Bobcuse44

After car is fully warmed up, when decelerating at 40 mph or less, I have always had a wierd, loud, humming type noise that sounds like someone blowing into a kazoo. It sounds like decompression air blowing thru a pinhole or something, but the service garage at the dealer "never hears it". It is definitely worse in warmer weather and very annoying. I haven't gone for a ride with them yet (next step). Anyone else experience this?

NXOwner

Is it a "moaning" sound? Or a dull, subtle buzzing sound?

While they were test driving my RX (after fixing the dash rattle problem), they noticed a humming sound coming from vehicle when A/C is turned on. I had noticed that humming sound a couple of times, but didn't think anything about it. However, they fixed it according to the TSIB AC003. "Moan sound with AC on".

After some online research I found the bulletin described as:

"Some 2004 – 2006 RX 330 owners may experience a moan noise heard at 1100 rpm to 1400 rpm with the A/C ON. Production changes to the discharge hose and clutch hub have been implemented to prevent this problem. This service bulletin provides a procedure to improve this condition."

Since you said that it usually happens when it is warm out, could the air conditioning be kicking in and could this be what you are experiencing?


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notme

I posted about this same issue awhile back. I have noticed that at "low" (I have never looked at exact rpm), my 330 buzzes. It sounds like a vibration noise coming from the front left side of my car. Very annoying and intermittent. I am wondering if this is my problem. It usually happens as I am accelerating from a stop and cornering. Is this the same issue?

NXOwner

That's a good description of what I (and the dealer) heard on mine. I didn't note my exact RPM, but it was usually when turning in a parking lot or something, so it was at a low RPM, for sure.

At any rate, the dealer was aware of this issue and said there was a TSB on it, so he went ahead and fixed it.


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Bobcuse44

This sounds like it. I'll try turning off A/C. I live in Fla and it's always on so I never tried it without A/C. Thx.

mandyfig

I have seen the TSB on this....it requires a replacement wrap on the discharge line of the AC.....like a noise cover, it apparently works.

NXOwner

That, along with changes to the clutch hub, like they did on my 330.


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mandyfig

What about the clutch hub? Tranny issue?

NXOwner

I think they meant the A/C compressor clutch hub.


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AM1

iTrader: (6)

does it sound like a window cracked open, even though all the windows are fully closed?

Bobcuse44

It doesn't sound like a window cracked open, but a humming vibration sound, like a low saxaphone note. It stops when I turn off the A/C so those who helped me...THANK YOU! Will they charge me to fix this or is it a Lexus repair to a Lexus problem?

NXOwner

If your vehcile is still under warranty, there is no charge.

My service advisor is so proactive that he heard the sound while working on something unrelated and went ahead and fixed it as per the TSB.


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NewEngland

I had TSB below done in last summer. The humming noise still but it's better. I hear the moan sound when "Break in Brake" and driving low speed. It's getting worse when high temp. This car have to be quiet it as itself, it is not accepted for LEXUS. Also the A.C kick in really strong(every 5 or 10 second i guess).
I'm going to check with dealer again very soon.
Do you think may be other problem beside this to make the "moan" sound? It's really annoying...

Thanks


Component Description:
29. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER Bulletin Number: 00204
Bulletin Date: MAY 2004

Vehicle: 2004 Lexus RX 330
Summary:
GROAN SOUND WITH AIR CONDITIONER ON. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10007638 )

AM1

iTrader: (6)

i dont have that problem in my car, though with the stuff that has gone wrong so far not surprised if it does happen

NXOwner

That's not the same TSB that I had done to fix my humming sound from the AC unit. The TSB work on my car was identified as "TSIB AC003".

Maybe you could get the TSB fixed for yours.


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