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Front Suspension Clunking Noise on my 2018 RX 350 F-Sport

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 24, 2:25 PM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport

Hey everyone,

I've been noticing a persistent clunking noise coming from the front end of my 2018 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport. It's most noticeable when I go over speed bumps, potholes, or even just uneven pavement. Sometimes I can hear it when I'm making a sharp turn at low speeds, like pulling into a parking spot.

It sounds like a dull thud or clunk, and it's definitely coming from the front suspension area, possibly on the driver's side. The car has about 75,000 miles on it, and I've kept up with all the regular maintenance. I haven't hit any major potholes recently that would explain a sudden issue.

Has anyone else with a Lexus RX, especially around the 2016-2026 model years, experienced anything similar? What was the cause, and how did you get it fixed? I'm trying to gather some ideas before I take it to the shop.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 24, 2:25 PM

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ClearTheCode admin answer: A clunking noise from the front suspension, especially over bumps or during turns, is a common complaint and can stem from several issues. It's important to address this promptly to ensure safety and prevent further wear on components.

Here are common causes and diagnostic steps:

  1. Worn Sway Bar Links or Bushings: These are very common culprits. The sway bar links connect the sway bar to the lower control arm or strut, and their bushings can wear out, causing metal-on-metal contact or excessive play, leading to a clunking sound.
  2. Damaged Control Arm Bushings: The control arms connect the wheel hub to the vehicle's frame. If the rubber bushings that isolate the control arm from the frame wear out or crack, they can allow movement and cause a clunk.
  3. Worn Strut Mounts or Bearings: The top strut mount attaches the strut assembly to the vehicle's chassis. If the rubber in the mount deteriorates or the bearing fails, it can produce clunking or popping noises, especially when turning the steering wheel.
  4. Loose or Worn Ball Joints: Ball joints are pivotal points in the steering and suspension system. Excessive play in a ball joint can lead to clunking, especially when going over bumps or during wheel articulation.
  5. Loose Caliper Bolts or Brake Components: Less common for a general suspension clunk, but sometimes loose brake caliper bolts or worn brake pads can cause a knock that might be mistaken for a suspension issue.

What you can do:

  • Visual Inspection: With the vehicle safely on jack stands (or ramps), visually inspect the rubber components (bushings, boots) for cracks, tears, or signs of wear. Check for any obvious looseness in connections.
  • Shake Test: With the wheel off the ground, try to shake the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and then 3 and 9 o'clock positions to check for play in ball joints, wheel bearings, or tie rod ends. Any significant play indicates wear.

When to see a professional shop: It is highly recommended to have a professional technician inspect your 2018 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport as soon as possible. Suspension components are critical for vehicle safety and handling. While some issues might seem minor, they can quickly escalate, affecting steering control, braking performance, and tire wear. A shop can properly lift the vehicle, use specialized tools to diagnose play in components, and identify the exact source of the clunking noise. There are typically no specific OBD-II codes for purely mechanical suspension noises unless the vehicle has an advanced adaptive suspension system that detects a fault, which is less likely for a simple clunk. However, a technician can perform a thorough multi-point inspection to ensure your safety and the longevity of your vehicle.

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