TimBausch

Just back from a test drive. The noise is gone - almost. I examined the whole front suspension and jiggled stuff and kicked and pounded on things and couldn't see any issues. Then I started poking around up top in the engine compartment. The little radiator reservoir, you know, the one with the radiator cap, is held on at two anchor points. One of mine is broken. And so knocking on it makes a clunking noise as it bangs against the wheel well. I loosened it and stuffed a sheet of packing foam underneath as a cushion, and put the one bolt back in. The air intake shroud thingy that runs above the radiator was also 'wiggle-able' so I put some cushion under that as well. Then I drove it over dirt roads and could barely hear my noise, and only sometimes at that. So I still have a little follow up to do I think, to make sure I've secured anything that vibrates or clunks in the engine compartment. But it is now much better. :)

Hmm, do let us know if that resolves your 'clunk'. Yeah I also noticed the bars looked to be torqued to one side, but I just assumed it was because the car was jacked up and so the suspension was maxed out. Clearly, I'll need to do more troubleshooting, so I'll probably have to take apart the entire steering knuckle to single out the culprit. My LS also drives like, well, a Lexus most of the time. But if I hit a pothole or even good sized cracks in the road, I can hear the clunk. It's really bad on a dirt road. I didn't really want to spend my week off playing auto mechanic, but the noise is driving me nuts. Anyway, I appreciate the dialog here. Hopefully we'll all be able to get our used cars riding like a $60k luxury sedan again. :)

170k miles. But I think the "Radius Arms" they replaced are the same thing as the Strut Bars. Does that sound right? If so, then they would have replaced the bushings too I would think. (Moments pass)... Bushings are not listed on the invoice though. Hmm, I guess I'd better check those. They looked fine to me (for what that's worth) but I have not separated the lower ball joint and jiggled stuff around.

I also have a 'clunk' on my 1995 LS400 that seems to come from the front right. Here's what I've replaced: (1-3 I had done at a shop & did the rest myself). 1) Radius Arms 2) Lower control arms 3) Lower ball joints 4) Struts (the spring bumper was not in perfect shape but seemed ok) 5) Strut mounts 6) Sway bar bushings 7) Upper control arm (brand new so it has new bushings and ball joint). I replaced this because when I had the ball joint apart, and with the upper control arm bolts still tight, I could wiggle it and hear a little clunk in the front. I was sure that was it. And still, the noise persists. I like how member Slvr99LS described it as a "decidedly un-Lexus-like sound". Anyway, any insight would be appreciated. Celticfirelfy, did you figure out your issue?