It pretty hard to go to arbitration and win since the clunk is not a safety issue. Have you apply the lastest TSB for the clunk, if so, there is a good chance that there are other problems on your GX.

Does it have to solely be a safety issue for them to buy the vehicle back? I found some documented cases online where GX owners won in cases versus Toyota Motor Sales, and the result was them buying the vehicle back.

It has had all the TSBs, including the latest one unfortunately. They all seem to fix the problem for a short period of time, then it returns......

Usually, for Toyota motor to buy back your vehicle, it would have to be a safety or a problem that prevent you from using your car. I would say you have some other issue if you already had the lastest TSB. Try bring it to another dealer, maybe you might have better luck there.

Just picked up an 05 Sport model with 38K miles @ 34K dollars. All the bells & whistles and a clean carfax. The carfax reflects no damages or recalls. How do I know if the TSB clunk issues has been fixed? Is there a sereal or part number I can check underneath to determine if the TSB was taken cared of? During the test drive and to date I have experienced zero vibration.

If it has not been fixed, will a Toyata dealership (down the road) do the work, or will I have to drive to the nearest Lexus dealer (1.0 hour away) to honor the TSB?

Thanks in advance...

Its not a vibration issue, its a clunk issue. When you come to a stop, do you sometime feel a slight push from the back after you stop. If so, you need the TSB done. Your Lexus dealer should know if the TSB have been done on your GX or not by looking at the computer. The Toyota dealer cannot do Lexus TSB or warranty work.

congratulations! let's welcome ourselves to the forum (newbie too myself). in addition... the clunk repair is covered under the drivetrain 70k warranty. yours is at 38K miles. so you shld be covered and might as well take it to a lexus dealer... nicer lounge area and free refreshments and wash or you might get a loaner while its getting fixed. i just had mine done last week... and no more thump/clunk, smoother stops and gos... now if i can only get them to fix the "drone" btw it might take a while for the dealer to get the parts... mine took a month... but it's worth the wait. goodluck.

Thanks folks for the quick and prompt response. Checked with the closest Lexus dealer. Provided my VIN to determine if the work has been performed. Response was no. I do not, however, experience any clunk or push from the rear when I am coming to a stop. No worries. I plan to take it in so that they can order the parts anyway. Preventive maintanance has always been the best medicine.

If you are currently not experiencing or feeling the clunk, the dealer won't order the parts (I would presume)

I am in San Diego area, my closest dealer is Kearney Mesa Lexus, So far I am, not impressed with their level of service and support, are there any recommendations as of what the best dealership in the area is? I have heard a few good things about Carlsbad Lexus. Kearney Mesa Lexus said the Clunk was "just something I would have to live with, I did after all buy a truck".

mgowe1, did you have the clunk TSB done already? If not, print out a copy and show it to them.

Please send a copy to mgowe1@yahoo.com, thank you

The Kearney Mesa Dealer (those &*&%%$$!) said it felt like it was already done as mine was not too bad.

You wanna know for sure weather your GX has the issue?

Place the vehicle in drive on a level surface, apply the brake firmly (regular brake not hand brake) and switch the ride control from "N" to Low and then to high. If you have the issue you will think something is falling out from the bottom of the vehicle!

Thats only in the most servere case, I had the clunk and my GX never make any noise when I step on brakes and play with the rear height control. If you even feel a little bit of a bump from the rear sometimes when you stop at a red light, the TSB is not done. Sounds like you need to be a little more firm with your Lexus dealer. Print out the TSB and show it to them and ask them to perform it. If they refuse, tell them you will call Lexus headquarter and file a complain about them refusing to perform a warrenty service. If TSB is already done, they will know it once they get it one the lift.

After reading all 15 pages of notes here it's apparent my 2007 GX has the clunk too. It started shortly after I got it. I'm due for my 5000 service soon so I'll call the dealer tomorrow and see if he'll order the needed parts now. What's really annoying is that before I even ordered my GX I asked the service manager about the clunk and the high speed droning hum. He claimed the clunk had been remedied and would not be a problem on the 2007. I wonder if he believed that or was just lying. Actually - he's the guy I'll call tomorrow. I also noted on this forum that I should make sure they do raise the height when they perform the repair.

