dlamb89

EDIT 2: I hear it even after 70 mph now.
EDIT: it occurs no matter what load I give it, but it's way louder the heavier the throttle.
Man, I thought I wouldn't get anymore noises, guess not. So this just occurred a few days ago, I get this high pitched whistle noise between 65 and up mph, after about 80, it starts to fade away.


I don't know if this has anything to do with it. I don't think so, given it happened about a month ago. One time, I accidentally pushed her into neutral while going about 50 mph. I used my best instinct to push the engine to the relevant amount of RPMs to the speed I was going at, and the gear as well, then put it back into drive. It didn't jolt that much, it seemed smooth actually. However, this happened a month ago before this occurrence, so I'm not sure if it relates, or if it even caused any damage. I've never done that before to it, and I don't drive like a maniac. I'll give her WOT here and there, but not that often.

Here's a blatant video of it. Noise starts @ 0:03

dlamb89

Bump. I'm surprised, I thought this one would be a doozy.

dlamb89

so, this issue hasn't been experienced, or heard by anyone?? No one can even point me to a certain direction?

dlamb89

Well, I hate to bump this thread over and over, but I've done alot of research, and everything points to the differential pinion bearing. The transmission fluid has been changed and looks red. But, is just a drain and refill good enough?

I've heard some say a flush is recommended, while most say it is damaging to the trans. What if the trans was drain and refilled of all of its fluid? I also looked it up and apparently the differential and torque converter share the same reservoir.

What would you all recommend to keep the tranny in tip top shape? Drain and refill of the entire fluid? Please reply. I know you guys got somethin...

PFB

The reason that a complete fluid drain and refill is not a good idea is the following:

When you do a complete drain and refill, you basically introduce about 9 quarts of brand new transmission fluid. The additives and detergents associated with so much fluid, have a good chance of dislodging some previously harmless varnish that's currently there. This now loose varnish can clog vital transmission passages, causing transmission failure.

For the same reason, a complete transmission flush is an even worse idea. In fact, because of the pressure, the chance of dislodging varnish is much higher.

The safest bet is a plain drain and refill (about 1/2 the fluid), than a repeat every 20,000-30,000 miles or so. Doing it more often that that is also a bad idea.

You didnt't specify the year or milage on your car, nor if you ever changed transmission fluids before, but either way, I don't know if your transmission has any varnish built-up or not, and you probably you don't know either. So why take a chance?

Also, make sure you use the Lexus specified Transmission Fluid for your car. Don't add any additives, and don't overfill, or under-fill.

Phil

dlamb89

Thanks for clearing this up. I am at 130k, I purchased it at 110k, the carfax shows it's been maintained very well up until 100k. Up until then, I changed it when it was bought. The fluid was definitely old, but it did not have excess shavings. It didn't smell either. The trans shifts smooth as butter, no slip, no nothing. Just this noise that occurs.

dlamb89

So, a pinion bearing breaking will cause a trans lockup, and that could be fatal on the road.

What symptoms should I look out for as in terms of knowing when it's so bad to that point, that I should swap the transmission, or change the differential out? Will it be less responsive, slip during load or shifting, rev and stall from a dead stop, have a grinding noise, or the existing noise just plain gets louder?

Lastly, is there anything I could use to lessen this problem, or slow down the wear of the differential?

Just please let me know what symptoms I should look out for when it's time to service the differential, as I would not like me, or my girlfriend to experience this on the road, as I'm sure you guys wouldn't want the same for you all, or us.

If I get no responses, I will make a new thread with a new video, along with some outside info I've found. For example, apparently since I only hear it at certain speeds, it could be improper backlash.

Thanks again for reading..