suspension and Sport mode , the car seem to act like a boat .
I really like the Car but , I am not sure if I should get rid of the air suspension and retrofit with normal sprngs ...( or should i try with some reasonable load. So far I have been driving it solo)

Any advice is appreciated.\ ( o

 

dv, what part of california are you in? if your in socal, go to newport lexus and ask for sean the service advisor they have a good team over there to give you an overview of whats going on with your new ride
as an fyi, the are front strut arm bushings that need to be replaced if original and the ball joints if you have over 100k and there is play in the wheel, besides that if you replace the air shock absorbers your one of the luckiest guys around having an 2005 ul dont give up consider it a project and it will pay off... enjoy and safe driving

 

and forgot to add the 430 is a firmer suspension than your es, the 430 is designed for the combination of handling and ride and going from my ls400 it was a firmer suspension as well over time i got used to it and enjoy the engineering of the vehicle beyond my expectations i wish i had an 05

 

I guess I was a bit concerned when it sounded like you had a low corner.
I know a bad air bladder can do that too. I would be encouraged if a dealer recommended new shocks and didn't try and jump on a big project like air suspension.

I would think the shocks are something you could potentially take on yourself if your inclined, capable and have the time.

I'm up in Santa Rosa, CA so if you need a recommendation to Freeman Lexus I can help but honestly, without a warranty I would build a relationship with a good local shop you like and bring them the work and save yourself a bundle - if you don't do it yourself.

 

much appreciate your response.
I still have it. I want ot sell it. Are you still looking ?

 

Thank you. I got it examined by the South County Lexus dealership and they recommended replacing the rear shock absorbers which i did . But there is no appreciable improvement. May be like someone said , the suspensions it self a bit stiff because my benchmark is with es330 2004.

Thanks.

 

I have driven both vehicles. I own a 04 UL and my friend owns an ES330. The LS is MUCH smoother and just floats over most all road imperfections. Do you have the 17" or 18" wheels? What tires? Something doesn't sound right. (P.s., i didnt put that link on the word tires)

 

Having had three LS sedans and two ES sedans, I agree, the LS rides significantly smoother than the ES.

18 inch wheels I assume since it's a 2005? What kind of tire pressures are you running?

The 430 rides significantly harder on the 18s, they're 45 series tires which are pretty low profile. I would make sure your tires aren't over pressure, and consider swapping for the 17s.

Our 2004 LS430 UL on 17s was an incredible riding car. Rode better than the 98 LS400 it replaced, and certainly my 03 ES300 which is identical to your ES330.

 

I was reading this and thought you had just gotten the car when I saw you say you were selling it, lol. I was like that frustrated huh? What is the color combo? PM me what you're trying to sell it for and I might be interested. I just totalled mine when someone decided a phone call or text was more important than paying attention to the road and rear ended my wife. I am kind of looking for another one but not too seriously yet but would at the right price, lol...

 

Thank you all for the advice.
I will try to install 17th wheels and tires and see. But it is an expensive alternative. If I want to sell the some what new tire set , what will i get ? i mean with chrome wheels.

Just want to have an idea. So I cam work out the math and see if I can afford. it.:
regads:

 

what is pm ?

Grey pearl and black leather inside
I am looking for 14.5 K at least

 

Thank you. COSTCO set it at 33 PSI when they installed new front tires in March . Should I ask them tro reduce the pressure ? Some clunky noise when on high ride setting .

 

tirerack.com is asking for just the product :
Order Total

Sub-Total: $1,004.44 Shipping (92630): $152.24 Sales Tax: $0.00 Excise Tax: $0.00 State Waste Tire Fund Fee: $0.00 Total: $1,156.6
I guess installation will be another couple of hundreds.
Helpme out with any local info that i could use. please.