Lukas99GS

I have seen at least 4 or 5 posts on this but no answer of someone fixing it. Since I've owned my GS3 every winter when below 35 degrees or so, the car makes a very loud whistling noise only between about 30-40 mph. It gets higher and lower pitched with the speed. It is extremely loud and hard to pinpoint where it's coming from, and interestingly all the other posts it happens at the exact same speed and only when cold, so this must be a common thing.. If anyone knows the cure for this I'd definately appreciate it

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Just a guess, maybe a tranny or pumpkin problem? Fluids tend to stay think at temps below 35*, I'm thinking the transaxle may not be getting properly lubed for function.

MattyG

Lukas, just something out of left field but have you had any hesitation or driving issues with kickdown during warmer weather?

You say it's a whistle. Is it coming from the back of the car or the front?

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

I used to have a noise like this, but only when it was extremely cold, like 0-10F, but it only happens for first few minutes of driving, then goes away. For me at least, the noise is from the rear diff.

raytseng

following the rabbit

If you haven't changed the diff fluid, then obviously the suggestion is to change the diff fluid and try a premium synthetic 75w-90 gear oil.
Given that the labor is the hardest part of this, no need to be frugal for this fluid.

Lukas99GS

http://youtu.be/rNao_nlvQrE
Took a video of it, I'm actually thinking it could be the differential, I know the fluid hasn't been changed in a very long time so ill start with that.
Have not had issues with drivability other than the little hesitation at low speeds that many GS seem to have

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Video is set to private.

Lukas99GS

Whoops, should be fixed now

MattyG

Ok good I looked at the video and here's my $.02.

That's the same exact noise I had. My fluids were all changed but after googling it, I came to the conclusion it was my fuel pump. I changed it and the fuel filter and the noise is no longer there during extreme cold weather.

Lukas99GS

Interesting, I would not have even considered that, my car doesn't have any starting issues or accelerating really, but I know the filter and pump are original to the car

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

I had the same noise at the same speed and it was my diff, but it would do it constantly. I'd change the fluid and see if that helps. I use Mobil 1, but i have heard of people usuing Royal Purple and this silenced any noise from the diff in other cars.

MattyG

I agree. The cheaper fix is to do the rear differential and see what that does. But I can tell you that my car runs like a champ and perked right up after I did those two fixes; fuel filter and fuel pump.

I did the filter first hoping that was my problem. Nope it sort of helped. Then I did the pump. Great DIY here on Club Lexus. Crappy to do the same job twice but worth it.

A rear diff that's not working properly will "moan". A fuel pump is spinning at extremely high rpm and when it's cold - it's trying to run denser fuel into a pressurized delivery system. It will "whine" at an extremely high pitch.

Take out the rear seat bottom and drive the car when it's cold. Does the noise get really loud? That's a Denso fuel pump telling you something's not right.

Lukas99GS

Interesting, I will definately get my diff fluid changed here soon and see what that does because I know it hasn't been changed in years, curious how much the pump and filter ran you ?

MattyG

Let's see. I did a hodge podge because I wasn't sure what the issue was; fuel filter or pump or both. So it came out to $125 for the pump from Rock Auto. Filter was from Ebay at around $25? And strainer from the Toyota dealer for $25. So around $175 and my own labor.

You should probably just buy the whole set from Rock Auto: fuel pump, filter and strainer if you're going to change things out. Probably about $150ish. I'm quoting Canuck dollars so it would be less for you.

Lukas99GS

Hmm, new differential fluid didn't change it at all, I may go the new filter or pump route but probably have lexus try and diagnose it first