Need Help Please 2001 Ls430 Front Suspension

[LuvmyLexus]

I have a 2001 LS 430 that just turned 100K.

If I drive over a dirt or rocky road it sounds and feels like the front suspension is about to fall off.

I just replaced the tires with Michelin MXV4's and had the wheels aligned.

I asked that the front end be checked and was told it was fine. ( It's a local shop that I've been going to for quite a while and they have fixed all of my cars and I trust them)

On a normal road or on the highway at speeds around 80 the car handles and drives fine. It tracks well. And the shocks/struts seem normal.

But if I go over a rough road or pull into a driveway that has a 1 or 2 inch lip it bangs.

Any suggestions?

I also have a 2004 LS430 and I've read that there was an issue with the steering column. Could this be something similar with the 2001?

Thanks

Fran

[landar]

Fran, there probably is nothing major wrong with your car and that is why the shop found nothing. However, isolating noises like this can be tough. I would find an empty parking lot with a speed bump or curb and drive over the curb making a right turn into it and a left turn into it. See if the banging is worse in one direction. If it is, then you have isolated the side. It could be that your shop overlooked a cracked bushing. I would also consider finding a shop that specializes in front end work, like alignments, and present them with your findings. You might even convince a service tech to ride along with you so that you can explain the symptoms and drive a road that you know makes the noise(s). It does not hurt to get a second opinion.