Just bought my first Lexus, only fault seems to be a clonk from the front end over bumps. Sounds like either shock absorber bushes, or drop arm links. Is this what it's likely to be, or should I be looking somewhere else?

Finally able to possibly help somebody out. Believe it or not, mine was brakes. It stopped eventually, all by itself. Try to see if not applying the brakes at low speeds over the same bump( if possible) and see if you hear the same clunk? I discovered mine by doing that, replacing the brakes and copper grease (not on the rotors) in the right place was a remedy given to me. it did not appear to cause any issue, just annoying.

likey to be the near side top ball joint as they go on just about every 400

I'll check out both theories, although the ball joint theory sounds more likely, as it seems to be coming from the nearside

See if there is any play in the ball joints if not could be anti roll bar drop links try moving the drop links up n down see if there is any movement.

hi just joined ! have been a huge lexus fan ,just bought a 1998 ls400 ,having simular clonk noises front the front suspension thought an mot is due and the tester should pick the fault up ie upper balljoints,(replaced lower balljoints before mot ) control arm bushes , but they seemed ok so visted my trusty lexus mechanic and he advised it may be the shock absorber bushes ? just ordered a new set of front shocks as the old ones starting to bounce a bit will let you know if that has cured the problem .apart from that exellent car !

Hi,
Welcome to LOC let us know how you get on with the fault

Nearside top wishbone bushes are both shot. I presume bushes are only available from the States?

i had something silimar just after fitting uprated ARB's....turned out to be the end drop link had come loose slightly. may be worth a look??