Trever1t

Hi all, new to the forum but not new to forums. I hail from San Jose, CA.

Question: Picking up a RX 350 tomorrow and have a question regarding road noise. In cab road noise is louder than either our '99 Camry or '06 basic Tacoma. I am guessing bearing after reading a bit. It does sound like how my 4wd would sound when 4hi was engaged.

2007 RX 350
90K + miles.

Is this a common complaint, is bearing noise fairly common?

thomas1

first, welcome aboard, and yes there have been bearing failures....Now you have to figure out which one if that is your problem.

Trever1t

Thanks for the quick reply Thomas1. Ya, I guess I'll get it up on a lift. Replacing costly if I have it done at a non-dealership? BTW I'm in San Jose.

RX330inFL

What you are hearing could just be road noise from the tires. Not uncommon either. The 2nd Generation RX was never known to be dead quiet and some tires make the problem worse. Even worn tires not rotated properly can be noisy. Does not mean I would not have the bearing inspected, however, if you do not find a problem that would be my next item to inspect.

As for the wheel bearings and their cost, it really depends which axle and if you have FWD or AWD. For the fronts you can get new bearings pressed in. For the rears you have to purchase a new hub assembly with the FWD assembly being more expensive than the AWD version. A Lexus dealership would probably be the most expensive place to have these replaced if bad. A local Toyota shop could be a cheaper alternative. Local independent shops can be cheaper but not always depending on their labor charges and parts price markup. The best recommendation would be for you to get several quotes for the work. There is likely to be a wide range.

Finally, at 90K it would be a good idea to look at what all fluids have been replaced besides just the oil. Power steering, transmission, rear differential if you have AWD, radiator fluid, brake fluid, etc. should be inspected and replaced. The PS fluid has no interval listed (is actually a DEXRON ATF), however, it should be replaced. They say the transmission fluid is lifetime, but many here find that a bad idea. If you have these done now you will be able to set your own intervals to ensure years of carefree driving.

Trever1t

Thank you for the detailed response and great suggestions! It's an AWD and it sounds like it's coming from the front but I know that can be deceiving. I'll report back with what I find out Monday, thanks again!

RX330inFL

Here is an existing thread on the topic of road noise on the RX.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...noise-hum.html

RX330inFL

BTW, the wheel bearings on 2nd Generation AWD RX is a common theme of failure and it seems to always be the rear ones which are causing problems. Not so much a problem on FWD RX. Requires a new hub assembly. This is the part for the rear from Advance Auto Parts as an example:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...r+hub+assembly

Trever1t

Thanks again!

RX330inFL

Take a look at the tires as well while you are looking things over. Note the brand, condition and size. Make sure they did not slap on a set of cheap tires. Hopefully, the shop will replace any bad bearing/hub assemblies before you make the purchase.

Trever1t

Thanks. Buying from the wife's cousin at almost half the KKB fair price and it's in otherwise excellent condition so a few minor issues are not to big a deal

jgr7

iTrader: (1)

Might just be tires, my wifes was making the same type of noise so I took it to an independent shop to have bearings checked and it was just tire wear. I replaced tires and it is now much better.

Carver

It was tires on mine as well, sounded exactly like bearings. I even got a better price because the dealer thought it was bearings as well. At 90k it well may be bearings but either way be sure to get a good 4 wheel alignment.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

+1...check tires first

Vinny18

Welcome Trever, I'm from San Jo too! There's a lot of Rx's around. I pass by several everyday. Popular vehicles and there's a reason, you'll love it

Trever1t

Thanks all and Vinny, maybe I'll see you on the streets!