I recently purchased a 1995 Lexus LS 400 from my brother. He took immaculate car of the vehicle and drove it only 55000 miles. When I first drive the car and come to a stop I notice a rather loud crack type of noise from the front end. This noise only seems to occur when I first stop the car after it has sat idle for a while. I checked the torque on all of the bolts on the brake system and front suspension and everything was to specification. If anyone can offer some advice I would really appreciate it.

Is it definitely a cracking noise or a clunking noise? I have clunking noise when braking from the front, which might be the lower ball joints or the sway bar bushes. Both are quite cheap to replace I think.

I also agree with maneesh views.

also check for a broken spring or springs...both front springs were broken on
my '94 when I bought it.
The last three cars I've had all had broken front springs..Honda,Merc. Lex.

[quote name='maneesh' date='Apr 10 2004, 07:43 AM']Is it definitely a cracking noise or a clunking noise? I have clunking noise when braking from the front, which might be the lower ball joints or the sway bar bushes. Both are quite cheap to replace I think.[/quote]
It's definitely a loud type of crack noise. The springs and ball joints appear to be fine. Oddly this only occurs when I first drive the car. Thanks for the help

It's not just the brake pads moving is it?

[quote name='ColinBarber' date='Apr 11 2004, 03:27 AM']It's not just the brake pads moving is it?[/quote]
It may be just that. I can't find anything else loose or broken. The pads are almost new, I have never had a car make such a noise before.

check your strut rod bushings!