scawley

2008 LS460 Base - 169k
As the weather has turned colder here in Chicago (29 degrees) the "groaning" behind the glovebox has amplified when starting cold.
During the summer months, there was a more subtle groan during regular operation when using AC and a perceptible "fluid" noise (also below). My 2007 makes no noise (190k).

The noise is eliminated when turning the climate system is set to "off". The speed of the fan has no bearing on the noise. Also note that there is a "gushing fluid" noise which seems louder than my 2007 LS. Advice please as to what is in need of attention.

evansj

Make sure your coolant tank is full to the Max level

swfla

iTrader: (1)

If the coolant is low, there's a leak somewhere. This is a sealed system and only gets low due to a leak.

scawley

Thanks. As a start, I will check level and fill. This will establish a baseline so I can monitor the level in the event of a leak.

scawley

Thanks swfla,
I will fill it to determine baseline level, then monitor. There are no obvious leaks or odor of coolant. Thanks!

scawley

The fluid reservoir was low, about 1.5 to 2 quarts. It seems to get better initially....I think. The noise is still there but less severe. It's 20 degrees here now.

The level had not been checked (by me). We bought with 150k and now it has 169k. How long should it take for the fluid to distribute? Could there be air in the system, and need to be flushed? Should it be flushed and checked for leaks? (obvious first step if service is completed.

scawley

The fluid reservoir was low, about 1.5 to 2 quarts. It seems to get better initially....I think. The noise is still there but less severe. It's 20 degrees here now.

The level had not been checked (by me). We bought with 150k and now it has 169k. How long should it take for the fluid to distribute? Could there be air in the system, and need to be flushed? Should it be flushed and checked for leaks? (obvious first step if service is completed.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

You seem to be in denial that there is a leak (it can be a small one). If 2 qts low doesn't dispel that... Get it to a shop, they can find the leak (lots of hidden places), flush the old fluid and purge air in the system. It doesn't need to be a dealer. Get the brake fluid changed as well. This is standard when buying a used LS that's obviously been neglected. 2 qts low is neglected. BTW, did you use pink Toyota approved coolant?

scawley

No denial at all. I simply thought that by filling it to capacity that the symptom would temporarily subside, proving out your theory....I also noted that there could be air in the system and a flush/test was in order.
Dealer maintained, full records, one owner. Mint. Neglected might be too strong of a word.

Good suggestion on the brake fluid.
Yes, I used Toyota coolant (pink). That reservoir fill under the intakes is almost German in design.
FWIW, I am the guy who descales my water heaters every three years and also replaces the anode rods.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Good to know you'll take care of the car. So, the records show several brake and coolant changes since new? If the coolant was changed in the last year or so, the leak must have started since then. Common places are intake valley leak (hard to see) radiator and water pump. The valley leak is pricey because of the labor involved in removing the top of engine. Read FAQ at top of forum for info on this.

Nospinzone

Read this thread. I'm wondering if someone didn't change the cabin air filter properly.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...er-change.html

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Great point about a common filter issue. There may be multiple issues here. BTW, I love the concept of no spin zone. We all are too likely to believe our wishes rather than the reality of a problem. Stating the truth isn't always received with open arms.

scawley

Failing blower motor and a leak in the radiator.
Blower Motor and Radiator replaced. I examined the old parts.

While examining the radiator, the drive belt was dry/cracked. Also replaced.