Bought a 2002 over the weekend! A couple questions

[NormDuke]

Thanks to all the posters and whoever put together the large FAQ first of all.

I've noticed when it's cold the steering wheel makes an almost buzzing type sound when I turn it. This goes away after it's warmed up. Also, when I'm cruising down the highway and let my foot off the accelerator then back on it feels like it clunks back into gear. If I slowly ease the accelerator down it is much smoother. My old truck used to do this. And finally the antennae does not go up or down but the motor still works because it's loud as s*** when I turn it off lol. Anyone experience these issues?

It's a 2002 ~150k miles, overall pretty good shape - a few dings and scratches on the outside - for $8500.

Thanks guys

 

[aging fleet]

Congrats on the new rig.

- I'd check your power steering fluid, even if it's topped off, you may need to flush it.
- The drive-line clunk could be a number of things, but greasing the slip yolks and u-joints often takes care of the problem.
- The nylon portion of your antenna is probably jammed or twisted incorrectly around the gear that raises and lowers the antennae. The fix may be as simple as pulling the old antennae mast out and replacing it or you may have to remove the motor, open it up and untangle the antenna from the gear (in my case).

Welcome to Mud

 

[nissanh]

Welcome to mud.

The clunk is the first thing I noticed soon after I acquired mine. I replaced the front axle flanges ($52 at camelback toyota in AZ: the cheapest I came across so far). I also got two NEW CV axles fromAdvance autoparts (used their coupon).

If you remove the front grease caps and ask someone to go between D and R while holding the brake you will see the CV axle is making a significant play inside the flange. This could be the cause for this clunk.

 

[LXPearl]

Congratulations on an 02LX; sounds like you got a good value on it.

It sounds like the power steering fluid needs replacing. I use the ATF for it - and prefer synthetic for longevity. Many like Mobile 1 ATF. I have used Castrol Import Multi Vehicle ATF, and try to get the full synthetic version, but not all auto stores carry the synthetic version.

The drivetrain clunk is rather notorious. The rear driveshaft was improved in 03, but all years require frequent greasing for the slip yoke on the driveshafts. Some have also noted that the front wheel bearings also contribute to the clunking if they are not torqued enough - the RM seems to be too low to get the proper tightness for the bearings.

The nylon must have broken at the base of the antenna mast. Dealer will want about $80 for the mast; but it is available for much less online. It is easy to remove it and install a new one (if no fragments of the old nylon remain in the motor). I did mine alone with the aid of a piece of pvc pipe to push the radio button while I stood at the side window. The repair manual is wrong on the toothed side of the nylon on the new mast - it should face the opposite as stated.

 

[BnvS]

I can talk about the drive clunk. Its a Known issue for LC/LX's with 100k+ miles or maybe even less. Mine got fixed after I greased my slip yokes and U-joints. Still get it but its a its an exception and not the norm. Most of the guys have a habit of greasing these gears when they aren't doing anything.. i.e. not doing anything on the weekend.. ooh well why dont u grease the gears.

 

[Dannyboy lx470]

With the clunk is the slip yoke easy to access and grease or do you need to have it up a hoist and were abouts is it located??.Thanks

 

[Dannyboy lx470]

Can anyone help us with this thanks.

 

[DirtDawg]

With the clunk is the slip yoke easy to access and grease or do you need to have it up a hoist and were abouts is it located??.Thanks

There is one grease zerk located on each driveshaft, and one located on each U-joint. All you need to do is crawl under with a grease gun and hit those zerks. It may take quite a few pumps to properly lube the driveshafts.