Steering geometry, wheel alignment and Tony Bones (RIP)

[br1anstorm]

I just happened to come across a post recently which mentioned the sad news that Tony Bones of Wheels In Motion, the real expert in sorting out IS200/300 suspension geometry, had passed away in February 2022.

Tony was the source of all wisdom on steering geometry, suspension tuning and wheel alignment.  He actually re-worked and corrected the standard Lexus factory settings for IS200/300, which were wrong and resulted in unusual tyre wear.  I think he also did similar work on various other marques, and was well known and respected by a number of owners' clubs.

A very sad loss. I took my IS300 SportCross to his premises in Chesham years ago for adjustment, and what a difference it made.  I was just reflecting on whether I ought to revisit for a checkup (it's a long trip for me) when I discovered that he had gone.

So now I wonder:  as Wheels In Motion itself has apparently ceased trading, or rebranded itself as Blackboots, and has apparently been taken over by ProTyre, is there anybody still there - or indeed anywhere else - who has the full details, and a technical understanding, of the modified settings which Tony Bones worked out and applied?

[Flutefriend]

Tony reset the front suspension and wheel alignment on my IS300 saloon many years ago and as I drove away I felt that I had a brand new car. I'm sure he will be missed. Sorry I can't answer your question.

[ColinBarber]

Joe, who was trained by Tony, now works here in Leighton Buzzard:

https://carservicerepairs.com

 

 

[Flutefriend]

Thank you, Colin.

I've just bought a 2002 Sportcross IS300 with only 60,000 miles registered, and the last MOT advisories mention the need for front suspension bushes. Lexus will charge me over £250 EACH, so I'm seeking an alternative source. Do you have any suggestions, please? I have long wanted a Sportcross (I do quite a bit of gardening so the folding seats are really useful), and to pay for it I'm selling my IS300 saloon - see here: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?advertising-location=at_cars&aggregatedTrim=300&body-type=&colour=&fuel-type=&make=Lexus&model=IS&postcode=SN83QB&sort=relevance&transmission=&year-to=2024

I hope it is in order to post the sale on this forum.

Andrew (Flutefriend).