For some reason, made a number of U-turns today, but wasn’t pleased to hear some type of crunching sound coming from the front when giving the car gas with the steering wheel at full lock. Anyone else experience this? What might be causing it? Normal or not? Thanks.

 

Heard the same sound but don't know how to describe it, I can feel it on steering wheel. Felt like something was rubbing.

 

Hmm; yes, maybe something rubbing or maybe a gear crunching-like sound; not a good sound. Wonder if there's anything to be done about this. Do you have AWD? May have to do same, but from the sound, doesn't sound like it should be happening regardless.

First presented itself yesterday, I made like three u-turns, two of which were to the left. The roads were wet...

 

If you have an AWD this is going to be normal. All 4 wheels being powered at slow speeds on a full lock turn will make this happen. It's present on the previous generation as well.

 

Hmm; okay; thanks; it's a really bad sounding crunching sound, however, my BMW 750Li xDrive not having same, but if normal for the IS, it's normal, I suppose.

Do all Lexus AWD models present with same?

 

I've noticed this too, and it was posted in another thread somewhere. I think it's probably due to the very tight turning circle of the IS. When the wheels are both turned at such sharp angles, the significant difference in circumference of the inner vs outer wheel likely causes this noise at the tires.

 

I have RWD but sound is there, it was the same on the second gen IS so I'm not too worry about it.

 

I experienced this the first 2000 miles. It disappeared once I broke the car in, I guess

 

I have the same sound but it's more of a constant faint grinding sound. I have the Turanza all-seasons and AWD.

I wonder if tires have anything to do with it.

Also, any feedback from folks running aftermarket wheels/tires?

 

I have a RWD with summer tires and I've had this happen to me too. I just try to not turn the wheel as much. The sound was pretty heart wrenching the first time I heard it, seriously thought I scratched my car.