Rough Ride with noise
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Rough Ride with noise
I have a 2002 sc430 with 65,000 miles. It seems to be riding rougher than usual and noisy over bumps. When I had the timing belt changed and asked the Toyota mechanic to look it over, he said everything looked good. I hate to take it to the Lexus dealer since I have had bad experiences with them. Appreciate some help.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 367
Likes: 3
From: CA
I'm sure there can be a lot of reasons for this but in my case here's what worked to fix this. I just bought a 2006 430 6 days ago. On the test drive, this 123k car had a bit of a roar and what I would call a "coarse" feeling/vibration on the freeway. I didn't care. For what I was offering for the car, I was sure I could fix anything. I take the car to an independent shop and ask them to look at the front end. They tell me everything looks good except for some very minor tears in the ball joint boots. He tells me the shocks look good. No leaks. Well, in my book, no leaks doesn't mean no wear. They were the factory originals. I tell him to install OEM shocks on the front. I get the car back two days ago. It's smooth as silk on all roads. I'll do the ball joints and the rear shocks next service. I'll check the bushings myself and if they need it they'll be changed as well. Lexus is great but parts still wear out! Tires can mess up a ride too even if the tread appears to be adequate.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 367
Likes: 3
From: CA
Well I know you aren't going to "shotgun" the problem by just changing everything at once. Start wthi the easy stuff. The tires come to mind. A good tire person (that you trust) can do a close inspection and check for odd wear patterns or scalloped edges, cupping and all sorts of oddities. Invisible damage is common too. You'll get it fixed. Free advice, which some may not agree with, stay OEM with the parts.
Trending Topics
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 367
Likes: 3
From: CA
Is the car stable at high speeds on a highway or does it wander a bit requiring constant steering input? There are bushings that are hard to inspect. Obviously no one can experience the car over the internet. Without trying to waste your money, you might need to go to someone who is versed in this Lexus model. A dealer is a good place to start IMO. They can give you a report but of course you don't have to let them do any repairs.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
It could be your tires. Are they really old or worn? Lexus are known to have bad tire noises, from the GS and LS I used to own to my friend's RX and IS. When the tires are half way worn, they become noisier and noisier. I had checked my SC, when the tires are down to 4/32, they really rambling bad.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 367
Likes: 3
From: CA
I found this when I was searching for some other subject. I have NO IDEA how relevant this may be to your situation. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...d-sc430-s.html
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post