If you haven't fixed the cluck yet, you are too late. Lexus just cancel the TSB. Instead of a permanent fix, they decide it was cheaper to grease the drive shaft every 3 months. Very un-Lexus like decision.

The G Man, are you really sure that Lexus will no longer provide
updated drive shaft for permanently fixing "clunk"? I am still told
by Lexus dealership that I am in their list and they will let me know
when uodated driveshaft got available for me..... If what you say is
truth, I am so disappointed and so sad as I keep experiencing such
a uncomfortable clunk every time I break.

G Man, I have my car scheduled to have the shaft replaced on Monday, October 2. When did you hear about Lexus stoping the replacements? I spoke to the service manager on Wednesday, September 27 and ne never mentioned anything about cancelling the tsb. Well I guess I'll find out on Monday.

How did you know this? Haven't you had your driveshaft replaced already? Replacing so many driveshafts must have made a big dent in Toyota's $$$ so they're cutting a lot of slack!

I found this out on another forum, 2 people have confrimed this so far. They bought their GX in for the cluck and was told TSB is no longer valid, new fix is to lube the drive shaft. To me, thats just a temp. fix not a permenent one.
If your Lexus is not already schedule, they will not apply the TSB. I guess Lexus did not expected such high demand for this TSB and they are rapidly running out of those parts. Perhaps they are greasing the drive shaft for now until production catch up, I don't know.

Well thanks for the heads up G Man. Lets keep our fingers crossed that lexus does not take the easy road. Regardless I'm still proud of owning my GX470.

I'll let you guys know how it goes with me on Monday. I'm hoping that I won't have any problems.

Nica, if G Man is correct, you have nothing to worry about. If Lexus changed the TSB due to supply in demand, you can still wait till they get the driveshaft TSB going again because you still have a little under 4 years of warranty, and about over 40k miles left on it, so you have plenty of time.

The service consultant of the Lexus dealership told me that he and
his colleagues have not heard anything about cancellation of TSB
from Lexus.

He said my name is still on the waiting list but the updated driveshaft
has been so long back order... I really hope "greasing" is just a temp
solution but Lexus will keep providing TSB.

If Lexus officialy announce a cancellation of TSB in the near future, should I make a claim to Lexus customer service though I am afraid that it wouldnot be any help... or, all I can do is to live with such an
uncomfortable clunk? If this would be the case, it is a disappointment.

Well remember how I said my car was scheduled to be in on October 2, 2006. Well I went in on Monday as scheduled droped off the vehicle and within 10min. of me being dropposed of at work I had to go back to the dealership. The part's manager said that the driveshaft and other components were in back order. The service manager phoned head office (assuming Toyota) and he was told that Toyota is not releasing any more parts becuase they are running more tests on the parts that have already been released. The service manager told me that the parts that are rerquired to do the fix on my vehicle were supposed to be in on September 21 but because the supplyer has not released the parts because more quality tests are required.

So the good news is that Toyota/Lexus is really spending lots of resources on this matter and they are not ignoring it. The downfall to it is that some of us will have to wait. Apperently though, Toyota/Lexus would be completing there tests by the end of this week and I'm assuming that depending on the results of those test that parts will modified (if required) and released.

Well the other good thing that I got out of all of this confusion and waste of me driving the vehicle to the dealership is that they gave me a $120.00 credit for anything I wanted.

Nica, Thank you for your story. I still have not heard anything from the
dealership about the lead time of updated driveshaft needed for fixing
the "clunk". I purchased GX470(pre-owned) on 9/9. I recently received
a survey from Lexus and I wrote how frustrated I am. I know I should
not expect too much on Lexus but I really want them to speed it up
before they might finally give it up down the road.

Some people waited a few years, so I should not copmplain about
it, however I am really afraid that Lexus might cancel TSB in the near
future.

