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This is my first post, so first of all I want to say HI !
I have 2004 LS430 with 106k miles. I own this car 1yr and can't get fix my rear suspension There is some weird " empty clunk noise " - It only happens when going over harsh unevenness (road plates, manhole covers, potholes, etc.) at low to mid speeds (20 - 50mph) - There are no noises when turning, on smooth roads, over the bumps that aren't as harsh as those listed above, low speeds, or high speeds - Noise happens whether windows are up or down and definitely coming from rear ( more on passenger side )
I already changed:
- Rear struts ( KYB ) with new Struts mounts - New Sway Bar Endlinks and Bushings from MOOG ( rear only )
I went to two different trustworthy mechanics, they put the car on lift, checked all suspension, ( rear subframe, trans mount, diff mount, exhaust hangar, etc.) , and didn't find ANYTHING.... They both said, that everything is tide and looks perfect, all OEM parts, no leaks and in perfect condition .
I tried to record a videos where you can hear the noise
Sounds like strut mounts. I had a similar noise and tried 4 different sets of rear KYB strut mounts with no difference. All other suspension components were brand new also. I ended up retrofitting KYB strut mounts from a LS460 and now there is zero noise, like a new car. I believe the LS430 strut mount design front and rear is flawed and no matter if you use OEM or aftermarket you will always have some noise. The LS460 mount design is much better but requires some modification so I would get another opinion on the issue before going that route.
The mounts have to be OE or Sachs, and the isolator MUST be OE or you will have the exact issue you are having. The isolator is critical, do not use any one other than the actual Lexus one to avoid the knock.
All the aftermarket ones are wrong dimensionally and are too high durometer and transmit shock when they shouldn't.
Guys,
Thank You for the answers.
Im ordering new set of OEM struts mounts and will se When I changed the Struts i left old strut boots because there where in great condition, so my Isulators are OEM.
if anyone have any other Ideas, please let me know
The mounts have to be OE or Sachs, and the isolator MUST be OE or you will have the exact issue you are having. The isolator is critical, do not use any one other than the actual Lexus one to avoid the knock.
All the aftermarket ones are wrong dimensionally and are too high durometer and transmit shock when they shouldn't.
Hi Striker, I'd like to check with you regarding the correct front insulator as I'm thinking about refreshing my front suspension and changing out the 17 year old shocks.
Should I change both the support assembly & the insulator, or only 1 of them?
Sounds like strut mounts. I had a similar noise and tried 4 different sets of rear KYB strut mounts with no difference. All other suspension components were brand new also. I ended up retrofitting KYB strut mounts from a LS460 and now there is zero noise, like a new car. I believe the LS430 strut mount design front and rear is flawed and no matter if you use OEM or aftermarket you will always have some noise. The LS460 mount design is much better but requires some modification so I would get another opinion on the issue before going that route.
Am mostly on the LS400 side, but am intrigued by your modification of more robust LS460 strut mounts modified to fit an LS430.
Added front strut mount upper flanges and more robust flange head nuts to my LS400, so the bolt centers are the same:
Hi Striker, I'd like to check with you regarding the correct front insulator as I'm thinking about refreshing my front suspension and changing out the 17 year old shocks.
Should I change both the support assembly & the insulator, or only 1 of them?
The 48157B/C parts are the insulators, 48680 is the actual mount and bearing assembly that is responsible for taking the load of the strut piston shaft. You should replace both parts on each side if you want to fully refresh the suspension
The 48157B/C parts are the insulators, 48680 is the actual mount and bearing assembly that is responsible for taking the load of the strut piston shaft. You should replace both parts on each side if you want to fully refresh the suspension
The illustrated part number tree suggests purchasing a rear strut mount assembly includes rubber insulator.(?)
However, the insulator parses out as a seperate line item..
08-27-21, 11:07 AM
Rear Suspension weird clunk noise - Video
There is some weird " empty clunk noise "
.
When I changed the Struts i left old strut boots because there where in great condition, so my Isulators are OEM.
