I just took my 08 GX in for the "clunk" issue. After having it all day the SA said that its my aftermarket exhaust thats causing the issue because the control arm is hitting it. Does that sound legit to you guys? The reason I ask is I had the exhaust on for a while before the "clunk" appeared. I have a Magnaflow "dual" exhaust setup like others on the board.

 

you could lower and raise your rear end and see if it hits.

 

I could be mistaken here, but I thought I remember reading that the '08's came with the new and improved drive shaft and upper/lower control arms, which would rule that out as a cause. Try what "rcantu" suggested, otherwise take it to another lexus dealer.

 

It's possible. I do have done quite a bit of aftermarket exhaust work on my RX and have had no fewer than 3 times have clunking and figured I needed at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch separation, preferably 1/2 to not hit certain parts of the suspension or driveshaft.

 

I was also under the same impression. But the reality seems to be different. My new GX470 has only 4,500 miles and today I have given it to the dealership for the 'Clunk Fix'. According to my SA, the so called improvement is not helping and they are going to replace the drive shaft along with upper and lower control arms. I am still puzzled with this TSB of Clunk Fix. According to the SA they never had to do this fix twice to any of the GX470. If replacing the drive shaft and control arm are the true remedy, why the assembly line could do it right to begin with? Am I missing something here?

 

In answer to your question I shall quote myself from page 36 of the infamous clunk thread:

 

Lexus is doing the same accross their whole line up. Design problem have been identified and repaired on GS, GX, IS and ES, but were the new parts were never put into the production line. Lexus has gotten too big, they just dont care anymore.

 

Does it Clunk when you are driving around and hitting bumps, or just when you resume speed after coming to a stop? If it's the latter it's the infamous clunk...not your exhaust. Also, your exhaust should be burnt in by now (no longer shiney and new). Lift it up and see if there are any areas that show rubbing. If it's hitting it shoud be pretty obvious.

Where are you taking it? If you are in OC PM me and I will give you the name of an SA that won't give you a hard time.

 

im confused. the dealer said it is hitting the control arm and rubbing on the spare tire. I took it back to my exhaust shop and they adjusted it to where there is clearance. the "clunk" is still there. when i am either slowing down or come to a complete stop it "jerks" as if i was just rear ended. it also does it worse when the ac is on.

cmarshack: I'm not in the OC, im in Sherman Oaks and took it to Keyes where I bought it.

 

So I've been reading mixed posts on whether or not the 08 have the updated driveshaft parts. If not is the 08 included in the TSB?

Thanks

 

Good advice, pretty easy to craw underneath and take a look for any component clunking. If it was the clearance then it should rear itself over bumps,etc and not coming to a stop or leaving a stop.

 

Ya so its definitely NOT the exhaust! On my way home from work I stopped for traffic on the freeway and all of a sudden there were repetitive "clunks". When I started to go the rear felt heavy and there were more "clunks". After pulling over and walking to the rear I noticed it was sitting real low. So I raised then lowered then put the rear on "N". Everything seems to be working fine but I have an appointment with the dealer first thing tomorrow. Anything tips or issues I should know about in case they give me the run around?

Thanks

 

Ask your dealer to perform the clunk TSB and calibrate the rear height sensor.