sleepybobcat

My '01 RX300 has been making a very LOUD sanding
noise when starting up in cold morning... It sounds as
if the metal is grinding the plastic, but I couldn't pin-
point the noise under the hood. It goes away after a
couple of minutes of warming up.

I can't take it to the dealer until next week...
Any guesses on what the cause might be? Thanks!

LexRX

Very sorry to hear that bobcat. I really don't know what that could be. I just hated to see your post had no replies and many, many views. It doesn't feel to good to have no one reply. Just wanted to let you know I'm watching out for ya. Good luck at the dealer.

-Nick

sleepybobcat

Thanks, LexRX...

I was able to drop my RX at the dealer on Friday...
They couldn't find the noise because the car was warm,
but they did lubricate a few parts around the engine.

This morning, I started it up and the noise was still there.
However, I had more time to test it. I have pin-
pointed the noise to the A/C compressor. If the A/C
is switched off(the light off) during initial cold morning start-up,
the noise goes away. Is the compressor supposed to
be engaged at start up?(it's in the 30s outside, and about
55 in my garage)

I'll go back to the dealer next week and have them see
if there's anything wrong with the compressor. I'm not
too worried though... My '01 RX300's Lexus warranty is
good for another 75000 miles. (current mileage 25000
out of a Lexus 100,000 warranty) I probably drive too much
because I've only had it for a year...

LexRX

You have been driving a lot, huh I would think that the compresson is supposed to be engaged when you start the vehicle. I'm not exactly sure at what temperature it shuts off. Our 99 LS400, when in fully automatic mode, shuts off the A/C - compressor - when it is cold out. You can tell because the a/c light goes off, but you can manually turn it on by pushing the button. I think the HVAC system just realizes that is isn't necessary to have it on.

The RX, I think, is less sophisticated, and I always thought that, no matter the temp, if the a/c button it on then the compressor will cycle on and off normally. It will immediately turn on when you crank the vehicle. You sure it's not a belt making the noise? Turning the compressor on and off will effect belt noise. Just a thought b/c I had a noisy belt that was replaced. Happened under 14k miles.

-Nick

RX300TC

Same here, just had belts replaced at 15k (under warranty) due to noise (screeching) when started up in the morning.

Since Bob's problem only happens when cold, you're more than likely going to have to leave it and take a loaner. Good luck.

sleepybobcat

Just an update....

My RX300 is with the dealer again. This is the second dealer...
The first one couldn't figure out what's wrong and kept
lubricating the belt.(obviously didn't solve the noise problem)

I'm now pretty sure the noise orinigates from the left side
of the engine(when facing it), somwhere near the belts. There's
a round-shaped black cover above the belts and the noise
is strongest there.(possibly from within)

Now the noise is present, regardless of the AC compressor,
so it's been ruled out as the cause.

Keeping my fingers crossed for now...