luvmylexus

I have a banging noise in the front end when I put the brakes on quickly at very slow speeds. Also if I hit a bump while the brakes are on. I'm told there are worn bushings in the front suspension. Anyone have information on this problem.
Thanks

SharpLS-96

Sounds like you have worn out Front End Struts which sounds about right if you have 94K miles. Usually there good for 80k-100K or so. Sometimes they last longer then 100K miles, all depends how the car was driven and the climate the car was in.

Could also be as you said:
Worn out front end bushings

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Also check the strut rod arms. These have been diagnosed as being a source for clunking while braking or encountering bumps in the road. Mine does similar.

jbatast

Strut bar strut bar strut bar struat bar.............no doubt

Rice

Had the same problem.
The No 1 cause is Strut Bars.
From your description, I am 99.999% sure it's strut bars.

Don't rush to replace struts! They usually last way longer than 100K miles.

cartechpr

do you have to completely replace the strut bar? or can you just replace the bushings?

jbatast

Yes....Call the Lexus Dealer in Plano Texas and ordr a pair. Any repair shop can install them. You cannot just order the bushings,

hlovepenn

Live in Dallas and just bought a mint '96 LS400 with the same problem. The front struts were leaking, so I ordered new KYBs from AJUSA and had Midas install them and saved $150 over dealer. While at it, they found that both front strut bars needed replacing and they used OEM and charged $60 each for the bar replacement. No banging! I also ordered a K&N airfilter from AJUSA and the car runs great! Good luck!

cartechpr

What about the upper arm bushings?? can they be bought w/o buying the complete control arm?

hlovepenn

I have gotten two answers from Lexus parts guys--some say that the bushings can be bought separately and others say that the whole arm must be bought. There may be some after market suppliers that have the bushings, but I haven't seen them. Good luck searching!