Is200 Clunking Resolved

[Rob is200 SportCross]

Hi all,

Further to my earlier post about a strange knocking noise coming from my front wheels, I have been to my Lexus dealer for help.

The noise comes from a valve in the shock absorber opening & closing, nothing to worry about. It's not a great design but I understand it affects the is200 and has been a widespread problem.

If you have had this noise, I hope reading this will help, it is not a big fault.

Thanks to those who suggested possible problems with brake pins / calipers & ball joints but these were not at fault. Thanks also to Lexus Cardiff for their attention on this matter, I had great service from them.

Cheers.

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Hi,

I get this clunking/knocking sound from my 200Sport. Had 2 mechanics look at it but both couldn't find a problem with the car. I think this may explain it. Is there anything you can do about the noise or is it just not a problem?

Thanks

Chris

[rincewind]

Mine's had this since I got the car at 1 year old 6 years ago. There's s*d all you can do about it. Lexus changed the shocks twice on mine (under warrantee) but it still does it. Annoying but I've got used to it now. I even changed the top mount in case it was that. Perhaps after market shocks may be a different design?

[ridgersIS300]

I too have this clunking noise. Not so much a big thud, but slightly more than a rattle. Mine seems to come from the front drivers side - can you guys confirm this is the same place?

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

I too have this clunking noise. Not so much a big thud, but slightly more than a rattle. Mine seems to come from the front drivers side - can you guys confirm this is the same place?

Mine also seems to be coming from the front drivers side. I only hear it if I have the window down and not all the time, just every so often. It's not a rattle tho mate, doesn't sound like anything is loose it's just a heavy clunk/click.

[rincewind]

Yes, drivers side. Mine is at a point where I hear it in the cabin with the window shut. Always been like it.

[ridgersIS300]

Yeah I think I defo have the same knocking noise as you guys. Was gonna take it to the garage but don't think I will now. My missus's punto had a similar knocking once, can't remember exactly what it was but something like a cv joint or bearing got replaced, but that only used to knock when going round a corner - this is worse over rough road or a speed bump.

[jfatboy]

it would be called the recoil valve. allows the shock to move upwards sharply but drop under controlled conditions to prevent bouncing ;)

should hear the valves clunk on aircraft! you know its minor when u hear one of them!

[ridgersIS300]

So is there no way of stopping/curing it?

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

So is there no way of stopping/curing it?

No apparently! Just gotta put up with it.

[KentIS300]

So is there no way of stopping/curing it?

No apparently! Just gotta put up with it.

I suppose if someone changes the OEM shocks with some other make ... it will not do it anymore.

I have started having a clong ... sound from the front drive side over speed bumps I thought it was a ball joint as I have changed all my bushes so these cannot be.

And the shocks/springs are going to be changed soon as well as I want a better ride from the car.

So will let you know if it is dissapeared with the new setup

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

So is there no way of stopping/curing it?

No apparently! Just gotta put up with it.

I suppose if someone changes the OEM shocks with some other make ... it will not do it anymore.

I have started having a clong ... sound from the front drive side over speed bumps I thought it was a ball joint as I have changed all my bushes so these cannot be.

And the shocks/springs are going to be changed soon as well as I want a better ride from the car.

So will let you know if it is dissapeared with the new setup

I suppose changing them to a different make will cure the clunking but I have 4 shocks in excellent condition (except for the clunk noise) so can't justify the expense of changing them. Will be interested to find out if it cures it.