DracuGol

I've been trying to figure out this clicking noise from the front, driver side. This is a 2011 RX 450H AWD with 112,000 miles. This noise has been present for a while.I replaced the struts, regreased the inner CV boot on the driver side, checked engine mounts. The noise occurs when car starts moving (in gear) or when I brake at low speeds (maybe I'm not hearing the noise at high speeds). It's not the brakes - if I shift to Neutral there is no clicking whether I brake or the car starts moving. In the video car is moving electrically, so the clicking is easier to hear, and it occurs twice at ~ 4sec and ~7 sec.

DanielDotor

Had this issue, it was an axle nut that needed replacing.

DracuGol

Can you be more specific? I looked at several bolts/nuts around the suspension and didn't find anything loose :-(

Clutchless

I think he means that after you remove the wheel, there is a large nut in the center which is the axle nut. Look up the torque, get the proper torque wrench and check if it will get any tighter.
Do you have a torque wrench (250 pounds or more) or a socket large enough for the axle nut. The axle nut torque is 217 pounds.

I doubt that is your problem. These strange noises can be frustrating to diagnose and your best bet may be a good independent repair shop. This chassis is used in so many Toyota and Lexus vehicles (and has been for almost 20 years) that every shop is familiar with the mechanics. Use Google and Yelp to find some good shops nearby.

DracuGol

I appreciate your input. I also think that's not the culprit - that nut is locked in place, I would have to replace it rather than just tighten it. I'm starting to lean towards replacing the CV axle. I'm not very familiar with how the gears and the CV axle work together but since while in Neutral there's no clicking although the CV axle is spinning, and the clicking comes up only in gear when the CV axle is engaged with the transmission (thus under pressure) there must be something wrong with the bearings inside the boots ?! On the other hand the clicking sounds "external" - if it was coming from inside the boots it would have been more of a muffled clanking.