owenstrawn

2000 RX-300 (second owner)
119, 000 miles
All maintenance performed at Lexus dealer from new, by the book

At 89,000 (Oct 08), the transmission failed. Was replaced by dealer with a factory refurbished unit

Had dealer service done 2 weeks ago (118k mi), they found a leaky transfer case output shaft seal and replaced it.

Car started growling/whining yesterday. Loudest when cold and at low speeds, but does not entirely go away after warmup or at higher speeds. Pitch varies with RPM and changes when the transmission shifts. Shifts fine and no noticeable slipping though.

At this point I am completely paranoid about the transmission. I have a 3000 mile road trip planned for next month.

Should I even bother to take it to the dealer to check it out? Will they just drain/fill or actually drop the pan & replace the filter? Or should I try to find a local transmission specialist?

Thanks!
Owen

salimshah

Unless you know a good shop, your fail safe option is to go to the dealer ... specially if they would cover some work under warranty. If nothing else try to get some initial diagnosis.

Side comment: For a long trip quick trips, I prefer renting. Worry free trip and I get to appreciate my 14yr old vehicle when I come back.

Salim

hypervish

What is the temperature outside? Does it make noise when it is warmed up?

lserlohn

I remember the factory remanufactured one should have 3year, 36000 miles warranty. You'd better take to dealer and ask them to check. Whine noise is really not a good sign.

owenstrawn

It still makes noise after warmup. Temps were 50s-60s. Wife says there is a vibration in the floorboard on the passenger side, but only when in gear.

It should have had a 3 yr warranty -- but it didn't. The warranty was only 1 yr, and it has been over 3 yrs anyway (3 yrs and 1 month).

thomas1

Yeah, my Lexus rebuilt had one year 12k miles warranty...

salimshah

You just had the work done and did the noise/vibration exist before you took it in for repairs?

It can be as simple as bad reassembly as they replaced the leaking seal. A good mechanic would mark the shaft(s) so that they go back the same way, or they loose their dynamic balance.

I would go back to the shop who just made the repairs and say, the leak may be fixed but something else is messed up.

Salim

owenstrawn

There was no noise or vibration before I took it in for regular service. The problem started a week and a half later.

Mechanic says it is the alternator. I hope he is right.

owenstrawn

For the record, I also called a local independent transmission shop for a quote. They said it would cost me $4310.50 to replace the transmission, with a 3 year warranty. That included $160 for shipping a rebuld from Certified (who had 3 in stock).

owenstrawn

Update: It was definitely the alternator. Transmission still OK at 218k.

Thanks!
Owen