Well you can welcome me to the gang.....I purchased a new 06 GX 470 on Aug 30, 2006 with 8 miles on it and as of 400 miles I have the clunk. Thank God I read what it felt like or else I would have thought that I was bumped from behind. Now I gotta ask you this. It doesn't seem to happen all the time but it is happening more and more. I, like the other poster hate to have a brand new truck worked on to replace parts already but I guess that is what I am going to have to do. What do you think I should do? The dealership that I purchased the truck from is about 40 min away or I have a dealership that is just 10 min away. Will the closer dealership do this work? Other then this problem I'm loving the truck. I wasn't quite sure how well I would like it since we have driven large trucks 14 in all in 23 yrs but I am glad that I traded in the 05 Escalade in for this, now to see if Lexus will win me over on their service. That is where Cadillac lost us for sure.

Sami

You can ask the same question to the two dealers. "Do you have
any inventory of the updated driveshaft to fix the clunk? " I asked
two defferent Lexus dealer about their inventory of the parts but both
of them answered me the same..."Very very long back order and it is
the right thing which I put my name on the waiting list." Please let me
hear what happened when you talked to dealers.

Well I called this Morning to see if they could fix my "Clunk". I have an 06 with 900 miles on this Gx 470. I was informed that the parts needed are on national back order but before they would put me on the list to have it fixed I would have to let them road test the truck to comfirm what I am telling them is true. I think I may call the dealership that I bought this truck from and see if maybe they can do something and order the parts so when I go in at my 5 k check up it's there for them to fix it.

Sami

Hey Jasp615,

I too have a brand new vehicle with less then 900Kilometers (I'm in Canada) and the issue is that Toyota is not realeasing any parts becuase they need to make sure that the parts that they are releasing will fix the "clunk". So, more tests are required. Well that's what the parts manager told me.

I'm not sure if the dealership will be able to help you out much but it's worth asking.

Best of luck to you, but don't worry I'm sure Lexus/Toyota will come through.

Wondering if my 2007 came with the new parts?

It should. Most of the 06s already had the new driveshaft and the TSB came out when Lexus discovered it in the 06s.

Gryphon,

I would agree with denslexusGX470 but if I may give you a suggestion, give your vehicle some time. Drive it and get a feel for it. I just purchased my 2006 GX470 and at first it was perfect (in my point of view it still is) but gradually the "clunk" developed. I've got less then 900KM on the vehicle and I can hear and feel the "clunk" here and there.

Check to see when the vehicle was manufactured. Even though mine is a 2006 it was manufactured at the end of 2005. So unfortunately I do not think that my vehicle came with the new parts...I'm not sure yet. I'm still trying to get that information from the dealership...something tells me that I don't have the new parts.

Well, updated drive shaft has been long back order. What I am very unhappy about is that the dealership can not tell me the lead time.
They said that it could be for several months till the parts get available.
They can not even tell me estimated lead time, but it does not seem to be 1 or 2 months but probably much much longer, I am afraid.
My dealer keep silence for a few weeks..... If there's somebody
who might get updated information about the lead time of updated
driveshaft, please let me know.

The rumor was any GX built after April 06 has the new driveshaft and lower control arm. Why would Lexus need further testing if the parts are already going into production lines?

I was at the dealership today and the parts manager said that he is getting the same information as last time and that is, parts are still being held but will be released shortly. The parts manager sounded confident that within the next three weeks he will be receiving the parts required to do the tsb on my vehicle.

Well the only thing I can do is keep my fingers crossed.

I understand what you mean G Man, but the only thing that I can think of is that in some cases the tsb did not resolve the problem for some vehicles?? That's just my guess.

Well I just bought a 06 GX with a build date of 7/06 so I will update here if my GX develops the clunk. It had 14 miles on it. Took delivery on 9/18/06, so I basically got it as soon as it was delivered to the dealers lot!

So far, I havent heard of anybody who had the TSB done and the cluck came back. My guess is that they are running out of parts and they want to alocate them to production first before TSB.

I checked with the dealership today for updates. There's nothing progressed and the service consultant said that Lexus has been
aware of this problem which causes customer dissatisfaction....
There's still no date(lead time) for the parts' arrival promised....

