2009 RX350 vibration & rumble
04-02-17, 09:58 PM
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2009 RX350 vibration & rumble
Hi everyone, I'm a new Lexus owner, and just bought a Matador Red 2009 RX350 a little over 3 months ago. Currently has 141k miles on it, and I had a center support bearing replaced that had started to squeal in -30 weather up here in northern MN. Ever since that time (perhaps coincidentally) it has developed a slight vibration and rumble that is felt under load while accelerating right at 30mph, and reserfuces again at 60+ mph (almost a helicopter like noise).
Seems like it can be manipulated a bit by throttle input/letting off suddenly, need to try putting in neutral at freeway speed to see if it goes away or not. Veering one way or the other, it's hard to tell if it changes much in terms of seeing if it's a wheel bearing issue. It's a seat of the pants type feeling and is not felt through the steering wheel. Very similar to how a bad u-joint feels on a driveshaft. I had all four tires rebalanced (18" Conti ExtremeContact), had the driveshaft rebalanced and inspected by a driveshaft shop, with no change in symptoms. Also had the shop inspect the rear CV axles with no blantant signs of issues. Have not had the front CV's pulled out to inspect. It does have a little bit of rear diff whine that is also manipulated by throttle input.
The shop is a little stumped and I am too. Anyone had a similar issue? Could it be my rear diff failing (already makes a slight whine)? Wheel bearing? CV axle issue? The vibration & rumble isn't terrible yet, but just annoying, and just vague enough to be hard to pinpoint. I hate to start guessing and throwing parts at it as that may get costly. But at the same time I want to get it taken care of before summer road trips.
I'd appreciate any suggestions or things to look for!
Seems like it can be manipulated a bit by throttle input/letting off suddenly, need to try putting in neutral at freeway speed to see if it goes away or not. Veering one way or the other, it's hard to tell if it changes much in terms of seeing if it's a wheel bearing issue. It's a seat of the pants type feeling and is not felt through the steering wheel. Very similar to how a bad u-joint feels on a driveshaft. I had all four tires rebalanced (18" Conti ExtremeContact), had the driveshaft rebalanced and inspected by a driveshaft shop, with no change in symptoms. Also had the shop inspect the rear CV axles with no blantant signs of issues. Have not had the front CV's pulled out to inspect. It does have a little bit of rear diff whine that is also manipulated by throttle input.
The shop is a little stumped and I am too. Anyone had a similar issue? Could it be my rear diff failing (already makes a slight whine)? Wheel bearing? CV axle issue? The vibration & rumble isn't terrible yet, but just annoying, and just vague enough to be hard to pinpoint. I hate to start guessing and throwing parts at it as that may get costly. But at the same time I want to get it taken care of before summer road trips.
I'd appreciate any suggestions or things to look for!
01-10-23, 04:41 PM
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Hi I know this was an old thread but did you ever figure out what the problem was? I have a 2009 and am experiencing the same issue with the vibration under slight changes in load. If I'm rolling and it starts to vibrate, if I put it in nuetral, the laod changes and it stops. Sometimes it may even feel like I am going over a rumble strip. Any advise would be appreciated. -
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andy00018
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10-31-23 11:34 AM
