Front suspension noise
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2018
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From: California
Front suspension noise
I have a 2009 Lexus IS250 and I’m having a terrible time trying to diagnose my front end noise. Every time I roll over the smallest of bumps in the road I hear the loudest clanking noise as if metal is hitting metal. I’ve replaced my struts, lower bushings, and strut links and it has not solved the issue. I have no idea what to do anymore. Can someone please help?!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 7
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From: NC
Front end clunking noise - worse in turns
I have the same issue with my 2009!
I don't know if it's the bushings from what I've read or belts broken in the front tires or wheel bearings bad!!! I need help!
I don't know if it's the bushings from what I've read or belts broken in the front tires or wheel bearings bad!!! I need help!
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: California
I’ve changed lower bushings, I’ve replaced front and rear struts , and I’ve replaced front stabilizer links. After all of that I’m still hearing the clanking noise on the front end when I roll over small bumps in the road. I’ve had my car for 9 years and I’m contiplating getting rid of it because of this annoying problem that no one seems to know what the issue is. I’m ready to give up!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 129
From: ON, Canada
which lower bushings did you change? the front lower mount or the front rear mount for the lca? I'll revise my suggestion and say It's probably not the subframe bolts but it wouldn't hurt to check as I had a random clunk that would appear now and again that I couldn't solve for the life of me, cause I improperly tightened it down when doing my FIGS LCA front rear mount bushings.
Are you only getting your mechanic to check it out for you? Any chance have you jacked up the car and checked for play yourself? Sometimes the mechanic can miss some things and it just wastes money as it misdiagnoses
Are you only getting your mechanic to check it out for you? Any chance have you jacked up the car and checked for play yourself? Sometimes the mechanic can miss some things and it just wastes money as it misdiagnoses
FWIW - sway bar end links when worn will make a pretty crisp/sharp "clank". This could also be the sway bar mounts to the frame although the end links are weaker and more prone to failure.
Lower ball joints have some play in them. This a normal. Because they have the load of the entire spring on them, it is going to be one hell of a bump to get a noise out of them. Jack up the lower control arm and then use a prying motion under the tire to lift it. Watch for excessive motion in the lower BJ. i.e. more than say 2.0mm.
Upper ball joint. These can make noise over bumps. Unlike the lower BJ, they should have zero freeplay. Jack up the lower control arm to inspect upper BJ freeplay by pulling in and out at the too of the tire.
Tie rod ends. These should have zero play and not known for making noise even if loose and worn.
Same for the inner joints attached to the rack and pinion.
Rack mount bushings. If gone will make huge noise over rough roads. Likely feel the steering wheel move too.
All other rubber bushings are subject to wear. When completely gone they can make metal to metal contact but this is pretty rare.
JJD952 suspension
Lower ball joints have some play in them. This a normal. Because they have the load of the entire spring on them, it is going to be one hell of a bump to get a noise out of them. Jack up the lower control arm and then use a prying motion under the tire to lift it. Watch for excessive motion in the lower BJ. i.e. more than say 2.0mm.
Upper ball joint. These can make noise over bumps. Unlike the lower BJ, they should have zero freeplay. Jack up the lower control arm to inspect upper BJ freeplay by pulling in and out at the too of the tire.
Tie rod ends. These should have zero play and not known for making noise even if loose and worn.
Same for the inner joints attached to the rack and pinion.
Rack mount bushings. If gone will make huge noise over rough roads. Likely feel the steering wheel move too.
All other rubber bushings are subject to wear. When completely gone they can make metal to metal contact but this is pretty rare.
JJD952 suspension
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