Nica, please let me know when yours got fixed in a few weeks...

The G Man, I agree that Lexus naturally puts priority to use the
parts for production of new vehicle, however it sounds very
strange that they cannot tell the lead time for TSB at all. Lexus
must have some plan, I think.
new vehicle



Message from denslexusgx470
(P.S. TM8000 I got your original post back that I accidentally edited and posted as my message. Sorry for any inconvenience)

One of the key to the success of Lexus and Toyota is parts made on time and just as needed. I dont think Lexus, in their wildest dreams, would imagine that there would be such as huge demand for this TSB.

Well you can only imagine if Toyota released this same driveshaft TSB to the V8 4Runners (which I hear a lot of those guys in the 4R forum are complaining about).

Well another week gone by and so far nothing to report. But I do agree with you G Man.

Can I ask you guys something though, despite the small issue with the parts and the entire "clunk" issue, do you think the vehicle is worth every penny (or man, many penny's )

Nica, I think GX470 is a great vehicle and it's definitely worth money you
spent. Such a smooth and quiet drive cannot be experienced with other
SUV. My 2003 will be taken to the dealership next week for a repair.
Unfortunately, it isn't for a "clunk" but for a "new catalyst" to solve sulfur
odor problem which isn't very serious, though. I again asked the dealer
about a lead time for the updated drive shaft to fix the clunk problem,
but they replied that no further info available....

IMHO, the GX is worth its many pennies. I think what we have to keep in mind is that at least Lexus has a plan to fix the cluck, this is where many other manufacturers fall short.

Besides, the clunk won't break down our GX that we can't use it anymore! I heard of a CTS that'sa bout 2kmiles old, and has some tranny lining or something break, and was in the shop for a week! yup, 2k miles old.

I would strongly agree with all of you guys. I have never really owned a luxury SUV...I own an old beat up jeep (it's actually a nice car)...but it's no luxury (trust me on that, it has rust spots everywere). I took it on the highway and it's a sweet ride. I don't feel a bump, no wind sound...actually hardly any sound from outside. It gets lots of attention. I don't think there is a perfect car out there yet, so I don't expect the GX470 to it.

I think it's worth every penny. I'm really curious to see the remodeling of the GX470. There is room to improve (always) but there are a few things that make it such a great car. The one thing that I'm really enjoying is the height. I don't think there is an SUV that can compare to the heigh of the Lexus....well I could be wrong but I drove a Mercedes and a BMW...I never did test drive an Escalade (I'm not interested on them). Lexus beat the competition hands down, well that's just my opinion.

here's to the GX470

[ I never did test drive an Escalade (I'm not interested on them). Lexus beat the competition hands down, well that's just my opinion.
[/quote]'

Well I had an Escalade in fact I owned 2 ( 2003 and 2005) I did like the 2003 but as for the 2005 I was never really happy with it. On the highway it handled well and drove nice but the finish work on the truck left a lot to be desired. We traded in the 2005 on the GX 470 (2006 new) We were worried at first about the size since we only owned large SUV's 16 in all. But that soon was resolved.

I'm not worred at all anymore. I love the truck. I feel that I have made a wise choice with this truck. We did get this truck loaded and as for the ride and the handling It's just as good if not better then the Escalade. We do have the "clunk" and I'm on the list to have that fixed but clunk and all I would pick the truck again.

As for improvment to this truck. I would like to see a power hatch, power folding mirrors, a navigation system that will understand the voice command and not just tell you that the truck has it but it will really work. I would like the passager seat to have more settings, rear heated seats. I would like the truck to come equiped with remote start also or at least have an option for this. I guess we will see what the 2009 will have in it since this model is slated for a change that year.

After owning this Lexus for almost 2 months now I can say I would make the same choice.

