2018 Lexus RX 350 w/ audible rear clunk over bumps at slow speeds. Rear lateral arm?

[izchief360]

I have a 2018 RX 350, 3.5L 6cyl, 80k miles, with an audible (but not loud) clunking from the rear end at slow speeds and uneven pavement/bumps. Sounds like it’s coming from the rear passenger side. I’ve been having trouble diagnosing and resolving this issue, especially since I’ve replaced both rear shocks (w/ KYB) and rear sway bar links (w/ MOOG), the sound is perhaps better but still persists. Today I was under the thing again with a flashlight, and noticed cracking/rotting of the rubber of the lateral control arms. The condition of both arms is worse on the side closest to the wheel compared to the side closed to the center of the vehicle. I’m wondering what you all think about how they look - could they be the culprit?

Attached image is Driver’s side…passenger side looks the same.

RockAuto part link just for completion sake: MOOG RK642987

[Tester]

A worn sway bar bushing can cause the sway bar to make a clunking noise when going over bumps.

Tester

[izchief360]

Yes - I’ve checked the sway bar bushings and they look good.

[izchief360]

[Tester]

That bushing is worn.

Tester

[texases]

Yep, shouldn’t be a gap, looks like there is one.

[izchief360]

Hmm, interesting. Initially I thought it could be the bushings because there’s a minor gap around the edges, but convinced myself that was unlikely since the car is a 2018 and only had 72k on the clock when this started. In other vehicles, I haven’t had to replace the sway bar bushings until well after 100k. And anecdotally the fronts are the first to act up.