nonplussed

Can't change front and rear suspension bushes without changing whole suspension assemblies, at predictably huge cost.

The Superflex option looks interesting, they certainly appear to have the ones I need available. Has anyone done this, or something similar? I was discouraged from going this route by the indie who looked at the car for me, as, in his opinion, the money saved by only getting bushes would be spent on labour instead, burning out the old ones, fitting new ones in, etc. This makes sense to me as I can't do the work myself, but does anyone have an opinion on this?

Evening all, I'm the recent and happy owner of a 99V MK4 LS400 in marvellous light and very polite green. Fantastic car so far, it's done 150k and has a few blemishes but is just so well put together it's unreal. The engine in particular is an absolute peach, doesn't feel in any way tired or used, is completely silent, and pulls like a train. The only thing that detracts slightly (and I mean slightly) is that it's got what, from my research, appears to be common suspension problems: 1. There's an unpleasant knocking from the front suspension when going over small sharp bumps. 2. There are a couple of bushes in the rear suspension that are perished and need replacing. 3. Occasionally the front suspension goes into a full on creak attack and sounds like an old bed whenever the suspension moves. This comes and goes, I think possibly something needs greasing, or more likely replacing. I've had the two first issues looked at by a respected Japanese car specialist - the third issue is most likely related to the same. Now, the problem is that apparently the perished bushes can't be replaced, it's necessary to replace the entire arm assembly on both sides front and back, at a cost of approx. £350 a corner, so £1400 in all. I'm perfectly happy with the fact that the car still has £50k car running costs, but I was just wondering whether, since these cars are now getting older and are owned by enthusiasts, whether there was another way to get this sorted, ie one that doesn't involve spending nearly as much as I did on the car in the first place? If not then so be it, I just thought it'd be worth asking an opinion - thanks!

Thanks. Taking it to a local garage I trust tomorrow, even though they've only ever done tyres for me before. Will update the thread on the result and associated costs.

Thanks again for all the replies! I'l look into the seal, might as well get it done with the right part unless it's going to cost a fortune. There's a bit oof surface rust around part of the lip as well, so it's obviously a weak spot. Brakes getting sorted tomorrow hopefully, fingers crossed it won't break the bank completely!

Afternoon all, I've just acquired a well used but lovely 99V MK4 LS400. Sadly I've discovered (my own fault for not checking before buying) that possibly all 4 discs need replacing. It stops well enough but there's a fair bit of shuddering under hard braking. I feel like an idiot for forgetting to check on the test drive and getting some money off on that account, but hey ho, that's a lesson learnt I guess. Now, the question is, does anyone have an idea what it'll cost to replace all these bits? I'd want to use original parts, but don't want to go to Lexus MK (I'm based in Milton Keynes) as they'll charge a fortune. From what I can gather all the parts are about £300, but I've no idea what sort of labour is involved. Any pointers would be much appreciated!

Hi again, Thanks for the replies so far, that's really useful. I've emptied the boot today, taken everything out including the lining, and am currently drying it all out. There are two round rubber grommet thingies at the bottom of the spare wheel well, one of which ahs a hole in it, so I'm guessing that that's the culprit. I've bodged it with some masking tape for now and we'll see what happens. Other problems are less of an issue, but I've discovered one today that is - juddering under heavy braking. From reading up on the forum this is a common fault, and my front discs do indeed look at bit worn, so I may have to change them. Bit annoyed with myself for not noticing on the test drive, as I could have got another couple hundred off, but hey ho. Garage in Bedford sounds good, I'll try a local mechanic who has worked on my myriad Saabs over the years first and see how I get on with that. Official Lexuus servicing is something I'll look into, but I'm pretty sure it'll be prohibiti vely expensive, even if it is convenient! Last but not least, here are a few photos from today - looks pretty good!

Good evening all, I hope you don't mind me joining what appears to be a great forum! After a long time looking, I have today acquired a 1999 V MK4 in Fjord Mist with black leather. 154k miles, nearly full history (but serviced recently and cambelt done), everything works except the nav, which I'm not bothered about (have a TomTom), and the interior looks hardly sat in. Bit of a scuff on the front bumper, few scratches here and there, otherwise very decent. It's got 12 months MOT and 4 new tyres. Drives great. Doesn't handle particularly, but that's not the point. Cracking stereo and near-silent engine for maximum waft factor, but you all know that of course. Even shifts pretty well for an old boat. Suspension feels possibly a tiny bit tired, but overall it feels incredibly solid and well put together. Very pleased so far! If you don't mind, I've got a couple of questions: There's moisture in the spare wheel well. Not a lot, but it smells a bit musty and iis wet to the touch. What can that be and how can I cure it? There's a bit of rust around the rubber boot lip - possibly related to the above point, but has anyone goot any idea what this might cost to have fixed? The front cupholder won't pop up when, which, according to the manual, it should - is it knackkered or is this a common thing? The front suspension seems a little bit crashy over sharp bumps and ridges. Is this liely to be a falt or just tired bushes? If the latter, are they expensive to replace? Last but not least, can you recommend a good Lexus independent in the Milton Keynes area? Er, that's all. I hope these questions aren't too obvious, and look forward to taking part in the general LS discussions!