TXSM868

The other day I was under the body of my 2012 RX to install a towing hitch and saw something that caused my curiosity. It is a piece of metal, about 8 X 4 inch, that seems to be constructed by sticking several small metal pieces together, all sitting on a rubber seat. If I touch it, it would shake. I took a picture of it (attached) - it's in the middle, and kind of rusty.

Anyone know what it is? And more importantly what is it for? I thought the stuff under the car should all be solid and steady but this thing looked (and felt) so fragile.

Thanks,

Tim

LeoDLion

I look under the car but can not find anything similar to that. Exactly where is this located under the car? I wonder if it is part of the system that tie down the car in a ship during shipping?

txes

Looks like a Flux Capacitor.
😲

RickC5

Funny! I have the same "device" under my 2010. It doesn't appear to perform any useful function to me, but what do I know. Obviously a Japanese mystery.....

dwlink

My best guess is that its a passive vibration damper

vince22

i have no idea ? here's mine. looks empty.

[IMG][/IMG]

TXSM868

Thanks for all the responses.

It's in the middle of two rear wheels and in front of the axle beam (if you look at it from the rear direction). As I said, it sits on a some kind of robber or spring so when you push it it would turn to one side but afterward it would bounce right back to balance.

Whatever it is, it looks flimsy and as you can see in the picture, it is already rusty, which concerns me.

Tim

LeoDLion

If the dealer confirms that it is not use, I'll have it taken out. It's extra weight you don't need. Besides it may come off and hit something while you are driving.

offroad200

It is a vibration dampener for the rear drivetrain on AWD models. It's not attached to that bar. Just looks that way in the pictures.

SteveCraig

Curious, just looked at ours. That piece is there, it's an AWD model. Floats free from the rear swaybar + is suspended by rubber mounts. Vibration damper makes sense.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

I wonder if it'd show up on the parts diagrams at Sewell?

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...X350-2012.html

offroad200

Should be 41196. Described as
"4119648030
DAMPER, REAR DIFFERENTIAL DYNAMIC (AWD) (JPP)"

Raoul

Dang, post #2 said it was probably a leftover shipping tie-down.

Next time I'll read the whole thread before I go at the car with a crowbar.

LeoDLion

I assumed you are saying that in jest. Btw, you don't use a crowbar to remove the thing. A stick of TNT will do a better job.