Hello
I just bought our Lexus ES 350 used six months ago, and it has 26000 miles on it. We love it so far.
On smooth roads I have noticed that as I start up and increase speed that a low frequency
roar noise like a bearing sound. The sound does not change with engine speed or trans shifting or road surface.
It is a constant sound with speed. It sounds just like a bad bearing I have heard in the past.
It is a very low freq at low speeds but as the car speed up the freq turns slightly higher.
The tires are the factory tires that come with the car - TOYO tires.
Have not had a chance to take it to a dealer since I live 100 miles from the nearest dealer.
Just thought you guys might have some experience on this so I can inform the dealer. Noise's are so hard
to deal with. We are a old honda family and are hoping the lexus will be just as great of a experience.
Thanks for your Help.
C J

 

At 26k miles, I'd be surprised if you have a problem with the bearings, but i haven't checked the TSB, so I guess it's possible. I'd lean more toward the tires for two reasons.
1. at 26k miles, it's not out of the question for the tires to develop a problem
2. its easy to diagnose a tire problem without driving to the dealer. Try rotating them and see if the noise changes at all.

My car came stock with Bridgestone tires.