Chicane27

Folks, this is my first post to what looks like a terrific site. I have a 2001 GS-300 with standard 16" rims (non chrome) and OEM Bridgestone 16" Turnaza tires.

Since day one, I have heard (but don't really feel) a chattering sound coming from the front end. My driving experience tells me "out of round tire" or something related to the tire's manufacture. That, or a problem with a bearing or other axle-related component.

I took the car to the Lexus dealer at 1300 miles and they heard the noise, too. It happens at highway speeds. The Service Team Leader told me they had learned of this problem in a training session (not in print in a Service Bulletin) and that there were no real solutions - they were told by the trainer to try removing, re-mounting and rebalancing the tires. They did that, and there's no difference.

While some folks who post on one of the Yahoo Club Boards told me their dealer replaced tires, this sounds like a problem that I'm gonna be stuck with. With all the poor manufacturing issues we've seen from Firestone/Bridgestone, I want to take the cheap way out and blame the tire, and try my favorites - Michelin MXV 4's instead. For $500, I feel I might be rid of the problem, but that's not fair to me.

I'd really like to hear from any other GS owners who have had similar experience, and especially if anyone has found a permanent solution. $45,000 on a car that makes a constant takataka takataka takataka takataka takataka takataka sound anywhere over 50 mph - that kind of sucks.