RXSF

Recently, on my RX, turning the steering wheel out of the center position by more than half a turn will result in a noise from the front. its not so much of a squeak, but i cant pinpoint where its coming from, probably the steering column.

i cant so much as describe the sound, but it happens in both directions. its like a whine/squeak. any ideas? i hope this isnt a serious problem

2004 RX330, AWD, 93,000 miles

salimshah

I assume your RX is not moving and thus we can eliminate noise of half shafts and wheels etc.

This woudl leave us with the steering pump and the valves in the steering rack. First place to look would be the fluid level and condition of hoses (full loop from pump). Check condition of fluid and look for bubbles or frothing in the reservoir (will indicate problem with the pump). Crawl under and check the condition of the belt and tension of the belt. [main pulley to the steering pump] ... passenger side .. couple of feet ahead to the foot-well.

Salim

RXSF

i will pop the hood when i get the chance. actually this happens when im driving and when im stopped.

biff44

A fan belt will make a noise like that. The more you turn the wheel, the harder the pump pumps, so the fan belt can slip and make a screaching sound. Go to an auto parts store and get a can of belt splip spray. Spray it on the belt and see if it goes away. If so, get a new fan belt.

RXSF

exactly how many belts can i expect to change at 100K miles on the RX.

fan belt, timing belt...?

Lex2000TL

Typically, it is evidence of low level of power steering fluid.

biff44

Jeez, you're right. I re-read his post, and he did not say he checked the power steering fluid. That would be step #1.

RXSF

im not exactly the guy that pops the hood and checks all fluids. but i go religiously to the lexus dealership every 5K miles. so if power steering fluid is low...why would it go down so much? i still have about a thousand miles before my next tune up.

salimshah

RXSF, your RX is making abnormal sound, so you must check. Leak would be the only reason for the loss.

Salim

airahcaz

I'm experiencing a similar problem, could it be the ball joint?

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...4&#entry286984

salimshah

Bad ball joints introduce a play in the steering, which is noticeable when the vehicle is driven. It does introduce a click due to play.

The pump issues can be narrowed down by checking the vehicle at rest.

Salim

RXSF

sorry i didnt update the thread. WHen i brought up the issue with lexus, all they did was relube the steering column. the creaking noise left, but then has returned now.

jayvis

My guess is that the noise is caused by a steering column that was installed slightly out of angle tolerance. This is a common assembly problem with many vehicles but seems strange coming from a Lexus. The creaking is caused by mating parts lack of clearance. The relube is just a temporary fix until the grease gets pushed out of the mating area. It will probably be an agravation for the life of the car.