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After spending 15y without having a car, I moved to LA, from abroad. So, since I had to own a car, I decided to go with something that I had a chance of enjoying. So, there's that - I bought possibly the cheapest (2001) is300 one could. Not the best kept car, many things to fix, and maybe some of them un-fix-able (unreported collision? maybe). But the engine seems to be running amazingly well (so torquey!). I've had the car for less than I week and I think I already love it. I hope I can fix the most obvious issues with it (shaking badly at 50mph and over, and even worse when breaking - but at rare times it goes away?). I intend to use it mostly on weekends, since I've been able to commute to work without it.

 

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You didn't mention mileage,

DIY Replacing the Front #2 Caster Arm Bushing Lexus IS300

Revise to add 2GS install pictures as well, see the end of this blog. Since its been a while since we have actually had our hands on an IS...

figsengineering.blogspot.com

196k.

And thanks for the tip! I'll be looking into it!

 

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Welcome! the intermittent shaking could very possibly be shot control arm bushings, i had a similar problem on a LS460 when the front lower control arm bushing completely detached so under heavy braking, the entire arm would move forward 2 inches along the bushing and change the alignment, if i don't accelerate and force the control arm back in place, the car would vibrate.

One weird feature of that shaking is that it is not always-always. If I keep on the freeway, it gets worse (especially when breaking), but then, from time to time, it goes completely away (even at the common 'shaking speed' ~ 60mph... that made me into thinking it shouldn't be the usual culprit (ie. warped rotors). The tires are definitely good, and there doesn't seem to be any hard issue with the wheels themselves, they have some scratches, but nothing that looks terrible. The car is also not pulling to any side, which makes me think that the alignment shouldn't be off by much.