Zinvipi

I don't hear any difference when increasing the RPMs

Margate330

Assuming you in the US with steering wheel on left side.

Could the noise possibly be your condensor fan(passenger side) at the radiator making all that racket?
Is your AC running in the video?

Add- just thinking, with a flashlight being careful to keep your distance from belts for safety, I'd shine a flashlight down in there or find an angle somehow for inspection and see if your harmonic balancer has a wobble to it- if it does it may be getting ready to snap off.

Trying to think what the noise can be while not being affected by rpm's.

Zinvipi

Yes, I'm in the US with steering wheel on the left. The A/C wasn't running during the video. Interesting idea about it being the harmonic balancer, I'll look into it. I've decided to take it to the shop next week, I'll post an update afterward. I sure appreciate all of your help and ideas!

MattRX

Listened to it again, maybe it could be a catalytic converter heat shield? Sounded a little similar to that on my 2002 Highlander. Had to rip those suckers off as the bolts corroded right through! They were rattling together like tambourines.

Zinvipi

I'll add that to my list of things to check, thank you!

uksparky

That noise is an idler pully bearing going out or the belt itself.. w/p bearing/alternator b ....only way to tell is remove belt and start engine

Mesquite77

+1 with uksparky, remove belt, and run engine briefly (to confirm noise gone) since there will be no cooling or alternator, turn off engine then (or first) and spin all pulleys. $1 on the water pump to win, an idler pulley to show, hope its a pulley...

Margate330

I'll take that $1 bet just for fun. lol
Could be right cuz possible so why not...

Ps- bet paid in imaginary dollars

Zinvipi

You win, it's the water pump

I did a ton of research when I bought this car, at the time (2014), it appeared to rank near the top on reliability, lack of needed repairs and longevity. These were a big part of my decision to buy it. Now, I'm seeing that the water pump, PS rack, VVT-i oil hose, the engine oil cooler pipe and timing cover are all items that have problems prematurely or totally unexpectedly. Maybe more? I'm feeling a little bit defeated.

I have leaks at the boots on both sides of the PS rack, timing cover is leaking and water pump is shot. I want to have the oil hoses replaced, too, can't imagine waiting for it to suddenly burst and ruin the engine. I had no idea I was driving around with this as a possibility!

Zinvipi

I'll add this to my list, thank you

Mesquite77

>>>> leaks at the boots on both sides of the PS rack
For this, I (and others) have fixed this by using Lucas PS Stop leak, and replacing just the boots if they have rotted through.

Ignore the timing cover leak as long as it is not dripping on driveway.

Zinvipi

Thanks for the tip, I just watched a couple of videos on replacing the boots, looks pretty easy. Why do you suppose Lexus recommends replacement of the whole rack and pinion, rather than this fix? Also, how long have you gotten by with just the boot replacements and stop leak? If the boots are in decent shape, are you saying the stop leak may take care of it?

Mesquite77

>>> have you gotten by with just the boot replacements and stop leak? If the boots are in decent shape, are you saying the stop leak may take care of it?

Put on new boots 4 years ago, filled with stop leak, been fine, 30K and still going.

Margate330

Looks like I lost the bet and owe mesquitte77 a buck.

Paying up.

uksparky

Done the same as Mesquite no problems two years later that lucas stuff works