Front end clunk, ball joints, end links, and suspension please advise!
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Front end clunk, ball joints, end links, and suspension please advise!
Hey, trying to combine a few things into one thread so bare with me. I mostly keep my nose over at supraforums but I figure I'd give this place a shot.
Quick rundown of the vehicle:
98 GS300, 125k miles, new brakes/new wheels & tires, car is a one owner and in fantastic shape all around.
Issue #1 - Clunk coming from front left it seems when turning slowly out of a driveway/road or going over bumps fast. What would this typically be related to? ball joint going? sway bar end links?
Issue #2 - light to light moderate vibration from the steering wheel at 60-65mph, wheels and tires are brand new, alignment and balance completed 400 miles ago. Related to above issue?
The third thing is not really an issue. I'm looking to put new springs/shocks on the vehicle. Looking for 1.5-2" drop all around, whats my best bang for the buck?
Thanks in advance for the responses.
-Matt C
Quick rundown of the vehicle:
98 GS300, 125k miles, new brakes/new wheels & tires, car is a one owner and in fantastic shape all around.
Issue #1 - Clunk coming from front left it seems when turning slowly out of a driveway/road or going over bumps fast. What would this typically be related to? ball joint going? sway bar end links?
Issue #2 - light to light moderate vibration from the steering wheel at 60-65mph, wheels and tires are brand new, alignment and balance completed 400 miles ago. Related to above issue?
The third thing is not really an issue. I'm looking to put new springs/shocks on the vehicle. Looking for 1.5-2" drop all around, whats my best bang for the buck?
Thanks in advance for the responses.
-Matt C
#2
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
holy crap after searching all the "steering vibration" threads on here my head is spinning. Seems like alot of guys just did the shotgun blast repair approach, IE. Replace everything in the suspension and hope that fixes it". I don't really have an interest in replacing everything and hoping. Hopefully someone thats been through this has some insight.
Matt
Matt
#4
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (9)
This has been covered TONS of times on the site, I'll give this another overview of if/then scenarios:
1. check wheel balance using Hunter Road Force technology (http://www.gsp9700.com/)
2. check alignment using Hunter alignment technology (http://www.hunter.com/alignment/wina...mium/index.cfm)
3. check bolts and tension on sway bar and links
4. check steering column bushing (replace with Daizen)
5. replace lower ball joints
6. replace upper control arm (I would suggest upgrading to the Daizen bushings at this time)
7. replace lower control arm bushing with Daizen bushing
I would do this after checking to make sure everything including the lugs and suspension components are properly torqued to spec.
1. check wheel balance using Hunter Road Force technology (http://www.gsp9700.com/)
2. check alignment using Hunter alignment technology (http://www.hunter.com/alignment/wina...mium/index.cfm)
3. check bolts and tension on sway bar and links
4. check steering column bushing (replace with Daizen)
5. replace lower ball joints
6. replace upper control arm (I would suggest upgrading to the Daizen bushings at this time)
7. replace lower control arm bushing with Daizen bushing
I would do this after checking to make sure everything including the lugs and suspension components are properly torqued to spec.
#6
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This has been covered TONS of times on the site, I'll give this another overview of if/then scenarios:
1. check wheel balance using Hunter Road Force technology (http://www.gsp9700.com/)
2. check alignment using Hunter alignment technology (http://www.hunter.com/alignment/wina...mium/index.cfm)
3. check bolts and tension on sway bar and links
4. check steering column bushing (replace with Daizen)
5. replace lower ball joints
6. replace upper control arm (I would suggest upgrading to the Daizen bushings at this time)
7. replace lower control arm bushing with Daizen bushing
I would do this after checking to make sure everything including the lugs and suspension components are properly torqued to spec.
1. check wheel balance using Hunter Road Force technology (http://www.gsp9700.com/)
2. check alignment using Hunter alignment technology (http://www.hunter.com/alignment/wina...mium/index.cfm)
3. check bolts and tension on sway bar and links
4. check steering column bushing (replace with Daizen)
5. replace lower ball joints
6. replace upper control arm (I would suggest upgrading to the Daizen bushings at this time)
7. replace lower control arm bushing with Daizen bushing
I would do this after checking to make sure everything including the lugs and suspension components are properly torqued to spec.
#7
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (9)
Search function:
2GS 300/400/430 HALL of FAME Links thread (look in here first O.Gs and newbies)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...d-newbies.html
then,
LINKS TO MOST DIY (Do it yourself)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-s...ou-search.html
then,
GS430/300 Service Manual:
http://bahamutcars.free.fr/workshop/...nts/index.html
you = NOOB
2GS 300/400/430 HALL of FAME Links thread (look in here first O.Gs and newbies)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...d-newbies.html
then,
LINKS TO MOST DIY (Do it yourself)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-s...ou-search.html
then,
GS430/300 Service Manual:
http://bahamutcars.free.fr/workshop/...nts/index.html
you = NOOB
Trending Topics
#8
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (4)
service manual comes up empty for me, to "tree root" lol, you ever check these links "noob"?
Search function:
2GS 300/400/430 HALL of FAME Links thread (look in here first O.Gs and newbies)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...d-newbies.html
then,
LINKS TO MOST DIY (Do it yourself)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...ou-search.html
then,
GS430/300 Service Manual:
http://bahamutcars.free.fr/workshop/...nts/index.html
you = NOOB
2GS 300/400/430 HALL of FAME Links thread (look in here first O.Gs and newbies)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...d-newbies.html
then,
LINKS TO MOST DIY (Do it yourself)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...ou-search.html
then,
GS430/300 Service Manual:
http://bahamutcars.free.fr/workshop/...nts/index.html
you = NOOB
#9
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Thanks for the insight, we have one of those hunter 9700 machines at our Honda store. Drop it off the in morning and report back.
Checked ball joints, they are in perfect shape.
Checked ball joints, they are in perfect shape.
#10
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (9)
Directions:
GS430/300 PDF Manual
Applicable models : UZS161 series
JZS160 series
Click the desired item from the pull down menu on the left.
Note : Please wait until the pull down menu is displayed.
Viewing the contents requires Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0SP2 and Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or greater.
http://bahamutcars.free.fr/workshop/...nts/index.html
Repair Manual/Suspension and Axle/Front Lower Suspension Arm/Components
Good luck!
Last edited by ZippyGuy; 09-29-10 at 08:14 PM.
#12
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Really, not trying to insult you, just trying to have you use the search function instead of posting threads that are redundant. I'm far from a noob and this subject is covered multiple times per year with the same results and the same direction. I use the manual like a "Lexus Bible" whenever I work on my car and yes, I do 75% of my own work.
Directions:
GS430/300 PDF Manual
Applicable models : UZS161 series
JZS160 series
Click the desired item from the pull down menu on the left.
Note : Please wait until the pull down menu is displayed.
Viewing the contents requires Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0SP2 and Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or greater.
http://bahamutcars.free.fr/workshop/...nts/index.html
Repair Manual/Suspension and Axle/Front Lower Suspension Arm/Components
Good luck!
Directions:
GS430/300 PDF Manual
Applicable models : UZS161 series
JZS160 series
Click the desired item from the pull down menu on the left.
Note : Please wait until the pull down menu is displayed.
Viewing the contents requires Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0SP2 and Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or greater.
http://bahamutcars.free.fr/workshop/...nts/index.html
Repair Manual/Suspension and Axle/Front Lower Suspension Arm/Components
Good luck!
Is there any way to save the whole manual instead of saving each page 1 by 1?