I have a 2002 RX 300 AWD with 186,000 miles. I have been experiencing an intermittent low pitched grinding noise when I accelerate from a stop or accelerate from very low speed. The sound seems to come from under the front floorboard. When the sound occurs there is a momentary hesitation before accelerating. It occurs even when I start in low gear. I don't experience any issues when the car shifts or at higher speeds. Since it occurs even in low gear I'm inclined to think it's not the trans. What comes to mind is a CV joint or the joint that transfers power to the driveshaft to the rear wheels.

Philly RX reported the same symptoms on 8-16-10 but never reported a final diagnosis.

Since the sound is not very frequent, the times I've been at the Lexus dealer I haven't been able to reproduce it.

I would appreciate advice. LEXMEX, what do you think?

Jesper

 

It might be an exhaust gasket or loose exhaust bolts. I usually let someone else take a spin on a non-traffic-heavy street and listen as they go by at low speed to see if I can pinpoint the area.

 

I am having the exact same noise as Jesper. Any help would be appreciated. It doesn't sound like exhaust noise as posted by Lexmex.

 

I could be way off, but could it be the warning scraping noise that indicates it's time to replace brake disc pads?

 

Im getting the same noise and it sounds like the brake wear indicator noise but I get it when the car is not moving so thats not it. Could this be the fuel pump? Seems to go away when I let off on the gas.

 

Found my noise. I had trany drained/filled by local guy and he over filled it!

Its above the hot mark when cold.


I had the dealer change the transaxle oil and he didnt put crush rings back on the plugs. ( going back tomorrow for the fix up)

WTF its amazing this thing still runs.