BayAreaLex

Hi folks,

I've started noticing a creaking coming from the front passenger side when barely applying the brakes at low speed. It's amplified when the car is hot and/or it is hot outside.

This is a 2001 Lexus GS430 with 100K miles.

Within the last 5000 miles, the following parts have been replaced:

Caster Arm Bushings
Steer Rack Bushings
Sway Bar Bushings
Sway Bar Links
Coilovers Installed (Megan LP)
Balljoints
Outer Tie Rod Ends
Brakes (Pads, Rotors, Shims, Clips)

My first impression was that it's either the tie rods ends or the balljoints, but those are new. I also thought that maybe it's stresses on the fender liner.

It's hard to diagnose since you have to be moving and applying the brakes to produce the creaking.

There is no creaking when turning from side to side.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Luke

RikTT

iTrader: (2)

Sounds a bit lame but I'd start with the lugs making sure that they are not loose or over tq'd

repugnante

Check your pad clips. They tend to wear out on these cars even before the pads do.

BayAreaLex

Thanks guys,

I checked the wheel torque and retorqued to 90 ft-lbs.

Also, the clips were replaced the last time I did the brake job.

I started another thread where some people suggested that it could be the Sewell poly caster arm bushings.

AVSRacing

hm.... oddly I've noticed this problem too, but then I only have coils and SPC upper control arms, TT calipers, rotors and pads replaced up front.

BayAreaLex

I took the car to the Lexus dealer. They spent all day chasing the problem and finally found that my independent mechanic installed the brake pads/clips incorrectly.

Problem solved and now everything has been addressed and the car finally feels and sounds how a Lexus should.

Thanks for the help guys!

AVSRacing

hm. I had my car looked at by my mechanic today. and apparently it was the GS backing plate coming in contact with the lower ball joint due to my TT calipers but it was fixed by simply bending it a bit

BayAreaLex

Yup, I don't have as much time to chase these types of annoyances like I used to. Therefore a good mechanic who is willing to chase problems is worth their weight in gold.

I.e. This creaking problem, they spent 5hrs on it but only charged me 1hr of labor since that was the original estimate amount.