L3xLug3r

iTrader: (2)

Hi Everyone,

Long time lurker/fan of the forum but I decided to pull the trigger and sign up. I currently have a '98 GS300 (I'll create an intro post for that later) and lately I have been hearing a grinding/rubbing noise from the left front of my wheel. It sounds like metal to metal friction. I jacked the car up and noticed the nut on the LBJ is rubbing against the brake heat shield. I figured the shield was bent too far back because I did do a brake job on it last year. The noise disappeared for a while but yesterday the same noise came back. The noise only occurs after about 10 or more minutes of driving. From my assumption it may be the infamous LBJ disease so I am planning to place an order for Moog LBJ's, inner and outer tie rods from Rockauto. I'm not sure if this will fix the problem but I'm calling out all Lexus gurus for their opinions on this. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks!!!

L3xLug3r

iTrader: (2)

Well I decided to go under the vehicle and take some pics of the grinding caused by the LBJ nut that is rubbing against the brake shield. While I was under there I decided to push the left front rotor from where I was laying and there was major play as the entire left front suspension was going up and down. Looks like the LBJ is going out so right now the car is sitting put until I receive my parts from Rockauto and Sewell. Here's a couple of pics of the brake shield.

youngs3oo

iTrader: (1)

Any pics of how the ball joint looked like?

L3xLug3r

iTrader: (2)

The balljoint actually looked fine. The nut that holds up the balljoint had scratches on it from the constant rubbing on the shield. That's why I thought my balljoints were fine...not until i actually started playing with the suspension. Then I saw how bad it was. I do have pics of the nut and maybe a shot of the boot of the balljoint. I'll check when I get home and post it.

LuxuryGS3

iTrader: (12)

Check your caster arm bushings also. The cause of the LBJ going bad is because the caster bushing goes out also, so i'd check that too. If your bushings are shot your ball joints will fail quicker also.

L3xLug3r

iTrader: (2)

I got that ordered also. Got a set of bushings from Sewell for the 98-99 model. Sometimes I wished I lived down the street from Sewell so I can just drop in and buy 'em instead of waiting for the items to arrive at my door.

LuxuryGS3

iTrader: (12)

Very nice man.

Yeah I hear you. I'm actually about 30 minutes from Sewell, but you don't get the CL discount if you go pick it up it has to be ordered online.

Advil4u

check ur front bearings while ur at it just a tought

L3xLug3r

iTrader: (2)

Finally got my goodies delivered. Nothing special here but it'll get my car back on the road.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

It depends on who you talk to. Some employees honor the CL discount in-store for me, and some don't.