100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470: Clunk, rattle or wander in the front suspension

Checks, in order

1. Sway bar end links
   Grab each link by hand and try to move it. Any rattle or play means replace the link or bushings.
   easy $ · under about $50
2. Tie rod ends
   With the wheel up, rock it left and right at 3 and 9 o'clock while watching the tie rod end. Any movement in the joint means replace.
   easy $ · under about $50
3. Ball joints
   Rock the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and watch each joint. Use a pry bar under the tire to check vertical play at the lower joint.
   medium $$ · about $50 to $500
4. Control arm bushings and rack mounts
   Look for cracked or torn bushings and check the steering rack mount bushings for movement. Worn mounts cause a clunk when turning or braking.
   medium $$ · about $50 to $500
5. Alignment
   Replace worn parts and then get an alignment. Wander with tight joints is often alignment or tire wear.
   medium $$ · about $50 to $500

Applies to: US-market UZJ100 Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470, 1998 to 2007, with the 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8 (timing belt). AHC items apply to the LX 470 only; most US Land Cruisers have conventional shocks. Transmission is the A343F or A750F depending on year, so check the fluid spec for your truck.

Tools and parts for these checks

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Go deeper

• Biggest Tires on a Stock 100 Series Land Cruiser (UZJ100)

Other steering & suspension problems on the 100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470

• LX 470: AHC lights flashing, truck sagging, uneven ride height or won't raise
• Power steering fluid leak, whining pump or heavy steering

More 100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470 problems

• Timing belt due, squeal or rattle from the front of the engine, or coolant and oil weeping at the front (Engine)
• Engine temperature gauge climbing, overheating or losing coolant (Cooling)
• Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank (Starting & Charging)
• Engine cranks normally but won't start (Fuel & Ignition)
• Rough idle, stumbling or a misfire code (P0300 to P0308) (Fuel & Ignition)
• Check engine light with P0171, P0174 or air-fuel sensor codes (P2195, P2197) (Fuel & Ignition)

All 15 100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470 symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.