bnjsween Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 I own a 1995 LS400. When I am going over rough roads, the front end makes a sound like it bottoms out. I've had it looked at by a couple of local shops. They have told me that either I need to replace the struts or the suspension. Could it be something else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvermate Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 They have told me that either I need to replace the struts or the suspension. Could it be something else? nope, thats it, its def. something in the suspension, worn out bushings is very common for that problem as well as stuts, ball joints, tie rods ect........ its very common if not inevitable (sp) that those go out over time. they are correct, a lot of that stuff you can DIY, if you have mechanical skills, as they will reem you with labor costs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnjsween Posted January 15, 2005 Author Share Posted January 15, 2005 Thanks for your help silvermate. Since I'm not too mechanically skilled, I guess I'll have to pay to have it done. Do you know if it is causing any additional damage - is it something that I should have taken care of ASAP?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blake918 Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 Can you elaborate on the sound it makes and when it makes it?? My '95 used to make this horrid bang when I'd fly over a pot-hole or slam hard on the brakes. Turns out the strut rod bushings were worn to hell, and it was easily cured at an indie Lexus specialist for about $450. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnjsween Posted January 16, 2005 Author Share Posted January 16, 2005 That's exactly the sound my car makes. It occurs when I'm driving on rough roads or hitting pot holes. It sounds like the car bottoms out - almost like metal banging on metal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gumart1 Posted January 16, 2005 Share Posted January 16, 2005 I don't even own an LS400 yet, but have been researching quite a bit and have found that from your description and the advice of others, it sounds like the most likely cause of your woes are the stabilizer (or sway) bar bushings. Many have found it helpful to lubricate these with a silicone spray which usually quiets the problem for a few months, whereas others just replace them. It is not an expensive fix. The ball joints are another good possibility here. Again from what I am told if you idle a about 3mph and hit the brakes hard and see the wheel actually move forward in its wheel well, then it is the ball joints. A 1990 I test drove had the same exact sound, especially at low sppeds over a driveway curb or during turning. If I am incorrect, someone please help out. Good luck with the diagnosis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blake918 Posted January 16, 2005 Share Posted January 16, 2005 That's exactly the sound my car makes. It occurs when I'm driving on rough roads or hitting pot holes. It sounds like the car bottoms out - almost like metal banging on metal. ← A metal on metal sounding bang over pot holes is most likely your strut rod bushings. I just had them replaced on my car. Here's the story: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...showtopic=16861 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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