jeremyp111

Mike, I had a similar problem where it sounded like gear mesh at very low speeds and it turned out to be the tranny mount. The mount was crushed to the point where the metal on metal contact was causing the noise to travel to where I could hear it from inside the car like it was coming from the tranny itself. Check your tranny mount to see if it's trashed. Hope this helps.

Nomis

Jeremy, the thread is 9 mos old and I don't think he's following the thread anymore
I'm posting to it just to see if anyone has resolved this issue. Does your trans surge at all around 38-42 or is it smooth?

Thanks

mikefly

hi nomis

right, I haven't been following it anymore, but the good ol' club woke me up

to jeremy - I'll chek the mount in three weeks and let you know if there is a problrem.
the car feels tight - but you never know
it's a 93 400 just turned 100k last month

as far as the shudder-it is a problem of rpm, not speed
1500 rpm. 3300 rpm, etc. like some sort of natural frequency type thing
I'ved learned to ignore it, almost

Nomis

I would take it in to the dealer but I don't want to get the run around.

SC400MAN

iTrader: (1)

My wife's 92 SC4 had the same problem, but under warranty. Sounded like you were running over the warning strips on the side of the road. Not exactly sure what the problem was but after several trips to the dealer and their calling Lexus in California, they replaced the TQ. No problems since (about 90-100,000 miles ago).

AaronE

Yep. That's the noisy lockup clutch. It happens usually between 35-45 when I've given it a bit more throttle and it needs to unlock, but not downshift to 3rd. The noise lasts about a half a second. Here's couple pictures:

Taken from this page near the bottom.

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

could this vibration also happen at 60-70mph?

mikefly

sent this to Jeremy
he went out of his way and helped me:

hi Jeremy

Well it's been a long time and I hope you receive this, because it's a thank you.

You said I should look at my tranny mount because I have a `gear noise' inside the car.
I finally got around to doing it. My car was due for inspection and I asked the guy to check the
mount - which he did and told me it was ok.
Later on I was under the car replacing those plugs in the sub chassis that rub off if you misjudge ground clearance. I but a bar under the mount and felt good resistance, but heard a clunk when I released it.
Sure enough the mount wasn't broken, only soft enough to let the tranny ride on the chassis.

That was my problem, and I feel I got rid of alot of other noises too.

Thanks again, I never would have thought of this and your effort saved me great grief, even though you
didn't have to offer the help.

Mike

maxthrottl

Try changing the fluid and check the motor and trans mounts for wear first.
If that is'nt it, open your wallet and put all your cash on the hood and set it on fire.

SC400DAVE

I am really glad this thread is still alive. I have been feeling this same shutter from time to time.i was getting really nervous about it. This info has set my mind at ease. Having Todd @ TM look her over towmorrow.

soarer479

iTrader: (2)

ive got an extra lextreme built tc lying around somewhere for an earlier model sc300 if any one wants it let me know

btw lextreme does a great job building tc's, id recomend david to everyone

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

I had this same problem along with a thunking sound when getting off the gas pedal. Took it to 2 Lexus dealers. 1st one says " Normal for a 7 year old car sounds like the rear diff is going bad. " 2nd Dealer says could be the throttle position sensor. Charged me each time. Took it to my friend that is a Tech at a Mazda Dealer. He put on lift, took one of those big old 3 feet long screwdrivers and started prying around underneath screwdrive in one hand flashlight in the other.. In 2 mins says you got 2 broken motor mounts, and ... 1 broken Transmission mount. I bought them, he put them in for $75 and the car stopped doing alot of things including the shutter dance !
Go figure ! Lexus Dealers ????/

Nomis

I have replaced both engine mounts and trans mounts, and still have the TCC shudder. If your mounts are bad, it will probably exacerbate the problem, but replacing them may not solve it completely either - at least for me it didn't.