kyle0k

My 2006 Is350 with 115k miles has recently started making an unfamiliar noise. At first the sound itself sounded like there is something wrong with the radiator fan but as soon as you open up the hood, its obvious the noise is coming from the engine area itself.

I have tried to capture the sound as best as possible, if you can't hear it I will try to grab another video. Its not the ticking sound, which from my understanding is normal for these engines and has always been there. Its the sound that almost sounds like its in the background, but its actually coming straight from the engine.


Anyone have any idea?

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Check out the water pump pulley for excessive play.

509IS350

iTrader: (5)

Sorry to hear that. In for info. Damn that motor is dirty. Lol

kyle0k

I will check the pulley. If thats whats making the noise, do I replace the pulley and water pump or is it just the water pump? Any DIY on replacing the water pump ? I found a IS250 manual on replacing it, but I figure the engine is a bit different. Also the service manual isn't too detailed...

Thanks for the advice

kyle0k

Ok, I checked the pulley and it doesn't seem to have play with the engine off or at idle. I have attached a video. You can hear the noise much better in this video, halfway through the video is the best.


Water pump failure would make the most sense for my milage and the IS350 track record. However I gotta say.. The sound REALLY sounds like its coming from the top of the engine area , nearest the firewall. I'm sure its possible the noise is getting thrown around. Is this common?

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

No speakers here at work, but if it is coming from the firewall area...perhaps a heat shield rattling? Have you installed an aftermarket header or exhaust?

BTW, the only TRUE way to tell if you have got a water pump pulley going out is slipping off the accessory belt and giving the pulley the business. That, and seeing pink coolant crust underneath it. (Sidenote, my 350's water pump was replaced at 27k miles by the previous owner).

kyle0k

Ok guys, so the noise has been getting louder.

I did a thorough check around the water pump area and there is no pink. There is pink crusties around the coolant reservoir but I assume thats normal and maybe from the previous owner putting some in there(bought it 50k miles ago though)?

Even with no leak and no overheating issues, I'm guessing it could be the bearing then? Is that something that required replacing of the water pump?

If so, what parts do I buy other than just the water pump itself, to bring to a mechanic ?

Thanks!

guesswh0

Geeze, that sound is loud. I had the similar sound in my car a few months back but wasn't as loud as yours.

I went to get my water pump replaced and it solved the problem. That might be your issue but I am not sure. Someone else with expertise should chime in.

kyle0k

It sounds alot like this guys:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...ne-rattle.html

Except his seems way louder, I have to really get in there for my phone to pick up the sound, and in his video its glaringly apparent.

Seems like it was his water pump as well..

panda08

iTrader: (1)

yeah you need a new water pump. just like in his case, its not leaking but the bearings inside the pump are on its last legs. pully may not wiggle cause its bolted to the pump itself. have your dealer check it out, may be under warrranty.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Unless you have an extended warranty, I doubt Lexus will be covering the water pump at 115k miles. But the good thing is that if you're handy in the garage, you can do the water pump yourself for around $300. At this time its probably a good chance to replace the accessory belt too.

seouljahon

iTrader: (1)

sounds horrible, let me know what you find out

diljay

iTrader: (1)

From my experience, that sounds like the bearing on the water pump pulley. Like Gville350 stated, installation of a new water pump is fairly easy if your handy with tools. I changed my water pump out of my IS250 at 50k and I'm assuming it should be the same process for you since both models share the same P/Ns. If you do decide to DIY, I would purchase an OEM pump and remaining accesories from Sewell Lexus because their CL discounts are freaking awesome!

http://is.sewellparts.com/search.html

kyle0k

Can you guys tell me what the remaining accessories that I need other than the pump ( part # 1610039436)?

Also any DIY's out there? I couldn't find anything other than a factory manual which is generally very vague. (no pictures and just some diagrams).

kyle0k

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