Yet, another GX470 owner who has his "clunk" fixed:
#1861 of 1863 Good News!! by rappcova Jan 27, 2004 (6:32 pm) Ref. message 1802, p. 91.
When I wrote the referenced message a couple of weeks ago, I had made my appt. for service without much hope that my complaints would be resolved. My service rep. still denied hearing of the problems I outlined. He did promise to have the service dept. check for TSB's, etc.
I was astounded when I took the GX in a week ago today. The service rep. said they had found reference to both of my problems and had therefore ordered the "fix" for the outside temperature gauge and a new drive shaft to resolve the problem with the drive train "clunk".
When I demonstrated the problem by operating the height control, the service rep. said that when the rear end changes position, it changes its position in relation to the drive shaft. He thought that was consistent with the "clunk" felt and heard during braking.
The temp. gauge fix involved replacing the whole unit that sits atop the dash with the readout. Seems the unit houses the software control--and that's what others on this message board had reported was the problem. The next day when I started out on an errand, the gauge read "35" (from the previous day). It took no more than 4-5 minutes of driving for it to drop down to the correct reading of "19". It's working like a champ!!!!!...at least as well as the fine one I had in my LS-430.
For now, there is no hint of a "clunk" either upon braking or in the height control. I'll reserve judgment since a couple of you on this board have reported having to have more than one drive shaft re-installed. At least, this is proof positive that Lexus knows about the problem, and all of you that have it need to pursue the fix relentlessly!!!
They rotated and balanced my tires, so I'm anxious to check out the vibration. But the weather and roads have been so bad here in Virginia that I haven't really had a good chance to test it. As I said previously, I'm not going to worry about it since it seems to be a problem with tires, and I'm not about to buy a new set at this point. If anybody is successful in getting Lexus to replace them gratis, let me know.
Anyway, folks, my faith has been restored, though it has taken a long time for Lexus to admit/come through with the fixes. I also know that some of you have not gotten the relief I did. I encourage you to pursue it with gusto. In case anybody wants to check with my Lexus dealer's service department, it's Lindsay Lexus of Alexandria, Virginia.
Good luck to y'all!
