Need help diagnosing front end noise/issue!!
03-18-18, 02:03 PM
#1
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Need help diagnosing front end noise/issue!!
First time postigg, however I have been resting the forum for years now , but have always found answers without need to ask!
I need help please!!! Exhausted all options! Long read but if your answer is correct you will be rewarded as I just want that comfy Lexus ride back!!
03 Lexus gs300
When I hit potholes/manhole covers/ go into bridges etc. there is a metallic wobbling/clunking noise And my steering will sometimes shift ( tires and steering wheel) I am at a loss as I cannot figure out the issue and have brought to multiple shops they cannot either.
Lower ball joints, upper control arm/ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends, sway bar links, sway bar bushings, steering rack bushings, lower control arm #2, have all been replaced - and alignment has been done recently.
I have also checked to make sure everything is tight, and have brought to two separate shops and they tell me all is tight and good- so no faulty parts.
The noise still continues- now I believe it could be the strut mounts/strut bushings? However from what I’m told, and what I’ve read these being bad would not cause my steering to shift when I hit bumps?
PLEASE HELP!!!
I need help please!!! Exhausted all options! Long read but if your answer is correct you will be rewarded as I just want that comfy Lexus ride back!!
03 Lexus gs300
When I hit potholes/manhole covers/ go into bridges etc. there is a metallic wobbling/clunking noise And my steering will sometimes shift ( tires and steering wheel) I am at a loss as I cannot figure out the issue and have brought to multiple shops they cannot either.
Lower ball joints, upper control arm/ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends, sway bar links, sway bar bushings, steering rack bushings, lower control arm #2, have all been replaced - and alignment has been done recently.
I have also checked to make sure everything is tight, and have brought to two separate shops and they tell me all is tight and good- so no faulty parts.
The noise still continues- now I believe it could be the strut mounts/strut bushings? However from what I’m told, and what I’ve read these being bad would not cause my steering to shift when I hit bumps?
PLEASE HELP!!!
03-19-18, 08:37 AM
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I did not replace the shocks/mounts as I believe the noise could be caused by them, but from what I’ve read and people have said they would not cause the bump steer issue I’m having ?
Caster arms have been replaced.
Could the shocks/mounts cause the noise and also cause the bump steer issue I am having? I will order a set of quick install ones Friday if you believe they may fix the issue!
Caster arms have been replaced.
Could the shocks/mounts cause the noise and also cause the bump steer issue I am having? I will order a set of quick install ones Friday if you believe they may fix the issue!
03-19-18, 09:13 AM
#4
I don't think the shocks would be causing bump steer issues since they are wishbone and don't pivot. My guess would have been the caster arms if you hadn't replaced them. I was just saying the clunk could be the shocks/mounts. Does your steering wheel have a lot of play when you're stopped?
03-19-18, 09:28 AM
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THATs what I thought also, about the noise issue. I suppose the noise, and bump steer could be two separate issues.. And caster arms have been replaced. No steering is tight when stopped. It’s a real mystery to me 🙄 however, if my alignment was off a tad could that cause the bumpsteer?? I mean if I take my hands off the wheel going straight, it continues to go straight however maybe something is still not adjusted properly?
Not sure , but I want it fixed ha
Not sure , but I want it fixed ha
Last edited by Tony55330; 03-19-18 at 09:32 AM.
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03-21-18, 08:28 AM
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MY poly is bushings aRE only about 3 years old, from my understanding they should last much longer than that!
Last alignment was done done mid September, I’m bringing it in after work today to get an alignment done and see if that helps the bump steer problem. The noise is most likely from strut mounts I think, unless my rack is shot.
Last alignment was done done mid September, I’m bringing it in after work today to get an alignment done and see if that helps the bump steer problem. The noise is most likely from strut mounts I think, unless my rack is shot.
03-23-18, 07:48 AM
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WEll the issues have been figured out after 5 different shops inspecting my front end , aligning etc.
passenger front lower control arm is bent! Tech pointed it out and showed me , explains the bump steer over potholes etc , noise is strut mounts as suspected. Super happy to finally have an answer, not excited to pay te 4.5hours of labor it takes to replace it however :/
passenger front lower control arm is bent! Tech pointed it out and showed me , explains the bump steer over potholes etc , noise is strut mounts as suspected. Super happy to finally have an answer, not excited to pay te 4.5hours of labor it takes to replace it however :/
03-23-18, 08:52 AM
#14
Originally Posted by Tony55330
WEll the issues have been figured out after 5 different shops inspecting my front end , aligning etc.
passenger front lower control arm is bent! Tech pointed it out and showed me , explains the bump steer over potholes etc , noise is strut mounts as suspected. Super happy to finally have an answer, not excited to pay te 4.5hours of labor it takes to replace it however :/
passenger front lower control arm is bent! Tech pointed it out and showed me , explains the bump steer over potholes etc , noise is strut mounts as suspected. Super happy to finally have an answer, not excited to pay te 4.5hours of labor it takes to replace it however :/
Although 4.5hrs to change a lower control arm seems a little excessive, is that for both sides? It took me less time than that without a lift and being my first time ever changing suspension components.
03-23-18, 09:28 AM
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yea 6 months later finally have an answer ha. No 4.5 for 1 side it says- need to drop the rack and pinion to remove the camber bolt I guess? I’m not opposed to doing it myself, just never dropped a rack and pinion before so I am nervous about that aspect.