Strut Rod Bushing replacement (Front Cushion UCF20 1995 1996 1997 Front knock noise)
#48
Driver
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: So Barrington, Illinois, USA
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Is the still same for first gen LS400?
I am looking at the 1993 Rpair Manual for LS400 and it seems that the first gen LS is different than second gen being discussed here.
There is no parts called Strut Rod where the bushing of the topic is on but rather first gen seems to have what is called Strut Bar.
I am not sure if anyone can verify this and is there a still issue with the bushing on the Strut Bar?
Any input would be appreciated as I am quite confused. I was going to go ahead and repace the Strut Rod Bushings based on the posting here. But then looking therough the Service Manaual, there seems to be a differences.
Thanks in advance for your reponses.
There is no parts called Strut Rod where the bushing of the topic is on but rather first gen seems to have what is called Strut Bar.
I am not sure if anyone can verify this and is there a still issue with the bushing on the Strut Bar?
Any input would be appreciated as I am quite confused. I was going to go ahead and repace the Strut Rod Bushings based on the posting here. But then looking therough the Service Manaual, there seems to be a differences.
Thanks in advance for your reponses.
#49
Lead Lap
I am looking at the 1993 Rpair Manual for LS400 and it seems that the first gen LS is different than second gen being discussed here.
There is no parts called Strut Rod where the bushing of the topic is on but rather first gen seems to have what is called Strut Bar.
I am not sure if anyone can verify this and is there a still issue with the bushing on the Strut Bar?
Any input would be appreciated as I am quite confused. I was going to go ahead and repace the Strut Rod Bushings based on the posting here. But then looking therough the Service Manaual, there seems to be a differences.
Thanks in advance for your reponses.
There is no parts called Strut Rod where the bushing of the topic is on but rather first gen seems to have what is called Strut Bar.
I am not sure if anyone can verify this and is there a still issue with the bushing on the Strut Bar?
Any input would be appreciated as I am quite confused. I was going to go ahead and repace the Strut Rod Bushings based on the posting here. But then looking therough the Service Manaual, there seems to be a differences.
Thanks in advance for your reponses.
#50
First gens do have a strut bar cushion. It has the same symptoms as a 95+ when it goes bad. Part number 48674. It is also more expensive on the first gens.
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...S400-1992.html
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...S400-1992.html
#51
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First gens do have a strut bar cushion. It has the same symptoms as a 95+ when it goes bad. Part number 48674. It is also more expensive on the first gens.
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...S400-1992.html
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...S400-1992.html
§ Wobbling type of shake when braking.
§ Sharp ‘thunk” or “clank” noise when going over a bump (especially in cold temperature).
I guess I could start a new thread.... I did not mean to steal a thread....
#53
A worn strut bar cushion usually will make a thunk sound when you hit the brakes. Have you checked your ball joints for any play?
Last edited by dc893; 11-24-13 at 10:49 AM.
#54
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I have the same issue with my 2000 LS400...just a small rise in the pavement or some other anomaly at a moderate speed and I hear a load thud. I have asked the dealer to look into the rubber bushing or whatever to stop the noise, they said everything is fine... The car believe it or not only has 53,000 on it
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
#55
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Just replaced strut rod bushings
My symptoms were:
Heavy repeated clunk when brakes applied.
Similar thud,thud, thud when rotors are severely warped.
Very slight wheel play left and right similar to a tie rod.
No up down wheel play.
The replacement is pretty straightforward, I paid attention to the alignment shims and their position, however I decided to replace left and right bushings and I mixed up the strut arms. My Alldata shows a different diagram for 96 vs 97. After battling for over 6 hours to fit the arm back on to the lower control arm, I pulled up the diagram for a 97.... Bingo, the arm fits.
My strut arms were not marked L and R as someone else on here has indicated.
My 12ton press was not able to push the old bushings out so I brought had them pressed in/out.
I did save some money by purchasing on amazon for $26 each or the OEM bushings.
Heavy repeated clunk when brakes applied.
Similar thud,thud, thud when rotors are severely warped.
Very slight wheel play left and right similar to a tie rod.
No up down wheel play.
