Front end clunk?--> Diagnose sway bar links
#1
Lexus Test Driver
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Tools needed:
--14mm socket/Wrench
--Vise Grips<-->You can use an allen wrench also to hold the thread bolt but they're usually rusted and round off.
Use appropriate size vise grip to get in between the link and mount hole.
Be carefull not to rip the boot out.
--Hand ratchet
Of course you need to jack the front of the vehicle on jack stands and pull both wheels off.
All you need is to take the top nut out and check for play.
Move the whole bar up/down to check the bottom joint for play.
I know the Strut top mounts are more common with front end clunk.
But you phisically need to take the whole strut assembly out and need a spring compressor to take it apart.
This is a 20min job to rule out the sway bar link.
Happy Wrenching.
--14mm socket/Wrench
--Vise Grips<-->You can use an allen wrench also to hold the thread bolt but they're usually rusted and round off.
Use appropriate size vise grip to get in between the link and mount hole.
Be carefull not to rip the boot out.
--Hand ratchet
Of course you need to jack the front of the vehicle on jack stands and pull both wheels off.
All you need is to take the top nut out and check for play.
Move the whole bar up/down to check the bottom joint for play.
I know the Strut top mounts are more common with front end clunk.
But you phisically need to take the whole strut assembly out and need a spring compressor to take it apart.
This is a 20min job to rule out the sway bar link.
Happy Wrenching.
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#3
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#4
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He can freely list it here, https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...x300-diys.html
Any other member with DIYs can feel free to add them to that thread at any time of their choosing.
Any other member with DIYs can feel free to add them to that thread at any time of their choosing.
#6
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The grease nipples were also a source to introduce dirt and I had to learn when to stop pumping more grease. At that time the expected life was 100k, so with the sealed arrangements you do get about 100k.
Code is not the only person with an eye for details. The joint with a gap picture is very instructive but the part has no sheen and seems to be out of commission for a while ... with all the rust.
Nad1370, love your posts and pictures. It seems your RX has been giving you lots of frequent flyer milage as it has been on the jacks quite a bit.
Salim
Code is not the only person with an eye for details. The joint with a gap picture is very instructive but the part has no sheen and seems to be out of commission for a while ... with all the rust.
Nad1370, love your posts and pictures. It seems your RX has been giving you lots of frequent flyer milage as it has been on the jacks quite a bit.
Salim
Last edited by salimshah; 04-30-10 at 09:46 PM.
#7
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
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The grease nipples were also a source to introduce dirt and I had to learn when to stop pumping more grease. At that time the expected life was 100k, so with the sealed arrangements you do get about 100k.
Code is not the only person with an eye for details. The joint with a gap picture is very instructive but the part has no sheen and seems to be out of commission for a while ... with all the rust.
Nad1370, love your posts and pictures. It seems your RX has been giving you lots of frequent flyer milage as it has been on the jacks quite a bit.
Salim
Code is not the only person with an eye for details. The joint with a gap picture is very instructive but the part has no sheen and seems to be out of commission for a while ... with all the rust.
Nad1370, love your posts and pictures. It seems your RX has been giving you lots of frequent flyer milage as it has been on the jacks quite a bit.
Salim
I've been putting it off for a while since my wife drives it 80% of the time.
She could care less of the noise (I don't even think she knows theres a problem)
We have decent roads here in the burbs' so it doesnt "clunk" as much.
I'm at 161k. No major problems to date. I love this thing.!
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#8
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ya i know its old thread but now i will have to change it on my car. Also you guys mentioned about greasing the joint area right? so how much grease to apply or should i just leave it. thanks
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