Hi all. I'm a first time writer, so please be gentle. I have owned a 2002 LS430 with premium pack for little over a year now. Up until perhaps 3 months ago, it was utterly squeak and rattle free inside. Then I noticed a persistent 'rattle' coming from the near side rear door. Shortly afterwards, the same noise started coming from the off side front door. It's especially noticeable when driving over even a moderately rough surface, and also when taking up drive from start. It sounds vaguely as though whatever is holding the windows in place is loose allowing them to move ever so slightly. Interstingly, when the windows are completely open, the rattle seems to disappear. It's driving me slowly mad although I'd describe it as intensely irritating rather than something that makes me worry the car is coming apart.
My Lexus dealer suggested 4 hours per door stripping the door down. At £125 per hour that's £500 a door! I think the advice may be sound, but the cost is horrendous.
Has anyone experienced something similar to me before with this kind of rattle coming from somewhere within a door?
Might there be any merit in going to a windscreen fitting company and asking them to take a look?
Does anyone know of a good Lexus Independant Dealer in London/South East who they would recommend for thoroughness AND lower hourly labour rates?
Any assistance anyone is able to provide is much appreciated.
David.