02 sc suspension question
#1
Lead Lap
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For those of you that have been following my (previous) tire balance/vibration problem...SOLVED!! Now , since that is solved, have a new question...my SC has 54,000 miles since new, driven mostly in the city. When I go over a bump, manhole cover, large seam in the pavement,...there is a "secondary" vibration that I feel through the suspension...kid of like a "ripple"...when I compare my 02 with my wife's '04, her car does not have the same feel...feels '"tighter"...anyone been here before? Shocks? Suspension bushings? Bob
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#2
Lexus Test Driver
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i got 87k on mine. from your description, my guess would be shocks.
i have original shocks w/ tein s-tech springs and have not noticed any second vibration on mine. of course, I've changed my bushings out at around 30k already.
martini3
i have original shocks w/ tein s-tech springs and have not noticed any second vibration on mine. of course, I've changed my bushings out at around 30k already.
martini3
#4
Lead Lap
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Thanks for your reply..getting them replaced tomorrow morning...seems to be an early sc problem (build date 11/2001)...will let you know if this fixes this problem...wife has an '04 SC, and she does not have this problem at all...@ 43,000 miles...maybe the design of the bushing was changed!? Bob
#5
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I bought my 02 used last summer with 49K and have always felt it in the speed range.
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#7
Lead Lap
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I believe suspension-bushings, not just these, are common contributors to rattling/rippling/annoying noises in all cars, not just ours. All my past and present vehicles have had similar occurrences, and all seemed to occur earlier than what I would've expected. I hope this helps.
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#8
Lead Lap
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I do not want to steal Bob's thunder..but the problem is fixed!
Our awesome Lexus guy ( non dealer Master Tech) replaced the lower control arms.. and the problem is gone!
I have some pictures which may show the cracks on both arms.
Anyone in AZ who needs a really good and really reasonable Lexus Tech..I will be happy to share the info.
Katy
Our awesome Lexus guy ( non dealer Master Tech) replaced the lower control arms.. and the problem is gone!
I have some pictures which may show the cracks on both arms.
Anyone in AZ who needs a really good and really reasonable Lexus Tech..I will be happy to share the info.
Katy
#9
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I do not want to steal Bob's thunder..but the problem is fixed!
Our awesome Lexus guy ( non dealer Master Tech) replaced the lower control arms.. and the problem is gone!
I have some pictures which may show the cracks on both arms.
Anyone in AZ who needs a really good and really reasonable Lexus Tech..I will be happy to share the info.
Katy
Our awesome Lexus guy ( non dealer Master Tech) replaced the lower control arms.. and the problem is gone!
I have some pictures which may show the cracks on both arms.
Anyone in AZ who needs a really good and really reasonable Lexus Tech..I will be happy to share the info.
Katy
#10
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congrats! More great news for Bob and Katy!!!! Nice pics and write up. Those look pretty nasty. People forget that heat can put a toll on rubber too. Most people diss northern or northeastern cars but us in the SW heat can have issues with rubber stuff wearing out. See my serpentine belt replacement post. Looks like my 2005 will be due sometime soon as well with only 36k miles and CPO.
Another DIY for $40 and a gatorback belt from Autozone.
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#11
Lead Lap
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Bob's SC is getting there now..with new aluminum pedals and the Injen air intake..he says his car is screamin' now!
I will have to drive his baby..then see if Jade "needs" these mods!
Katy
I will have to drive his baby..then see if Jade "needs" these mods!
Katy
#12
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Were the cracks in the lower control arms visible when on the car? Or can you only see the cracks once they were removed from the car? I guess I need to get my own SC so I can do some of the same changes Bob is doing. If I mess with "her" car. Well!!!! I'd never hear the end of it.
#13
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Now I am assuming that this refers to all four lower control arm bushings or is it generally isolated to the front or rear? Does anybody know of any after market urethane bushings or are we stuck with OEM?? I might have to look at replacing all 8 lower control arms in the spring when the snow melts away and we can get our babies back on the road. Hate to think of them just sitting there in the cold when they would rather be out cruising around with the tops down putting big smiles on our faces! We even had to go out and buy a 99 ES300 so we could still enjoy some Lexus during the winter!!
#14
Lead Lap
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To everyone....the cracks are visible when still mounted on the car...the cracks are off the cut-outs...easy to see...IF you know what you are looking for. No aftermarket urethane bushings are available, only OEM Lexus. The rear bushings are another problem, and covered by many TSB's...a "cracking" noise over bumps. I can definitely say that my problem is fixed..at last. The cracks can be seen with a high-intensity flashlight while still mounted on the car. In Arizona, rubber does not last as long as elsewhere, but from my research, probably happens to most of our cars around 30,000 miles. Well worth the replacement cost. Bob