Todd

I have a 99 Rx300. I have complained about a bumping noise from the front suspension system since day one. Dealer says nothing can be done it is in the design. Sounds like bump stops hitting or something. Very annoying from such a "well manufatured" vehicle. Since warranty getting ready to run out thought I had better get this issue rewolved. THanks

RX300TC

Bumping noises can be caused by unlubricated suspension components (bushings) or loose components that are shifting out of position.

If you have another Lexus dealer in your area, take it to them, they might have better techs/advisors.

Also, you can always request that a regional factory rep examine the car at the dealer. Just have to complain loud enough.

1niceride

Bumping noise? Can you describe in detail. I remember cruising in a 99 RX 300 when i got my GS 300 serviced. They lent me the car for the whole day.

Pretty nice car . No memories of bumping noises. Just as smooth as my GS , just not as sporty.

I also beleive its the bushings. My sister had a bumping noise every time she went over road irregularites in her Honda Accord. Drove smoothly on perfect roads but over a bump you knew something was not right.

Took it to the dealer and they replaced the bushings and problem has been resolved.

mooretorque

Todd, my wife has a 99 also. Had "bump" in right front that was strut mount gone bad; this led to "bump" sound over even slight road irregularities and some minimal steering imprecision. When replaced and realigned (warranty), life was again good.

Then, began to notice "bump" in what sounded like right rear; BOTH rear strut mounts had deteriorated and are on order, to be replaced next Friday (again, warranty). Don't know of any TSBs on these though I'll admit I haven't checked recently.

Suspension bushings also seem to be a problem for Toyota/Lexus, esp. the rear for some reason. However, wear or drying in these usually produces a "groan" over larger bumps. Silicone lubricant will fix for a while, but replacement eventually necessary to shut them up. Presumably the replacements will start to groan after a while too, but bushings, at least, are cheap.

BTW, the failure of strut mount doesn't mean that your suspension will unexpectedly fall off!!!!! No safety issue here, just noise!!!

RX300TC's suggestion is good also; but all it should take is driving a new one and yours back to back with the service manager to demonstrate that this is not present in new ones. If all else fails, Lexus lists a 1-800 number in your manual regarding Customer Service, about which Lexus is very serious. If CS gets involved, your problem will definitely be resolved.

RXBOB

...what's the deal with this guy....

1niceride

rxbob - No offense bob . I was just saying that the RX drove just as good around town as my GS . But not as good through the twisties. But that should be expected because our cars serve different purposes.

salimshah

Drive around the dealership over road bumps till you find a spot where you can reproduce the sound.

Then ask the tech to take a ride with you and go over the bumps.

If you get an answer that it is normal

Borrow the demo RX from the dealer and go over the bumps with the tech.


Salim

RX300TC

Here's the TSB that might help out with this:

SU002-99 DEC 99 FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT NOISE

Hope this helps,
TC

lextek

Front strut mounts. They are warranted. Common problem. Lexus tells us they do not have problems with their struts, only the mounts.

mooretorque

Might have them look at the rears, too. My wife's RX goes in tomorrow for rear strut mount replacement, same reason. Interestingly, only the right front went away, but both rears are in the crapper.:eek: