ariescrown

It seems I keep coming back to you guys when something starts to go wrong with my 2004 LS 430. Need your input. Now sometimes when I turn right or left it sounds like the tire is rubbing against the inside tire wall. I know that is not possible but don't know what it is. I have only 53,000 miles on the car I believe because I bought it in early 2007 with 13, 000 miles on it. Don't know if that figure could have been doctored with before I bought. I any case whatever could be the problem I only hope it is not caused by ware because the extended warranty I bought will not cover an damages caused by ware. Does anyone have any ideas on what might be going on. As always thank you very much for your help. Tom

Gronemus

First and easiest step to do is to just go down there and give it a good visual inspection. Are you driving in snow? Might just be some buildup in slush or other gunk. Hard to believe that something is worn out with that low of miles...

05ls430518

iTrader: (1)

It could be the dust shield scraping, the differential could be going, a axle might be going bad because of a torn boot, your sway bar end links could be shot, a wheel bearing might be going, or like the above post said it could be snow lodged some were could you please post a video of the car making the sound? Also is there any accompanying thing that go with the sound such as shaking steering wheel things of that nature?

rkw77080

There's not much snow in Palm Beach Florida, so the grinding noise is probably not related to snow. Is your LS430 a UL model that comes with air shocks?

You mentioned that the grinding noise happen "sometimes" when you turn "right or left". Improperly inflated front air shocks will definitely cause the tires to rub again the tire well.

Another thing to check is your power steering fluid. Please note that most LS430 power steering fluid reservoirs are permanently stained, and looks full from the outside. Be sure to remove the cap and look at the fluid level shown on the dipstick.

05ls430518

iTrader: (1)

I feel so much better now that you said that I thought my ps resevoir was stained so bad because of my pump being very deteriorated.

ariescrown

Thank you all for your helpful advise. Hoping for the easy fix, as everyone does, I brought the car back to where I had the oil changed to see if my steering fluid was full. Too bad it was. Looking under the car in the bay they said they saw a torn boot on the right side and grease from the axel was going onto the tire. Although this just started they told me if you hear a grinding noise you will probably need a new axel ? It's funny I thought I heard the noise mostly from the left front wheel. Does any of this make any sense .Thanks.

05ls430518

iTrader: (1)

They are saying it's the rear correct? Also if the boot is torn you need a new axle it should sound like a "clicking" sound, does that sound about right? Does it sound like this?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2c1nxR7aq1o

An axle is $110-$150 plus $300-$600 for labors, so budget $800 for a fix if you go to the dealer expect to pay $1000-$1300.

rkw77080

OK, by your description "torn boot on the right side and grease from the axel was going onto the tire", I suspect you may be talking about the lower control arm ball joint. Please take a look at the link below to confirm, and if so, it's an easy fix...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...placement.html

ls430w140

I had something similar of what is happening to your car not too long time ago. By replacing front lower arm ball joints I was able to cure the same "rubbing" during turns. If you confirm that your ball joints are worn, I highly recommend to replace them with OEM part only. You may also have some issues with front bearings as LS430s tend to clunk during turns if they are worn or lacking grease.

Looking over other possible causes, I can assure you that LS430 axles are life-long parts and I highly doubt they broke unless there was an accident that you may not know about. I will not even look at them as your description clearly refers to the front part of the car.

05ls430518

iTrader: (1)

He is saying bay as in the mechanics bay when it was on the lift that is why I am asking him to clarify the front or rear, all it take is a stick or something in the road to tear the boot and let water in, balljoints wouldn't splatter grease all over the inside of his rim i am almost 100% sure it's the cv boot.

ariescrown

I have gone over all the good information you all provided. Now I am prepared to bring the car into Lexus and deal with them on a much more informed level. They will give me a detailed print out of the problem and their cost. If their cost is too high as it probably will be I can feel confident in taking it to a private shop to get the work done. You all have been really helpful. Thanks, Tom