Hello, I am looking at a pretty good condition 2001 GS430. The owner in Encino, CA is asking $3,300 and car has service records, timing belt has been changed, and car is a one owner and has been garaged. I can likely buy it for $3,000. Most everything appears pretty good, but there is a really obnoxious and bad squeaking sound coming from the driver side back wheel. You can hear it just by getting into and out of the car. It make the car sound really cheap and junky. The owner of the car said his mechanic said it does not affect the performance of the car and that it isn't worth fixing, or words to that effect. The owner says the mechanic says it is the rear wheel differential bushing that is making the noise. I don't know if this scenario is accurate or not. I would HAVE TO HAVE the issue fixed. The sound is just too funky for me to live with. Any thoughts on this and how much it might cost to fix, if this indeed the issue? Comments are appreciated. Thanks. (the owner is selling because he inherited a newer Lexus from his brother.)

 

There are some old bushings that get squeaky back there. Likely a "knuckle bushing". Kind of a pain to press in and out. But they make a nasty noise like that when jouncing the car up and down. Here's one:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...061,suspension

(Just my hunch, no Idea for sure)

 

Thanks very much. Yes, I have read that removing and installing is a pain. The noise is quite obnoxious, particularly hearing on a "luxury" car, even if it is an old one.

 

Might be one of the harder bushings to replace on a GS430, but it's really not a difficult repair, and that's what is great about these vehicles. Usually a $3300 vehicle is ready for the wrecking yard, but you could drive the Lexus indefinitely. Just take care of the obvious issues and known problems like the front lower ball joints. The majority of the repairs are DIY if u have some tools and a garage. Youll find that parts can be reasonable and available from a veriety of sources. And it should be easy to stay on top of problems at that point.

 

Thanks for the reply