SC300T

Anyone have a vibration/noise/rattle accelerating from 1200-1800rpm in 2nd gear? Sounds like a clattering noise. My car has always had it. I thought it may have something to do with the clutch/transmission.

Its most noticeable when taking a right turn, you shift down to 2nd, and accelerate from around 15-20mph. It could just be a harmonic of the engine trying to accelerate from a low rpm --its in the range of "lugging" the engine a bit.

Anyone have an explanation on this?

SC300T

I guess nobody has a 5spd?

awj

Sorry man, I never noticed that with either 5 speed. Could only guess at what your experiencing.

Bean

iTrader: (1)

yup i've got a rattle in 2nd gear at low rpm... its very brief... but its def the tranny vibrating and not resonation

TGRich

Well, I never accelerate in 2nd (or any gear) at that low of rpm. I almost always have the tach above 2,000rpm, otherwise the engine is just struggline. According to lexus, the shift points for max fuel efficiency are
15 mph
25
40
45

I have had it where I shifted just a bit to early and until the rpms get up a little, I hear a very slight noise. You really have to listen for it though.


Tim

lawman

I do agree that I am not usually in 2nd gear at that low rpm, but last night on the way home I tried accelerating in 2nd gear from a stop, (@1000), quick shift from 1st to 2nd gear @1100, @1200-1500, down shift from 3rd, and from 4th all on straight roads and I did not pick up the sound you described. I did not take any turns with the shift in 2nd though. I thought for sure I would stall or vibrate big time when I started from a stop in 2nd gear but it picked up with little vibration just needed mucho gas.

SC300T

I wonder what it is... At first I thought it was an exhaust rattle. I don't generally lug the engine, but if you're making a fairly tight 90 degree right turn you get down to around 15mph-----What are you gonna do shift into 1st? I too think it may be tranny related---not a defect as few 4 or 6 cylinder cars are truely smooth at 1400rpm under load.

awj

I'm thinking you've probably done a few powershifts through the gears with that 400+ motor of yours and if that is the worst symptom we see, then hey - no problem.

I've got a leaky front main seal. Who wants to help me fix that? It's just a little bit, but I'm not happy about it.

Shellhouse

iTrader: (2)

Do you know about the aftermarket seal made by Titan or PHR (can't remember)? Common problem w/ the TT's, but I'm sure you've read about it.

5spdSC300

iTrader: (1)

i have the same noise but only in low rpms like you've said. it kinda does this vibrating sound or chatter. im not too sure what it is and am too lazy to check it out cause im going to swaping my motor fairly soon. if anyone knows i wouldn't mine knowing.

~Kevin

Patrick746

Some of the possible causes with the powertrain (not drivetrain) typical of toyota/lexus is the engine's harmonic balancer... the heavy as-hell dual mass flywheel and of course clutches from our "spirited" driving.... how do these things look??... I have a sc3 5spd... haven't had a problem... EVER

awj

Slasher - I didn't know of those. Thanks I'll check it out.

JDM

I have the same noise. It sounds like it comes from the rear and sounds like a vibrating heat shield of some sort. I might go have it looked at sooner or later.

vince1128

got it in my automatic... .i thought it was my motor mounts, it only happens when im on the gas

laxdude362

iTrader: (1)

Just a guess but maybe try replacing your transmission mount. Even if that isn't the problem it wouldn't hurt. I would like to replace mine soon and it is real simple. My friend with an SC300 5spd replaced his and he said it was like alot smoother and less vibration.