I have 2001 LS 430 UL with 95k miles. Always rides great. but when I am traveling about 40mph ++ and hit a bump, the steering shakes and vibrates - like an old jalopy. On smooth roads it is fine. I would like to fix if it is reasonable. Any ideas what may be problem. Just changed all new tires and still have problem. Mechanic said struts (all 4 had slight leaks), but he didn't think it worth changing.

 

struts and or LCA bushings. I had the same exact issue. replaced my front 2 leaking air struts and 2 front LCA cracked bushings. issue solved.

 

Writes123, thanks so much for quick reply. May I ask what that cost in California? Did you do yourself, local shop? Lexus dealer?

 

675 per strut and 70 per bushing in parts. 70 per strut and 60 per bushing in labor. the mechanic has to remove the LCA joint and "press" out the old bushing which takes a little effort. this was done by a local SoCal Lexus/Toyota mechanic. the dealer cost would be...high i would guess.

 

are you happy with the results? I've been on the Lexus Forums and people are saying that air suspension doesn't work right again. Lots of confusing stuff. Anyway, how would you describe your result?

 

air suspension works. mechanic verified and tested it and reset the controller. compressor inflates them etc. if anything my rear ones are slower to rise vs my new front ones. i'm guessing the result is that my new front ones air ones vs the brand new OEM ones.

basically, swap out the bad front struts with OEM air struts or swap the entire system to standard steel springs.

 

Hate to keep bothering you, but I want to do exactly as you did. May I ask where you purchased the Struts and LCA Bushings? Do you have part numbers? Model Numbers? I am a novice and want to get these ahead of time to give to mechanic.

 

4801050110 x2 2001-2002 Ls430 air strut
4865550012 BUSH, LWR ARM, NO.2 x2

i used the
4801050130 - which if the air strut for the 04-06 version

i have an 05 UL.

2 air struts and 2 LCA bushings. note that an alignment ought to be done after any king of suspension work as well. cost me $60 for a 4 wheel alignment.

partsouq.com is where i ordered mine from. real quick delivery. note there will me a customs tax that you have to factor into the overall cost. other ways to buy would be to register on sewell parts in tx as a ClubLexus member for their discount. more expensive but your choice. or just google the part numbers as search. for future reference, sewellparts is a great place to add common items and check out the part numbers associated with them from the shopping cart. most other sites don't inform you of the part numbers that easily.