aprilgirl

My 2008 Lexus ES 350 started shaking and vibrating at speeds 40-60 mph. The shaking is intermittent in that it starts and stops. I had my tires balanced using a force road balance but that didn't solve the problem. I got a full tune up but that didn't resolve the problem either. I just replaced all 4 tires and got an alignment. Problem still persists. My mechanic said my CV joints look fine and don't need to be replaced at this time. I don't know what to do next. I'm afraid to drive the car out of fear that it will break down on me while I'm driving in this ghastly Atlanta traffic.

fastnoypi

Wrong forum but what conditions is the car shaking and vibrating? During braking? Just while driving the mentioned speeds?

NoneSoVile

maybe an axle is damaged in some way. have them checked.

chuyrobles

Could also be motor/tranny mounts, bushings, ball joint, possibly wheel bearing. Have you hit a pot hole or curb?

mlacomb

Brake rotors. My car has been really quite average as far as being able to keep a set of rotors from warping, at least once every 2 years I'm turning the rotors and greasing the pins on the calipers.

Clutchless

If it started with your new tires, then your new tires are defective. I had this issue on my old 2008 ES when I got some Yokohama tires. After a few weeks they were returned for Michelins and the vibrations went away.

aprilgirl

Turned out to be worn axles (both). Had both replaced and am riding smooth as silk again. In my search to get to the cause, I bought a new set of Michelins but got them at a reduced price because the ones on my car only had 9k miles on them. Thanks to all who provided recommendations. This forum this is really cool!!!!

woolridge

chuyrobles

Same here. Replaced pass side CV shaft at 211K. Paid $60 for a Cardone and $12 for the seal. See post #21 for part #s.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...-issues-2.html

cpbouver

2008 Lexus ES 350 (185,000 miles)
Car had a shake on acceleration only. Very noticeable at 40-45 miles per hour when accelerating even slightly. As soon as I took my foot of the gas the the shake stopped immediately. After spending a ton of money it ended up being the lower transmission mount and the lower motor mount. Had both CV axles replaced for nothing. Also replaced the Dog Bone motor mount up top and that changed nothing. At least it fixed now. I was about ready to sell the car, now I am glad I didn't. Also two certified mechanics told me that the transmission mount and the lower engine mounts were good including Bell Tire (WRONG). They were both wrong. Took it for a 3rd opinion to an old mechanic in Port Huron Michigan that has been in my area since the 80's and he noticed the issue right away. Hope this helps many, I just wish I would have known ahead of time. Mine is an 08 and it does not have an active motor mount thank God, If yours is even a year newer get out check book. They are about 250.00 at least just for the one active motor mount as they are electronically controlled.

mconfes1

I read this is a more advanced diy job because of the tools and the possible difficulty of getting the axles out?

mconfes1

Do you mind if I ask where you got the work done and how much?

chuyrobles

I only replaced CV shaft on passenger side on our ES350. If the center bearing race is not rusted, the axle should pop out pretty easy, as it did on ours. I’ve heard horror stories if the race is rusted, with some having to cut the shaft in order to order to remove the bracket from the car in order to press out the rusted parts. I have the driver side shaft but the OEM shaft is still good. Removal requires a long pry bar and some hammer hits to pop out the shaft.

mconfes1

Got it. How did you determine which side needed to be replaced? One side had play and the the other did not? Also seems rust is the tricky variable. I don't wanna get stuck trying to diy and have to tow it to a shop.

chuyrobles

in front wheel drive drivetrains, 9 times out of 10, the longer driveshaft goes out before the shorter one. That is the passenger side for V6 Camry’s and ES350’s. I suspected I would not have a hard time with the shaft because our ES350 is garaged and I reside in Socal. If I drove in salt covered roads, I would be very weary. You can get under the car and check out the bearing for rust.