pismoj

Has anyone noticed the middle of the hood flexing when driving above 70 mph. My 2011 AWD seems to be doing it. Shorter drivers probably would not notice because you have to be able to see the hood shake, but it bugs me. I'm not sure if it's the thickness of the metal or if I have a suspension, driveshaft, or wheel balance problem. Over 80 the wheel does have a very slight vibration. What do you think? thanks

NJLEXES

Yes, I've noticed that on our 2011 RX350. My wife drives it primarily, but when I've had it out on the highway I've noticed a little hood shake around 70mph if I recall.
However, it seems to depend on the road surface.....sometimes it shakes, sometimes it doesn't.

I can say however my 2010 ES350 has no hood shake whatsoever.

That's why it has a warranty. Was a little surprising first time I saw it, but if you think something is out of sorts, have the dealer take a look.

sightdev

being 11RX, you must be an original owner and no repair history on the hood. Mine is 10RX and I drive all over NE highways averaging 80-85mph but no shake or vibration at all. road on PA and OH are probably worse than other states but even with 26k/ODO on OEM Bridgestone, it is still smooth/quiet and vibration free to-date.

Barrington

Yep, I mentioned this a few months ago regarding the 2011 RX350 that we bought new in Feb. The rear edge of the hood shakes up and down at normal freeway speeds and above. The body fit of the hood is fine but it seems like there is not enough hood bracing or stiffness at the rear. The car drives smoothly with no vibrations at all. I really do not see it as a major issue but I did not expect it from this brand. Maybe a thicker weatherstrip seal at the rear cowl/hood area would help?

k9shelly1

I think some are confused because you all are referring to it as "shake". IMO, the rear of the hood flaps with the wind. The road condition has little to nothing to do with it as this usually happens on the freeway at freeway speeds (65 mph plus).

Our RX is going in this week for the 15,000 mile service and I'll mention this. Enough people bring it up and hopefully something is done about it.

happy1977

Non whatsoever here on 85mph road trip.

krypttic

iTrader: (1)

I (and others) posted previously about this. If you do a search, you can probably find the thread.

The consensus was that it was on all our vehicles, but you have to lean over the dash while driving to see it. One owner insisted he didn't have it and then drove on the freeway and said he was wrong.

My dealer said this is normal. I say it is disconcerting to see the hood ripple like that.

MEP7557

My skin would flap at 85 mph too. LOL.

sightdev

maybe some of the RX needs "bumper" [rubber stopper] needs adjusting? Mine is rock solid at any speed except for middle part of the hood does have some movement in really bumpy road.

pismoj

Thanks for your responses. I have never had a vehicle where the hood flapped. I would not have purchased the car if I saw it on the test drive. This is a $50k vehicle that flaps like a Hunydai. I will not be buying another Lexus. I traded a Mercedes for this, unacceptable!!!!!

ac921ol

iTrader: (1)

yeah, id take it back and have it fixed ASAP, what happens when it flys open and BAM

krypttic

iTrader: (1)

My dealer said all their RX's do this and there is no way to fix or adjust it as there is no support in the rear middle.

Those of you who don't notice it: wait until it is a little windy out and look directly over the center of the dash so you can see the rear middle of the hood--it'll be flapping'

happy1977

Now just went 82mph today and checked the hood. Just saw a mild vibration at the side edges, nothing like shaking or flexing. The vibration IMO is attributed to the roads rather than the wind.

As for the wheels, no vibration here since the tire rotation and balancing.

It's hard to beleive that the dealer says that ALL RX's do this when it's not.

Jerome

Wife's 2011 AWD would flex at 70+ mph with the Dunlop's. We switched to the Michelin's, along with alignment. Now at 80+ mph, no more flexing on smooth road but a slight flexing at the top center of the hood for rough surfaces. Acceptable to me to have minimal flexing of hood, and ride quality is much improved compared to Dunlop's. If your hood is flexing too often, it could crappy Dunlop's or uneven wear on tires caused by out of specs alignment. Even new the Dunlop's are harsher on most road surfaces compared to the Michelin's. Dunlop's advantage is slightly better handling, they are less likely to cause the car to lean on curvy roads. If I were purchasing new RX I today would demand Michelin's.