Sami

I also used to own Escalade 2004 and ESV Platinum 2005. They both
are good trucks but I do not think ESV Platinum is worth $70,000.-.
GM are anyway GM even though they make super luxuary vehicle....
However, Lexus(Toyota) make really good quality. GX is really worth
its price with no doubt.

Plus quality difference between Toyota and Lexus is DEFINITELY defined. My 4Runner doesnt seem as tight and "rattle free" as my GX and it only has about 3,500 miles, vs my 47,000miles GX. Unlike the Escalade, and GM, even though they have a Cadillac badge, quality is only as good as a Chevy or GMC.

Greetings. I bought a brand new 06 GX. I had the clunk and tried to have it fixed. The parts were back ordered for a month. After I called the dealer several times to find out when my GX would be fixed, they finally said that parts did come in for some other GX and the owner didn't respond to have them installed. They used those parts and installed them on my GX. After about 1500 miles, no clunk......however......I have a "bucking" when going up a hill in 4th gear.
I have had problems with the nav screen, climate control and audio going out and other odd noises. I would love for Lexus to buy my GX from me.

Nica, have you already received any information about ETA of the parts
for fixing clunk? It seems that there's the updated driveshaft ready but
the rear control arms are still back order. I do not know if this is a really
truth or not and the situation is still same that I am left in the dark.

They have stop making 4runners with rear air suspension for now to try to catch up on production of these rear control arms for the new GX and the TSB. I guess Lexus / Toyota are really having production issues.

Yes. It sounds like so.... Updated rear control arms have once been produced but they all had to be scrapped due to some problem found.
Therefore Lexus cannot tell the ETA for them since they need to be
produced and tested again.

I bought a new 2004 CTS in 3/2004. It had all sorts of problems that to this day, have still not been addressed by cadillac on new production. The biggest one was a rear differential problem that manifested itself in an ever increasing whine from the rear end. Eventually, some of those differentials siezed up or broke apart. That problem was there from day one of production as a 2003 model, and the 2006 model owners are still reporting the trouble in the cadillac forum I frequent..with no fix from cadillac.

I finally gave up with cadillac after 6 months and 4700 miles, drive down the street and traded it in on my new GX470. I am MUCH happier with my Lexus. I have now had it over two years, and have had nothing go wrong with it at all. Not even a squeek or rattle.

My throughts exactly TM8000. I was told that by the end of the month of October I should be able to get the fix for the clunk done and I had a conversation with the parts manager again and this time he didn't sound so positive or confident. He told me that same thing, Toyota needs to run more tests and is not realeasing any parts just yet.

I'm going to meet with the parts manager tomorrow so I may get more details. I'll keep you posted as to what I'm told.

Does that mean that all the new lower control arms they have already put in are no good?

The G Man, I really wonder what is really truth.....
When I sent a complaint to the Parts and Service Director of the
Lexus dealership a few days ago, he called me up and explained
about the production problem of the rear control arms. What
makes me frustrated is that Lexus was still not able to tell me
ETA.

If what they are telling us is the turth, which I dont have any reason to believe that it is not, then thumbs up to Lexus for quality control. It just make me wonder about the lower control arms they have already release into the new production GX and the TSB.

yikes, are you guys telling me that there is a possibility that these control arms that some of us had replaced with the latest (now cancelled)TSB will cause some problems down the road? I hope not. I only have about 2,500miles/2months left on my warranty!

All I know denslexusgx470 is, I drove a 2005 Ford Explorer to San Diego from Claremont. There was no "clunk", no odd noises, no bucking or surging up hills, there was no shifting from 5th to 4th over and over again, like some have complained, even going up small grades(I have that problem too) and the Ford had 15,000 miles on it. My GX470 has 4200 miles on it and it has been to the shop 5 times already! The Explorer has not had 1 day in the shop, other than oil changes. I own a 2001 LS 430. It has not had 1 day in the shop for any repairs, no 1 and it has 50,000 miles on it. The Lexus did not put it's best foot forward when it produced the GX 470. Maybe we should call it the TSB 470..........