Well I tried to do my homework before buying the car and I still have the clunk. Interesting that the car the dealer let me drive didn't have it.
Thanks everyone for all their help.

I made the appt with my dealer for the 5000 service and I asked them about the 'clunk' . They seemed quite aware of the problem, although they referred to it as a 'thump.' But they won't order the parts until they verify my car has the problem.

Could you please e mail me the lastest TSB also? That way I'll be fully prepared when I drop off my car.

Thank you again.

I have a 2004 GX with 36k miles that has made this noise since new. Please email me any documents that describe the TSB issue. Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Bob

rasmith200@comcast.net

refer to pg 9 which has my write-up when i had the clunk done. But for those who just had it recently done and have a newer updated write-up, we would appreciate it if you scan and post it up here (with the confidential information blocked out). Thanks!

On a recent trip my 04 GX 470 developed the clunk. I took it to my dealer on a Monday and by Thursday I had an appointment and replaced the necessary parts. So far so good. Some of the issues must be with individual dealers, there was no problem from Lexus at all.

I could not start a new topic and I apologize if this is not the same problem as described in the TSB.

We own a 2006 Lexus GX740, and when the speed gets above 65 mph on colder days (we are in Phoenix, so this constitutes about 55 to 65 degF), we hear a banging or thumping or flapping noise underneath the car on the right hand side. We are having a tough time figuring out if it is in the front or the back of the car.

This happened within the first week after we owned the car. It is intermittant, and the dealer has not been able to reproduce it, either because it heats up or they do not drive it around enough. We have brought it in four times.

When it does start occurring, it will make this thumping, banging or flapping noise for hundreds of miles - it almost sounds like rocks in the wheel well, someone hammering on the bottom of the car, or a mid-pitch thumping noise. Everyone that hears it is a bit shocked, thinking the tire has gone flat. My wife tried to explain it to me for the last year and for the first time, I heard it as we drove to our relatives house about 300 miles away and it was so loud, I was concerned something would break.

When she has had friends in the car, they were concerned that the tire went flat. When we inspect underneath the car, everything looks fine.

This happens with no turning, no bumps, no wind, just driving down a smooth freeway on a perfectly still day.

That doesnt sound like the clunk problem.

Follow up Here on the Clunk/Thunk issue. I finally got mine done at Lexus of Palatine in Arlington HTS IL. They were great!! I didnt even have an appt and they took me right in, said they'd done hundreds of these and knew exactly what the problem is/was. It took about a day and driveshaft replaced as well as control arms in rear. The thunk is gone (at least I think the thunk is gone!!). No more thunk/clunk on stopping nor starting and the car actually seems smoother (is that possible) when its running or maybe its just my imagination. FYI, the factory did not fix this for 2008 so if you have an 08, don't assume it was done. How long the fix will last, I don't know, BUT she is purring like a kitten right now and is a kick-ass car truck in the snow. By the way, had a 2008 RX 350 for loaner and that lil sucker is a nice cute-ute. Certainly quicker ( not as torquey though) as the GX and handles real nice. It still feels like a dressed up Highlander though!!

Glenn
2008 Blizzard White GX470

Glenn, I had mine done almost 2 years ago and still as smooth as new.

My 2005 went in this morning. No problem from Lexus, they ordered the parts, sent me letter when they arrived and the gave me a courtesy vehicle. So far so good!

First ever post Just bought my wife a 2005 gx470 w/ 26K and she says she feels a "lurch" sometimes when stopped is the same as a clunk it feels like some one bumped her from behind.

Yep, thats exactly it.

Hi,

I hop you are correct. So far, no noises for me.

