Madsci625

2006 IS350 RWD Auto. Rattling sound coming from transmission area at idle and low speeds. Much worse in "D"rive and when pointing downhill. No performance issues whatsoever.

Video is of the open center console area, sitting at idle in D with brake on. I rev the engine towards the end. The rattling isn't this bad all the time. Worse when cold, I think.


I also inspected under the car. Didn't see anything. Couldn't pinpoint the sound from under the car because it wouldn't rattle in idle while I had the car up. I have a feeling I'm headed to the dealership soon haha

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Dude, that really doesn't sound like an internal trans issue; it sounds like a plastic-like vibration coming from the console area. It could perhaps mean that the trans mounts are going or are gone and are shaking everything more than normal.

GL!

Madsci625

that's what I originally thought but there is nothing vibrating in the console. actually, it sounds like it is coming from under the shifter. that sure what could be under there that would make such a loud sound.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^It could simply be a quarter lodged in there rattling against some plastic at certain harmonic levels.

NYKnick101

its something rattling against the shifter so i would suggest disassembling the shifter assembly and re assemble it, see if you see any loose parts that could be causing it. It sounds like a plastic rattle. Metal rattle or grinding creates a different noise all together

Madsci625

It might be under the shifter housing (linkage?) but I don't feel any vibration on the shifter or anywhere where I can get my hands for that matter. It's a pretty loud vibration given the minor vibrations coming from the engine but I don't feel it anywhere on the chassis in the center console area. Loose linkage bolts maybe?

Madsci625

Not seeing much that could be making the noise while still functioning.

pmanliu

iTrader: (4)

Does it make the same noise when you shift to N?

The reason i ask is because once inwhile while stopped in D, i get a knocking (or a donk donk donk donk) sound from my front passenger area. I've always attributed this to being lowered on AWD but now am suspicious. The sound goes away in Neutral though.

Madsci625

it's much more noticible in drive. it doesn't really do it in N or P.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Does it only do it at certain rpms (basically certain harmonic levels)? If the trans was on its way out, I'd assume it'd do it in all gears at all rpms.

Madsci625

No. It's only at idle and at low-RPMs. Basically when there is the most vibration in the car (engine working against the torque converter)

The transmission and engine perform flawlessly which leads me to think that maybe it is the shifter linkage. Might have to remove the exhaust to get it that though. Not sure.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

I'd start by removing all of the center console, as much as possible. Then start it up and take it for a spin and see what noises pop up.

GL!

stewb10

iTrader: (3)

How does it react once the car is up to operating temp? Im having a similar issue on cold start. When I put the car into drive at lower than operating temp, the trans seems to get pretty loud. Nothing at any other RPM or at all once warm, even on a warm startup. Just sounds like the trans is laboring. Ill try to get a video so we can compare the two.

2006 IS350 RWD

Madsci625

Finally got back under the car today. Jacked up on all 4's and turned the car on in D with the E-brake on. I was able to get the rattle going while I got under the car. Found this:

http://imgur.com/a/uqKXF/all

You can see where the bolt was "pecking" at the floor board and making that noise. There were actually two that were like this but only one was making noise I think. Put new stainless steel hose clamps on it. Haven't driven on it a bunch but I pretty sure this fixed it.

mike33

iTrader: (1)

^^^^
Yep, that'll do it. Good find...