My "new" 2002 LS430 developed a very dull quiet squeak that occurred during medium deflections at any wheel. I looked under the car for any loose "stuff" and found nothing. Everything under the car is in excellent condition and is all tight and secure.

I finally went around to each wheel and shook the car parallel to the ground until I heard the squeak. I found it was worse at the front and localized it to the front-left area of the car. So I raised the hood to look around and found nothing. While the hood was up I shook the car again and no more noise. As I shook the car I applied pressure along the hood line and found pressure at the front-left made the noise go away. As it turns out it was due to the preload snubber on the front-left of the hood. I gave it 1/4 turn out and the noise disappeared.

This noise was very difficult to localize and while dull and quiet it was very annoying. This car, even with 126,000 miles on the clock, is in pristine condition and has had every scheduled maintenance, which is why I was surprised to hear this new noise. I would have sworn it was in the body or suspension but it was as simple as the hood.

Anyhow... I though this could be of help to somebody else...

Loving this "new" LS430...