Hi all, wondering if anybody had the vvt-i cams replaced for the engine start rattle/ grinding. I called the dealer today and the answer was that they didn't hear about that noise before. I hope i will be able to reproduce it for them but it is very intermittent...

 

is it a manual IS250?

 

My dealer fixed it for me. I got lucky and was able to record that noise the first time i tried recording it. Just record every time before start up, it will eventually show up.

 

It's an AWD so AT. I'm doing the recording now, so far I just caught a mild rattle. Mine seems to be doing it when warm, after sitting for 30-40 minutes or on an incline.
I'm running Mobil 1 5w30 but I do not think it matters.
Was yours doing it when warm or cold?

 

iirc it happened during cold start. If you can hear it from the recording, bring it to the dealer and give it a try.

 

furryjet, which dealer did you bring it to? Mine was like this since last year and never had the time to get it fixed.. BTW was it covered under the drivetrain warranty?


meis250, use this video for the dealer to hear it. Or, use your phone to record off the video in case they give you any issues that you took it off from someone else video ...

 

I brought it to Northshore Lexus, and ya it was covered under the drivetrain warranty, no lexus should ever sound like that!

 

my is250 awd drive sounds like that on cold start !

 

i have the same sound its the cam gear. They're replacing it right now!

07 is 350 at 67k miles

 

well, I haven't heard the rattle in the next week since I started recording almost each start...and I do not want anyone to touch my engine if there's no issue to talk about but I am telling you I heard it quite a few times.
Thanks all for your replies, I will keep you in the loop

 

ima take off my intake now and call them about this noise !

 

wait do you think they would say anything about having the intake !

 

And here is an update: I am going to have the car in the shop on Wednesday to replace the cam gears, as per the grinding noise TSB. I could hear the grinding probably 2 times a week.

 

ok, TSB2448 performed, cam gears replaced, so far so good.

 

i got it done at openroad lexus 3 years ago, but after a year, the sound comes back. so i dunno if they really fix it or not.