We have a 1990 Lexus LS400 with 250K on it. Bought it used. The transmission is smooth, and engine seems to run well. Don't see any real suspension repairs in the info I received with the car. Car has a low, quiet rumbling noise especially going around corners and seems to bottom out on struts going very slowly over speed bumps. Noise seems to be from the back, but it is hard to tell. We have air struts. Before I go to the dealer, any info on common problems would be great. Don't want to get raked over the coals. Am looking to keep the suspension the way it was made, ie am middle age with kids--no racing around corners in my future. Just want a safe, reliable car to carry the kids. This car feels so great, would really like to get the suspension squared away.

 

I had air suspension on my '91 LS400 and replaced all four struts within a year or so of each other. As I remember, the fronts, OEM, were $1250 each and the backs were $750 each. The following link is for a rebuilder for both front and back. http://www.arnottindustries.com/part...00__yid46.html
I have not used them, but they carry a lifetime warranty and are a lot cheaper than the original new ones. You probably need to find a reputable Lexus trained mechanic to have them installed, but you need to do that anyway. Lexus dealers are very expensive on everything except car batteries! If you are in the North Texas area, I recommend Davenports in Plano and North Dallas! Good luck and Happy New Year!

 

Id say just replace lower control arms which are only like 100 or so each for an LS, and get new oem struts, but the non-air ones. The basic hydrogen-filled shock absorbers only cost like 70 bucks each. Why spend like 3 grand on suspension for a car thats 16 years old with 250K miles? I wouldnt do anything major to it at all at this age.

 

When it comes time I will be replacing my air suspension with the Arnott industry units at $500.00 a corner [ delivered to Aus ] thats cheap and I then don't have a worry as the last units lasted 15 years !!
What people forget is that even top quality replacement coil overs will still need rebuilding every 2 years to perform as they should , just remember the LS is a heavy car and the front end gets a hard time , so cheap spring/shock replacements won't stay at their best for very long .
I refresh the fork oil in my bike every 3 mths and you should see the condition of it...like black water !!
Imagine what your car shock oil is like after 18 mths !!
I also like being able to adjust my TEM setting to soft or firm and it does make a difference , even when it's 15 years old !!
And as I have an aftermarket height controller [ they can be picked up quite cheaply these days and they just plug right in ] installed I can also set my height to whatever I like !!
Try and find a " normal " shock that will last 15 years and still perform as good as it was when it was new right to the last .