ukrkoz

we have 99 RX300.
has 116K miles.
about 2 years ago, started developing a whistling noise somewhere from the rear. when i seat in the driver seat, it's coming from behind my right shoulder, from the back, and about my ear level. i am 6'5''. basically, sounds like upper part of tailgate.
it comes up only at high speeds. sometimes it's 55, always 65 and up. starts with slight hiss then turns into what i can describe as low pitch flute sound. whoooooooooooooo. it is speed relevant, pitch goes higher as speed increases.
it is absolutely annoying.
so far, i had additional seals added to the entire tailgate. rear roof rack removed. had entire tailgate taped around so that no air gets in. tried create positive pressure inside and sprayed soapy water on all doors and tailgate. nothing helps.
i asked my sons several times to locate the sound origin, while driving, they can't. it's somewhere in the back is there response. i tried it myself, and still can't pinpoint where it's coming from.
it's quite loud, actually.
yes, i did have rear diff fluid changed at 65K. it does not sound metallic or crunchy, like bearings. i have no idea.
anyone had this?

imherenow

hmmm fishy..y dont u record it and post it on youtube. i have no idea whats going on..do u get those sounds when u hit a bump on the road too?.

varithms

Next I would guess antenna mast. You could like a match and snuff it out and follow the smoke. Good luck, I also hate squeaks and rattles I know how you feel.

Dadikins

May sound very obvious, but make sure that all windows - AND SUNROOF - are completely closed

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Do you have the factory (actually, importer) spoiler above the tailgate?

thug9030

O that's easy. Its your wheel bearing I had the same problem a few years ago.. but take it to the shop to determine which wheel it is

ukrkoz

unfortunately, i am leaning towards thug's suggestion. antenna is not up, i had entire talegate sealed with ductape, spoiler wouldn't have showed itself only 2 years ago, in 11 years of ownership. and when i had positive pressure created inside, and sprayed all seams with soap water, there was no bubbles coming out on sunroof, or doors.
i'll get it out on hwy again with me in the back. if it's coming from tire well or lower portion, it's bearing. that will be easy to fix. rear diff is filled with Amsoil, i do not believe it went bad on us, besides, we almost never go on 4 or tow. towing was, actually, done only once, and rear diff fluid changed thereafter. also, i saw some other posts referring to bad rear hub bearings on those.
thank you all for suggestions.
it's just that that noise AWFULLY sounds like wind noise. oh well, never a moment without learning something new. i'll try to record it and post here for reference.

garne2t

Did you ever get this problem fixed? Please let us know the solution. Thanks.