1991 Lexus LS 400 Tires and Shocks

Tiny
SJ.CLARKS
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 LEXUS LS 400
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
This is an older car but has been very well maintained. The model comes with a ride height adjustment feature for normal height or high ride height for poor road conditions. I noticed tire noise and had it put up on lifts to see what was happening. The rear tires are feathering and I am pretty sure that the back shocks are shot but the front tires are cupping. The front suspension is an air shock and was on normal height. If the rear shocks are bad will the ride height adjustment cause a problem with the tires in the front? The height adjustment seems to work.
Thursday, April 24th, 2008 AT 3:09 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,386 POSTS
Yes the shocks that are bad in the back can affect the front wheels by causing poor stability.

Check the tires and have them rebalanced and the front end alight after the shocks are replaced, and you should be good to go.
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Thursday, April 24th, 2008 AT 5:14 PM
Tiny
SJ.CLARKS
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  • 2 POSTS
In response to this information I contacted a local repair facility who indicates that the problem is related to struts. I dont mind saying I dont know the difference between a shock and a strut. Is a strut just a fancy shock or is he overselling me.
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Monday, April 28th, 2008 AT 4:46 PM
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,386 POSTS
Struts are the shock and coil spring assembly, if you look at the front end of your tire right above it you will see a coil spring and a long metal tube that goes down to the wheel all the way up to under the hood, that is the strut.
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Monday, April 28th, 2008 AT 5:06 PM

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