The replacement is pretty straightforward, I paid attention to the alignment shims and their position, however I decided to replace left and right bushings and I mixed up the strut arms. My Alldata shows a different diagram for 96 vs 97. After battling for over 6 hours to fit the arm back on to the lower control arm, I pulled up the diagram for a 97.... Bingo, the arm fits.
My strut arms were not marked L and R as someone else on here has indicated.
My 12ton press was not able to push the old bushings out so I brought had them pressed in/out.
I did save some money by purchasing on amazon for $26 each or the OEM bushings.
#56
Racer
i was getting a clunking at low speeds and the previous owner did the strut rods already.
My problem turned out to be the sway bar endlinks and bushing that hold the bar in place. My front sway bar was able to be slid back and forth while mounted so i knew something was worn out there.
New sway bar endlinks and bushings did the trick, no more low speed clunks when going over speed bumps. I just bough a masterpro endlink set from Orielly for 16 each, and since they have a lifetime warranty, i'll just get new ones when they wear out for free.
My problem turned out to be the sway bar endlinks and bushing that hold the bar in place. My front sway bar was able to be slid back and forth while mounted so i knew something was worn out there.
New sway bar endlinks and bushings did the trick, no more low speed clunks when going over speed bumps. I just bough a masterpro endlink set from Orielly for 16 each, and since they have a lifetime warranty, i'll just get new ones when they wear out for free.
#57
Driver School Candidate
PD I have a quick question and hate to bring this up from so long ago. I contacted Sewell and Park Place Lexus in Plano with the part number 48674040051; ( 48674-40050; 48674-40052) I was told that the cushion will only work for the '96-2000 models. Are these the same cushions for the '95 models as well?
Last edited by 3foreign; 02-17-16 at 10:28 AM. Reason: didn't quote original post in reply
#58
Driver School Candidate
My symptoms were:
Heavy repeated clunk when brakes applied.
Similar thud,thud, thud when rotors are severely warped.
Very slight wheel play left and right similar to a tie rod.
No up down wheel play.
The replacement is pretty straightforward, I paid attention to the alignment shims and their position, however I decided to replace left and right bushings and I mixed up the strut arms. My Alldata shows a different diagram for 96 vs 97. After battling for over 6 hours to fit the arm back on to the lower control arm, I pulled up the diagram for a 97.... Bingo, the arm fits.
My strut arms were not marked L and R as someone else on here has indicated.
My 12ton press was not able to push the old bushings out so I brought had them pressed in/out.
I did save some money by purchasing on amazon for $26 each or the OEM bushings.
Heavy repeated clunk when brakes applied.
Similar thud,thud, thud when rotors are severely warped.
Very slight wheel play left and right similar to a tie rod.
No up down wheel play.
The replacement is pretty straightforward, I paid attention to the alignment shims and their position, however I decided to replace left and right bushings and I mixed up the strut arms. My Alldata shows a different diagram for 96 vs 97. After battling for over 6 hours to fit the arm back on to the lower control arm, I pulled up the diagram for a 97.... Bingo, the arm fits.
My strut arms were not marked L and R as someone else on here has indicated.
My 12ton press was not able to push the old bushings out so I brought had them pressed in/out.
I did save some money by purchasing on amazon for $26 each or the OEM bushings.
#60
I paid 65 bucks shipped on ebay for 2x strut rod bushings and 2x lower control arm bushings. The shipping from Taiwan to me took around 5 days. The LCA do look a little different than OEM but they should be fine. The strut rods are a dead on match.
I pressed them in with my 12 ton hydraulic press and inserts from a generic ball joint press kit rented from oreilleys. They were fairly stuck in there. My car has been in IL for 20 winters - it contains some nasty 🤔
I also had to use one of my old strut rod bushings to get the stuck insert out of my arm, and while i was destroying the old bushing, I heard a pop and a few ounces oil sprayed everywhere lol. I think they are oil filled.
I pressed them in with my 12 ton hydraulic press and inserts from a generic ball joint press kit rented from oreilleys. They were fairly stuck in there. My car has been in IL for 20 winters - it contains some nasty 🤔
I also had to use one of my old strut rod bushings to get the stuck insert out of my arm, and while i was destroying the old bushing, I heard a pop and a few ounces oil sprayed everywhere lol. I think they are oil filled.