So I'm new to the all time awd car thing. I came from a 4x4 truck which 4x4 was never engaged on pavement or in tight cornering. When maneuvering my is250 awd in tight spots ie. parking lots and the front wheels are at full lock in either forward or revers there is a slight binding/grinding feeling or faint noise. Is this normal on an awd car or Lexus specific???

Did a quick search and didn't find much about this issue. I'm pretty sure its not tire rub.....stock set up.

 

When your wheels are at full lock and you hear clicking while rolling, culprit could be the axle.
I have the 350 awd and never ran across this problem.

 

I've got a 2014 250 awd model. Don't have that issue. Is yours a 2014 or later?

 

it's 2015 fsport 1500km on it. 1 month old. it's only at low speeds with full lock turns. it's subtle but I can obviously notice it. no issues besides that's.

 

It's one of the very first things I noticed with my AWD. It's almost like the tires are slightly sliding when the wheel is cranked. The sound is definitely unsettling.

 

If it's the tires making the noise, it's due to the tight turning radius.

 

I hear/feel that too with my 2015 IS250 AWD so I try not to lock the front wheels all the way. I believe the power distribution to the front axial is biased at least to 30% so it wouldn't be unexpected.

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2015 IS250 AWD
Nebula Gray/Stratus Gray

 

For your sake, take it back to the dealer right away. That's very unsettling, especially for a new Lexus.

 

Hey Smitty,

Have you got the NAV and ML stereo system? If so, any issues?

 

I will be booking a service apt to have it looked at and have a paper trail for down the road.

I was able to take an AWD IS demo out for a rip and was able to replicate the noise/feeling with that car as well. Might be the norm I'm guessing ?!

I have the non-ML and the only issue I have had was a momentary freeze when switching songs and and a text msg came in at the same time.

 

Just an update if interested. I just brought the car into the dealer. the noise is "feathering" of the front tires during tight radius turns. basically outside cornered edge of tire making the noise. They checked the alignment and it was all in spec. Nothing mechanical or gears grinding which is good to know.