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Lexus LS 430 Suspension and Drivetrain

26 messages,  Last post on Apr 23, 2010 at 1:07 PM

You are in the Lexus LS 400/LS 430 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus LS 400, Lexus LS 430, Tires, Suspension, Sedan

Messages Page 3 of 3

#17 of 26 Re: Struts/Shocks on 04' LS 430 Ultra [keywester] by vcheng

Oct 07, 2009 (2:02 pm)

Replying to: keywester (Oct 07, 2009 11:56 am)
Normally your mechanic is correct that struts should be replaced in pairs. However, air struts are different and can be replaced individually. You can try here:
 
http://www.sewellpartsonline.com/
 
but there are several other online vendors as well. Please compare several sources before you order using Google for the best deal.

#18 of 26 Re: Struts/Shocks on 04' LS 430 Ultra [keywester] by wwest

Oct 07, 2009 (8:07 pm)

Replying to: keywester (Oct 07, 2009 11:56 am)
You don't say if it's the front or rear. The front air struts aer more complex and therefore more expensive to replace. At these prices I woul go the extra mile to get assurance that the problem isn't elsewhere.
 
On our '91 I was able to swap the pressure lines left to right at the rear pressure metering manifold in order to determine the true failure point. The driver side rear had a series of small slits at the most common ride heigth air bladder fold point.

#19 of 26 05 LS 430 Leans to the right. by helchacha

Nov 10, 2009 (8:13 am)

Hi All,
 
I have an issue with my 05 ls 430 Ultra. Car only has 36K so its in pretty good shape. Someone rear ended the car about a month ago. The damage was actually on the driver's side rear of the car almost all the way up to the gas tank lid. I had the car repaired from a lexus certified collision center. But now the whole car is leaning/sagging to the right. I have noticed this inside the garage which is a flat surface. I stuck my hand in between the wheels and the fender/quarter panel to measure the space in between each wheel and fender and its definitely different on each side. Also when I'm going over bumps I hear a thump noise coming from passenger side rear of the car. I have taken the car back couple of times and it seems that they either can't fix it or aren't fixing it. If someone could please help or point what could be causing the car to sag to one side. I would really appreciate it.

#20 of 26 LS 430 Suspension issue maybe? by rkls430

Nov 14, 2009 (8:27 pm)

I own an LS430 2004, I hope somebody could offer some advice to my question: when I go over bumps or over road irregularities, a "metal to metal" contact noise is emitted from the front tires. It seems that the suspension is loose or not firm enough to absorb the shock. The lexus dealer could not find anything wrong with the suspension. Is this normal? Any advice on this matter?
 
Thank you very much

#21 of 26 Re: LS 430 Suspension issue maybe? [rkls430] by wwest

Nov 21, 2009 (10:12 am)

Replying to: rkls430 (Nov 14, 2009 8:27 pm)
I just learned something new...
 
The strut-mount, the top mounting plate for the shocks is an active part of the LS' suspension. I always thought it was simply a "solid" mounting plate, shock "tower". After replacing the shocks and the lower ball joints my '92 with 155,000 miles still has the "clunk" at the front when driving over road irregularities.
 
Order the strut-mounts, "suspension support" this AM. $109 each, discounted, at Lexus, $50 aftermarket.
 
Discovered the story of the "strut-mount" via the internet forums.
 
Apparently a fairly common, early, failure point of Toyota and Lexus suspension systems.

#22 of 26 Re: LS 430 Suspension issue maybe? [wwest] by rkls430

Dec 07, 2009 (1:07 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Nov 21, 2009 10:12 am)
Thank you, I will take my car to the dealer and mention the "strut-mount" as a potential cause of the "clunk" noise every time the car passes through irregularities on the road especially at low speed

#23 of 26 Re: LS 430 Suspension issue maybe? [wwest] by wwest

Jan 09, 2010 (5:25 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Nov 21, 2009 10:12 am)
Live and learn...I guess...
 
The thunk was not the strut mounting plate at all. It was the rubber cushion/insulator (with the protective bellows/boot attached) between the spring and the strut mounting plate. The insulator/cushion had worn down and been compressed so much that when going over the slightest bump the top of the spring would hit/contact the bolt head holding the mounting plate in place.
 
Slid 14" of 5/8" ID automotive water hose over the top end of each of the front springs...
 
No more "thunk".

#24 of 26 Re: LS 430 Suspension issue maybe? [wwest] by wwest

Jan 10, 2010 (12:52 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Jan 09, 2010 5:25 pm)
WOW..!!
 
Truly amazing...
 
How quietly riding a '92 LS400 with >150,000 miles can be with the top of the front coil springs NOT striking the bottom of the strut mounting plate when going over minor roadbed pertubations, bumps.

#25 of 26 Just wondering... by wwest

Apr 23, 2010 (8:39 am)

Keep seeing posts about failing air suspension shocks.
 
Has anyone tried sealing these with the "green gunk" found at Home Depot and the like that can be used to seal lawn/garden tractor tires..?

#26 of 26 Re: Just wondering... [wwest] by rennybosch

Apr 23, 2010 (1:07 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Apr 23, 2010 8:39 am)
No experience with green gunk, but another post about failing air suspension shocks:
 
Our '04 LS430 with 80,000 miles recently started driving like a truck, so we took it in to the dealer and they confirmed the air suspension struts were bad. Fortunately we have an extended warranty, which covered all but the deductible. They replaced all 4 struts. The insurance company paid $5,700, I paid $200. Now she rides like a magic carpet again.

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