RX350 Whining Noise - Only in Cold Weather
12-04-18, 10:12 AM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
RX350 Whining Noise - Only in Cold Weather
Hoping I can get some insight from others that may have experienced this same issue.
I have read several threads that I think may have been describing this same noise, but really hard to be sure.
Noise is dependent on speed, starts at roughly 35-40 mph, and increases in volume up to about 50-55 mph, then goes away. Best way I can describe it is a very high pitched whine. Now that its getting below freezing temps in my neck of the woods, this noise has started up again. It will only occur during cold(below 35 f) temps, it did not do this at all in the warmer months, this is the 2nd winter I have noticed it, and its driving us crazy. Noticed no performance change with transmission. I believe others have resolved similarly described issues be replacing a wheel bearing(s).
I included a recording of the noise so maybe others can chime in on if its similar to what they have perhaps heard as well.
I have read several threads that I think may have been describing this same noise, but really hard to be sure.
Noise is dependent on speed, starts at roughly 35-40 mph, and increases in volume up to about 50-55 mph, then goes away. Best way I can describe it is a very high pitched whine. Now that its getting below freezing temps in my neck of the woods, this noise has started up again. It will only occur during cold(below 35 f) temps, it did not do this at all in the warmer months, this is the 2nd winter I have noticed it, and its driving us crazy. Noticed no performance change with transmission. I believe others have resolved similarly described issues be replacing a wheel bearing(s).
I included a recording of the noise so maybe others can chime in on if its similar to what they have perhaps heard as well.
12-11-18, 12:14 PM
#2
Driver School Candidate
I had that a low speeds althought it may have been present at high speeds and I didn't hear it. The problem was the power steering system. If that is the case with yours, not a cheap fix due to difficulty of reaching things.
12-12-18, 12:20 PM
#4
Driver School Candidate
The whine went away completely after my local (but Lexus Mastertech previously) mechanic fixed it. The PS also created a noise on startup and when making U turns that was really annoying. All of it went away after the fix.
12-13-18, 03:46 PM
#5
Racer
I now am getting the same noise. It just started within the last day or so for me. After my rx sat for awhile today while at a friends place I went to get in to leave and all the sudden I started hearing a slight whining sound and I felt almost pulsating like feedback in the steering wheel. So that tells me it could be the power steering pump starting to be on its way out. Is this the issue or is it something else with the power system and what can be done to resolve it?
12-13-18, 03:48 PM
#6
Racer
12-14-18, 07:27 AM
#7
Racer
anyone? anyone?
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12-14-18, 10:05 AM
#8
Racer
Well: it looks like I’m screwed now. I just had a inspection at a independent shop I trust down the street from me and thank goodness it’s not my power steering pump; but it’s something just as bad; it’s the high pressure hose that’s leaking and the whining was coming from the fact that my reservoir for power steering fluid was near bone dry. And to replace it we’re talking 1300 plus bucks!!’ Because the stupid way they designed it; they made it so it wraps around the intake manifold and snakes it’s way almost underneath the engine; etc. and because of that they have to take apart the manifold and intake and associated components; just to take the old one out. Now there’s steering fluid all over my chassis etc and I’m like just great!
12-15-18, 02:55 PM
#10
Racer
sorry but that was the farthest thing from my mind at that point as I was trying to figure out how the heck I was gonna pay for this fix!!! I plan on getting plugs done at the next oil change anyways. But that won’t be for another 3000 miles
12-15-18, 02:59 PM
#11
Racer
Well can u say ouch?? I can!!! The power steering hose fix was almost 1200 bucks!!! 1187.38 to be exact!! Now I’m gonna be paying on it monthly for the next 2 years!!!
12-17-18, 11:53 AM
#12
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
PS Pump does not reflect the symptoms I have been hearing. Does not happen whatsoever at idle, and is entirely speed dependent, steering wheel position has no impact.
The following users liked this post:
VickysRX (11-30-19)
lol on a seriously note check your transfer case they whine when there is an issue.
12-18-18, 12:25 PM
#14
Racer
12-18-18, 12:30 PM
#15
Racer
Im just wondering if i got "hosed" no pun intended on the total cost of the high pressure power steering hose fix? I ask this because when u google it there are a ton of listings for hoses that are only like 30 or 40 bucks. So how the heck could it be 840 bucks for mine when it is so much less than that for one off ebay etc?