Hi gang,

Well I got good news from my end, I met with the service manager and the parts manager on October 27 and I was told that all my parts are in for fixing the so called "clunk". I explained to the service manager that I did not want anyone tampering with the standard height setting. The service manager assured and wrote it down that no one will temper with the factory height of the vehicle. The manager elaborated that should someone tamper with the height adjustment the entire alignment of the vehicle will be distorted and probably not handle very well.

The only reason why I even brought this up with the service manager is because I read of someone who's GX went in to get the "clunk" fixed and wile changing the shaft they changed the setting of the factory height setting.

Well I asked the service manager why the parts took so long to receive, at first the service manager said that it was because Toyota had to run some test but then he concluded that the tests are on going and that Toyota will soon start to mass produce the parts and should they will be made available "soon". The unfortunate thing is that a date or an approximate date was not given because the parts manager did not know. Looks like Toyota is not giving the dealerships any further information as to the time frame of the parts delivery. Seems though that from time to time Toyota will release some parts to dealerships and I know it has been said here before but just keep checking with your dealership.

One thing though I wished that the dealership would stop doing is making this "clunk" sound like it's no big deal. That irritates me a little, I mean how would they feel if you purchased a $76K (Canadian money) and found that you have a "clunk"? Yes, I know that in no way the "clunk" prohibits the vehicle from being driven but I just hate the fact that I dished out so much money to settle for a "clunk". I don't like settling for anything, I know there is no perfect vehicle out there but to me I purchased the LEXUS GX470 because in my opinion it's as close to perfection as a Luxury SUV will get to...keep in mind that this is just my opinion and not all of you may feel the same way.

Having said that I will give credit where it belongs, Toyota is trying to fix the problem and as many of you know it probably took Toyota some time (3 years or so) to resolve the issue but at least they are going that extra mile and effort to resolve the error...and that is why I purchased this vehicle...it's not perfect but there is no such thing as "perfect" and besides it's a Toyota and they have the knowledge and experience on how to build a good vehicle....well that's just my opinion.

I just thought I’d share the good news with you guys and what I was told by my dealership. For those of you that are on the waiting list I hope this sheds some light.

Yes it does seem disappointing that a nice, and expensive vehicle like the GX has this problem. But let's put it this way. Go visit a BMW or Benz forum, and they will have a whole shopping list of problems that most owners experience. If we ever read their problems, we'd probably feel bad that we complain too much about this clunk, that isn't a safety issue in the first place!

I am fairly critical and sensitive to things related to my car. I notice every little noise, squeak, rattle, vibration, etc. I can honestly say that the driveline works perfectly now that the parts have been replaced under the old TSB. I have put over 5000 miles on these parts and the car drives perfectly, quietly, and smoothly. It operates exactly as you'd expect a Lexus to operate.

A few people have asked this same question on this thread, but I haven't seen a response. With the problems Lexus/Toyota have identified with the parts, does this mean that those of us who already had the TSB fix completed will have problems down the line? If so, what kind of problems? What kind of defects did they find in these parts?

Nica, Thank you for the updates. I have not heard about ETA for the
rear control arms yet as well but I hope that we will be having
our GX470 fixed soon.

Very simple. Trade the GX in on an 07 Explorer. I'm sure the Ford dealer would have to write you a check for the difference cince the GX would be worth more than a new Explorer. Just keep in mind that as soon as the Explorer leaves the dealers lot, it just lost $20,000. worth of value.

I used to drive Lincoln Navigator which was very unreliable and
broke down easily, noisy, not smooth ride. Also, the value dropped
unbelievably fast same like Escalade. I purchased pre-owned ESV
Platinum @$47,000 and I traded it in @$30,000 after 6 months
(10,000mi). I lost a lot of money as a fee for learning about it.

I dreamed of American car before I came to the U.S. from Japan,
and I drove both Navigator and Escalade. Now I learnt why people
say negative things about American car. I used to drive Toyota when
I was in Japan and now I returned to Toyota(Lexus GX470).