Sam

Wow that was easy

This forum is AWSOME!!!!!
I felt the so called "clunk" looked online found this site was educated on the clunk subject
called Park Place Lexus here in Dallas and was very shocked to hear No problem bring it in we'll put
you in a Lexus loaner car and get that taken care of replace Draive shaft and control arms
They said it would only take a couple of hours. I'm hooked on this site I cant wait to read it every night
Hppy as heck in Dallas.

I had my 07 GX done at Westside Lexus here in Houston. No problems at all. Got a loaner and had my GX back the next day. Good service

I have a 05 gx450 it had the clunk. they replaced it within 2 months. Mine started clunking around 5000 miles.

Does this service note TSB cover 2007 model, do you know?
Can you send me a copy, grettir@jysk.ca, Thank you.

I have an 04 GX470 w/ 65K miles... I too, am hearing the clunk/thump periodically. I called Hendrick Lexus here in NC and they have the parts in stock ("because they do so many" --- per the parts persson--- wow, wish i had known about this before buying it). My appt is Friday (2 days from now) and they say it will take a couple hours to fix. We'll see... I'll keep you all posted.

By the way.. I have the TSP dated 5/29/2007. Is there a newer version out there? does anyone know?

Well... I had the "clunk" fixed today. And, the 5/29/07 TSIB is ther latest version. I scheduled service on Wed and had it done today (Friday)... not bad. The parts were in stock. But, I suppose by now (2008) they should have caught up w/ the demand for the parts.
So far so good... Haven't heard the clunk all day... Hope it stays that way!

Could you send me a copy to eprp@earthlink.net. Thanks

Two weeks ago, I purchased a demo 2008 GX470 from Sewell Lexus in Dallas. The second day I drove it, I noticed "the clunk". Googled it and found that this is a well-known design flaw since the 2003 year models. Brought it to the attention of the Service Manager, John Bosnal, who said he wasn't sure if a TSB was issued for the 2008 models. Took the GX in for minor issues (driver's side mirror not going down all the way when shifting into reverse, XM radio installation, etc.) and spoke with a service advisor, Andre, who stated that the 2008 models already have the reengineered driveshafts and the fixes that were used on previous models make only make a small difference. Said to try using premium fuel as they only use mid-grade in their demos and see if the problem continues. Premium fuel makes no difference (I knew it wouldn't) and the problem remains. Does anyone have a 2008 year model GX with the same "clunk" experience. Otherwise, this SUV is quiet and smooth but I am amazed that Lexus with all of it's propaganda about quality, has been making the same mistake with this driveshaft since 2003. My other concern is about the honesty of the dealership and Lexus who continue to sell this vehicle without informing customers of a problem that potentially cannot be fixed. I just competed their online Lexus customer satisfaction questionnaire which reflects my concern about their quality and honesty and am hoping they decide to keep me as a customer.

My guess is that you still have the old drive shaft. Since Lexus havent release a TSB for the 08 yet, technically, the dealer cannot fix it under warranty. If you camplain loud enough, they can try to get approval from Lexus HQ for the work, or you can just wait for the 08 TSB to come out.

I believe the TSB fix for the clunk is for 03-07 models.

UPDATE 4/17/08 - I called by sales rep who assumed the responsibility of finding a solution...Lexus led the dealership to believe that the 2008 GX were all fixed at the factory when in fact, they were not. I immediately took the GX in and they fixed by the next day. Have had no problems with the "clunk" since the repair and am very appreciative of my sales rep, Matt Pettit, for resolving the issue when others didn't have much of an interest. If you are in Dallas and wanting a new or used Lexus, call Matt Pettit at 214-384-1633....I highly recommend him. Thanks, Joel Nugent.

Hi. I found this forum looking for something else today, but I'm interested in this "clunk." Can someone explain exactly what it is?

I purchased my GX in November and haven't had any problems. I did notice a slight kick or something today, while idling at red light, I hadn't noticed before.

Thanks in advance.

Thats the clunk. When you stop at a red light. A second or 2 after you comes to a complete stop, you feel a slight push as if some car tap you from the back.

