UPDATE POST #7

Under normal driving conditions, it feels like I am driving a spaceship. But as of recently when I go over small bumps, potholes, etc... I notice that a noise comes from what it seems to be the front left end. It is a very soft clunking sound when I pass over bumps and such. I never hear that sound when I am turning or accelerating. It is only noticeable when the above conditions are present. After searching the forums a bit I came up with what it could possibly be :

1) Bad strut mount
2) Sway bar bushing/bolts
3) Sway bar links

Just trying to narrow down what it could be so i can have an idea of what needs to be replaced/fixed. Let me know what you guys think. Cheers!

 

let us know if you figure it out, ive had this same problem since the day ive bought my car, hasn't gotten worse, only happens on bumps or potholes, mine is on the right side.

I think many others have had this problem as well.

 

Most likely it is the lower control arm or castor arm bushing. Both are liquid filled and go out after about 10 years or 100k.

 

Does anyone know the part number for the caster arm bushings? I searched Sewell and can't find it. TIA

 

I have what seems like a similar clunking noise from my front end when I pull out from a parking space and turn the wheel hard. I was informed 3-4 years ago that my lower control arm bushings were cracked but that it was not urgent or even necessary to replace at that time. Anyway, I've been driving the car for the last 4 years this way and my tires are wearing evenly and my steering does not have any issues.

 

Make sure your lower control arm bolts are torqued to the proper lb*ft spec.....I had this issue before and it turned out to be loose control arm bolts being loose. Tightened the crap out of them and problem solved.

I'm not saying this will fix your prob but why not start with the free and easy stuff before proceeding to LCA removal/machine shop work?

Regards,
Randy G.

 

UPDATE:

The lower control arm bushing was leaking. But the shop I went to said that if I replace those it won't solve the problem completely. They recommended I also change out my (can't remember the name for the life of me), they quoted me at $1200 to replace the part I can't remember. What do you guys think? I kinda just want to change out the control arm bushings and hope that solves the problem, but if it doesn't... Should I get a seconds opinion elsewhere?

 

The name of the part is important. $1200 does not sound like a price either way. I believe the Lowe arm bushings are $85 each for parts.

 

PersianOne: did they not provide u with a quote on paper? If they didn't and u still can't remember the part name, then I would call them to confirm what they are trying to replace....esp if they want $1200 to replace it. Maybe it was the upper strut mounts?

As LavrishEvo said, the part name is important before members on here can provide any guidance.

Regards,
Randy G.

 

My guess is your front strut mounts. I had a similar issue on my LS400 and new strut mounts took care of it. As for $1200....

 

OP, would you almost say it sounds like its popping?

 

Yeah, it could be described as that. Only hear it when going over potholes or speed bumps, etc.. Otherwise if I am on a smooth road, it's as quiet as a sleeping baby. As for the price quote they gave me, I am going to call the shop tomorrow and ask them again what it was they wanted to replace and I will report back here. $1200 just seems to ridiculous to fix something like this, will update.

 

Although I have never heard of it on this car, you could add broken spring to the list. I had another car that was making a banging sound over bumps and it turned out to be a broken coil that was smacking the spring perch. In fact since I have lived on the east coast in the rust belt I have had two cars with broken springs. One was replaced under a factory recall, the other was left broken.

 

I have a 1996 SC300 and I've had the usual symptoms of steering wheel turned at 45 degrees when going straight, also a clunking noise from the front suspension when braking. What my cousin/mechanic found out was the stabilizer bar bushings were worn out & sliding back and forth. I guess sway bar bushings will fix this issue

 

I would start with taking a look at the sway bar links and bushings.
I know I had a bad set on my previous Lexus, and it made a sort of noise like when you would hit a golf ball at the driving range.

Sometimes you can grab the sway bar and attempt to move it back and forth and find the movement and replicate the sound.

I don't recommend though shooting parts at an unknown noise as it can get expensive real quick, but sway links and bushings are fairly cheap. You could probably get a set of Moogs (both links and bushings) for around $70 in parts. A mechanic should charge around 1 to 1.5 hours for the job. So an independent shop should be out the door in that $200 range.