Hello All!

Just recently purchased a 2002 LS430 as a daily driver, and noticed this play on the driver side. When I put my hands on the front driver side wheel at 9 and 3 and start pushing and pulling (as if I were trying to turn the wheel) it wiggles. The tie rod seems fine but I notice that the steering rack sorta moves in and out. The passenger side doesn't wiggle at all when I try it on that side. Am I in need of a new steering rack?


Thanks,
LexusISsm

 

That is typical of an inner tie rod. I'm not getting audio from that video - is there a clunking noise? Remove the inner boot and inspect the ball joint of the inner tie rod. You would likely be seeing the same issue from the passenger side if it were the rack itself.

 

Put one hand on the inner tie rod, you will feel it clunking.

 

Yes there is a clunking noise.

You guys are both right, seems to be inner tie rod. Ordering some right now. Thanks for the help!

 

Wait! What are you ordering? There are only two correct answers for parts with these cars

 

I am looking at these: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...387133&jsn=813

What are the two correct parts?

 

OE from Lexus parts now online or the Proforged parts from rockauto or other places if you want to avoid issues or unexpected parts failures

 

Give the Moog a try. I recently replaced the inner tie rod on our GX460 and the box said Made in Japan. You might get lucky and could be the same for the LS430.

 

You are the exception if you bought it recently, Moog has been really bad for imports as of late

 

It was a few months ago. I think for some Lexus Made in Japan vehicles they don't make the part. Now that I think about it, the paper inside was written in Japanese. Here's the box.