boatracer

I just bought a new RX350 (used to have a 2002 RX300 and loved it) and after two days started hearing a lot of road noise coming from the rear of the car. It is not your typical noise it sounds more like a tinting noise (air going over metal), but it occurs more when I drive over a rought asphalt road. When I drive over a smooth asphalt road I don't hear it. It is really annoying.

I took it back to the dealer and they said it is acceptable noise level. I am not satisfied with it and ready to sell the car and buy something else if I can't come up with a solution.

I love the car, but very disappointed in the road noise.

Are there better tires that I could put on that wouldn't have the loud road noise especially over rougher asphalt roads?

GoodDrivin

You may have a dud, I don't recall hearing any air over metal type noise going over rough ashpalt. And I have about 1500 miles on mine. Mine is an awd though.

The rx350 is quite a bit louder than the other lexus's.

Good luck

Carbon~IS

Before you sell your car, why don't you try a new set of tires?? It just might be the tires that you have on is prone to alot of road noise.

jfelbab

Tirerack.com has quietness ratings of tires.

The Goodyears were 6.1 out of 10.
The Michelin were 7.8 out of 10.
The Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza were 8.5 out of 10.

All that said, if you have another dealership in the area I'd take it there first and get a second opinion.

jim256

'Might be something loose on the roof rack, but if you aren't used to an SUV or wagon, there's a big open cavity behind you that will tend to enhance some sounds. As the dealer to take you for a ride in a similar car on the bad road and see what it does.

boatracer

Thanks for the info. I am going back to the dealer to drive another car with the same tires to see if I hear the same noise. I am also going to look into the Bridgestone tires. Although after spending all this money on the car, I hate to spend more to replace brand new tires. But I guess it is better than buying another new car.

I do have another dealer in the area that I will try first.

mluc98

I have RX 330 2006, 8000 miles on it. first i have the rattle noise at dash board, dealer fixed it. now i have the same problem that the road noise so loud when i drive in the rough road (Michelin tires). it is even louder than my 2000 4Runner.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

like what everone else said you might have a set of bad tires, but dont rule out the suspension. just cuz the dealer said its ok doent mean they are right or give a damn about it. tires i dont think are covered under warranty. you have the goodyear rs-as right?

The G Man

I assume you have already check your tire pressure.

Orzel

iTrader: (1)

We went from Goodyears to Michelin on our RX and there isn't any noticable addition to the road noise. There was however a significant improvement in handling!

mandyfig

How did Lexus decide on the Goodyears, I never had success on Goodyears, they are overpriced and over rated. Michelins are, too. I would love to ride on Yokohama's.

JimsGX

I have the 18" Michelin's as well. I also find them to be loud over rough pavement. I'm considering the Goodyear Eagle Responsedge tires in 255/55/18... They're almost the exact same circumference as the Michelin's but slightly wider. I like the look of the sidewall better than the Alenza. So far, the tirerack and forum reviews have been very positive and they compare very favorably to the reviews on tirerack of the Alenza's. From the poor reviews I've seen of the Michelin's in the snow, I figure I'll have to replace them in the fall anyways. I have 5500 miles on them.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....1=yes&place=15

RXSF

i had the RSA Goodyears for two sets. They dont last long, and the road noise is much worse on those. Those are also rated bad in snow, michelines actually a little better.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

i was going to put yokohama advan ST's when i changed but they were either Y or W rated and would only last maybe 25K at most and i need the tires to last 30-35K when i return the car when the lease is up. Instead i went with NITTO 420S. They are v-rated, summer tires have a better load handling, can go at least 30-35K. Also, they handle much much better, are just as quiet, and great through water, dunno about snow. oh yeah cheaper too. the factory goodyears are just too expensive.

mandyfig

How much were the Nitto's? This is GA so I can use Summer tires year long.