Does anyone know how you determine if a particular vehicle has the problem, or if it has been fixed? I just bought a 2008 GX470 in March. Does the VIN, production date or location have anything to do with it?
I am not sure if mine has this clunk or not. I will check the next time I drive it. Thanks to these posts, I now know what to look/feel for.

Thanks
Omegaman

Some 08 still have the problem.

I bought a new 2008 in January and I have the Clunk. Same thing I had in my 2001 Sequoia. It's intermittent: either non-existent or clunks continuously.

I took it into the dealer last week and of course it couldn’t be replicated. Service Rep showed me the TSB referencing Model years to 2007 only.

Dij

Just an update; I took my 2008 GX470 (purchased in late March, 2008) to the dealer yesterday to change the plastic piece that covers the speedometer/tach/etc (because of scratches on the back/inside side, for the second time), and the clunk issue came up (I brought it up). They had no problem making the changes (TSB). The service manager, without hesitation, said, and I quote “I would be glad to complete the TSB” (which only technically goes through 2007), and said he would check to see if he had the parts. He did. They began to complete the TSB right then (same day), but, corporate said no, claiming my 2008 should already have the new parts. My dealer argued with them, stating that their customer had experienced the clunk (I experienced it only two times (1400 miles), and this is what I told him). They (corporate) agreed to allow the dealer to change the driveshaft, but not the arms (upper/lower, two sets of two). My dealer changed the driveshaft. My dealer said that the driveshafts were, without question, different, but they could see no visible difference in the arms (note that they did not really look closely (measure them), so there may really be some difference; I have read that the new ones are larger in diameter but do not know if mine has the new or the old). The dealer (service manager) also said that the numbers on the driveshaft don't mean much. They use the part numbers specified in the TSB, and the numbers on the driveshaft may not be the same when ordering the driveshaft by the part number in the TSB.
The service manager and I spent at least 1/2 hour looking for some mention of the VIN regarding the clunk issue. We could not find any. There seems to be nothing in the VIN that would tell them/you if or if not the clunk TSB is included. The bottom line is that the dealer has no easy way to determine if you have or not the new driveshaft and arms. They just go by complaints. If you complain, and based only on the complaint, they (the dealer) should/may apply the TSB, but corporate may prevent them from doing the entire TSB, or any of it depending on the vehicle and how strongly the dealer is willing to argue with them on your behalf. When I say prevent, I mean of course, they will not pay for it.
I have not driven the vehicle long enough to see if the clunk is gone. I have not experienced it yet, but hardly did before. Since I have only driven 40 miles since the driveshaft change (due to my three recent surgeries) I really don’t know if it is fixed. I cannot really tell any difference except that it may shift a little smoother. One last note, the service manager said that the biggest part of the clunk problem is lack of grease in the drive shaft (the end that goes into the transmission, I think, and which has no grease fitting). He grease mine up when he installed it. The other end has a grease fitting but since it is not mentioned in the dealer prep documentation only experienced techs will know to grease this as part of the prep before sale. He said, as the driveshaft gets drier and drier (grease melts or thins out) the worse the clunk will be. He gets his 2007 GX470 greased (the driveshaft) at every oil change, and we agreed that he would do the same to mine at every oil change.
Omegaman

My 2008 has the problem as well. Dealership has ordered the parts and will fix it when they arrive.

MY 2007 GX 470 WITH 22,400 MILES STARTING HAVING A CLUNK WHEN I STOPPED. IT FELT LIKE SOME TAPPED MY REAR BUMPER. CALLED THE LOCAL LEXUS DEALER THEY HAD PARTS IN STOCK. THEY REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT ASSY. AND CONTROL ARMS. DRIVES LIKE A DREAM, IT FIXED THE PROBLEM. NOT WORRIED COVERED WITH STANDARD DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY 7-YEARS OR 70,000 MILES DEALER GAVE ME A LEXUS LOANER FOR THE DAY AND CLEANED CAR NO CHARGE. A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE.