Hi all,

I have a few questions regarding my 2004 Lexus LS 430 sedan.

It seems volume in the car, for example when driving on the highway, is louder than it should be. The drive also seems a little bumpy and not as smooth (especially when the asphalt or concrete is older).

I was wondering if there is a way that I can test to see if there is some issue with weatherproofing or there may be an air leak which makes the sound louder. This is the bigger issue.
Also, is there a way one can test if the springs or suspension needs to be tweaked for a smoother ride? Is it the tires?

Additionally, if there is an issue with the weatherproofing and it needs to be replaced, do I need to do that before getting the windows tinted?

Since I bought this car in July 2017 there hasn’t been any decline and experience. This is all based on the assumption and my experience that it seems this way (i.e. other people's Lexuses seem to have a smoother ride). The car may be fine.

Thanks so much.

 

A lot of noise and ride issues with the LS430 seem to be related around tires. What do you have on your car?

 

 

When I bought my 430 about a year ago the tires were terrible. Mixed brands and all very worn. I immediately bought new Yokohamas and it completely changed how the car felt.

 

Tire age makes a big difference. When I bought my 01, it came w/ what looked like perfectly Michelins. The ride was hard and noisy. Replaced w/ all new Michelins. Now the car is quiet and comfortable.

 

Some forum members have had success in lowering road noise by applying the Honda Shin-Etsu grease on the rubber weatherstrips around the doors.

 

I agree with checking out your tires as the first/easiest step in the resolution.

I'm having a hard time identifying what tire from Michelin your tires are. What line of Michelin's? I do see the "radial x" marking and thought that was their older technology?? What's the manufacture date and specific Michelin type of the tires?

Here's a picture to help, as many people don't know how to tell what week and year the tire was made. Also, check the air pressure. They should all be 32psi when cold. If you've driven the car for 20+ minutes then expect the tire pressure to rise a couple psi, so if you're measuring after driving, you might read about 34psi which would be ok.

As a side note, just because they're Michelin's doesn't mean they'll be great forever, or even that they're great in the first place! I used to drive an Acura Legend, and the Michelin's were rode like round pieces of granite/rock, but HEY, THEY WERE MICHELIN'S! lol

 

Those tires are shot. Cracked and tread depth looks very low.

New tires, properly balanced would be the first step. Do you live where there is snow? I have Toyo Celsius on my 2001. Very quiet and a mixed tread tire for better winter driving.

There are many tire threads to search. You can spend a lot or a bit less. 4 Toyo Celsius mounted and balanced were $573. 60k tread warranty. I also like Cooper CS3 or CS5. Very quiet and good traction.

 

Thank you for all the answers.

I will try to find out that info.
Thanks. I had a suspicion they looked old.

 

My first guess would be tires as the culprit as well. When you change your tires be sure you get a quality tire that is known for a quiet smooth ride. I just purchased a set of Michelin Primacy MXM4s this year and they are as quiet and smooth as can be. Yet I'm aware that with miles and age they too will be getting noisy. Get a quality tire!

 

@LS430inDE. The tires are from 2010 and 2011. 2111, 2011, 4110, 4110.

 

It seems that I should change them. What are recommendations for good new midline tires? Not too expensive but not cheapos.

 

Tires definitely make a difference. I bought my snow tires before I got my car in Oct. 2016, and so by March 2017, basically, all I knew was my car on snow tires. I was almost certain I had a problem with the rear diff, howling, when in fact the howling was from the tires. In other words, it almost defies logic how much noise the tires can create.

A quick search online at the tire rack shows the Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum as being the "best selling" for our cars @ $106.

No surprise, top rated was the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ @ $193. The other top rated is the Bridgestone RE980AS @ $167.

I've used 3 sets of Kumhos on my Maxima, and imho they are just fine. At $106 each for the LX Platinums, not much risk in trying them out. I bet they last about 45k....

 

Per my local tire store, Pilot Sport a nice combo of highway comfortable and stiffer sidewall for better handling.
Anyone w/ personal experience? If you buy M's new and don't like the version, can switch 1x to another version no cost.
On my 18's, am going to try the Pilot Sport. Too stiff or noisy? Back to Primacies.

 

Tire manufacturers constantly have sales offer rebates. I would look for a good tire on sale instead of looking for a mid priced tire that's just ok...