NimaM

iTrader: (1)

Sorry for bumping up this old thread. My IS350 makes the same whining noise as members described in this thread. I took it to the dealer couple of times and they say it's normal. Mine is early 2008 model and I've checked other IS350's and noticed the 07s and 08s make this whining noise. My friend's 2010 makes this whining noise but it's not as loud as mine. Does anybody know what can possibly cause this whining? Is this something to worry about?

NimaM

iTrader: (1)

I found a youtube video someone posted that shows whining on an IS250. The whining in the video is a lot louder than mine. Mine is loud enough to notice, but nothing like the one in this video. Any comments are appreciated!

lexusis07

iTrader: (7)

everyone has mentioned every possible thing except for one major cause of whine. alternator. either ur alts about to go or your water pump is. i replaced both of mine this week and now im back to normal sounds. no whine... it feels so good to drive it agin, i really hated that damn noise.

NimaM

iTrader: (1)

Lexusis07,

Thanks for sharing your solution. The dealer replaced my water pump 2 weeks ago, so the alternator could be the source of this engine whine. Did you replace the alternator yourself or you had the dealer do it?

whitebeast

iTrader: (5)

I have same problem, turned out my alternator is bad, replaced it and no more whine sound.

whitebeast

iTrader: (5)

one tip for those of you want to replace alternator "DIY".

You should move your A/C compressor first to have more room to access to alternator.
When i did mine, i didn't move A/C compressor so it took me almost 45 mins to remove the last bolt (locate on the back of alternator)

f111f444

iTrader: (3)

How much it cost for the alternator? and what is the labor cost to replace it?

NimaM

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys!

Just made an appointment for this noise...

lexusis07

iTrader: (7)

honestly dont buy the oem alt. its way to expensive. mechman alternators sells a 170amp 240 amp and 350amp alt for our cars, come with a 3 year warrantee and even the 350 amp alt is still cheaper then the lexus oem alt. the 170 is what i got was $300 shipped, probably should have got the 240 because of all my electrical (audio system) but i was short on money at the time. if you're car is no longer in warrantee there is no point to buying in oem alt.

whitebeast

iTrader: (5)

Alternator cost around $300 3 years warranty like other member said. Labor is free (my case) cause i "DIY".

f111f444

iTrader: (3)

Thanks lexusis07 and whitebeast
I took my car to fews shop the pass weekend and all of them told me is the water pump issue. Hopefully this is the only problem. I ordered online for the OEM water pump is $150 and labor is about $150 too.