LS460 Wind Noise Fix (continued discussion)
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 467
Likes: 2
From: MD
I had my dealer perform Jeff's fix (1st version of it) on my first 460L and it had no improvement what so ever. I have since turned that car in and have a new 460L. I've had it since June and just now it's getting to the point where I start hearing the wind noise. It was not present at the beginning, but I guess by now the double-sided tape is getting loose and more wind gets behind the triangle. The noise is not loud enough to bother me just yet, but I will get the fix done (my self this time) in about a month or so.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: CA
Update to the “jmcraney fix”. I redid this fix utilizing the new patch method. This completely resolved the issues I was having on the passenger side and made improvements to the driver side. Improvement observed in road noise, wind noise (sounds like the window is partially opened) as well as what I call wind distortion noise (wind blowing at the windows type sound but not sounding partially opened). After performing the fix I was still having wind noise (sounds like the window is partially opened) only on the driver side. I was still pretty convinced it was coming from a location close to the fix area.
Ready to take a break from trying to solve this issue I was offered encouraging advice to review both sides of the vehicles windows for alignment and or molding differences. I noticed that on the driver side (pretty close to where the fix took place there is rubber molding that aligns to the glass window) the molding was not coming into full contact with the window. There was in one area a little gap. I rolled the window down and injected some of the same silicon used in the fix to create an additional layer of the molding to prevent any gaps. This sealant fix I used was placed on the inside of the rubber molding such that when you closed the window it would rest on the silicon which is on the molding itself. From the outside you do not see anything. The 2 fixes I performed to date have completely resolved my issues. I was reluctant to post immediately but wanted to share what I found because it has been 3 days of the best driving experience I have had since owning the vehicle. 175+ miles driven in all types of conditions.
I can highly recommend any out there experiencing the wind noise to try the “jmcraney fix” You will observe improvments. If you do not obtain the results you are looking for continue to find what might be the problem. Thanks to all for sharing as this has helped me and thank you Jeff.
Ready to take a break from trying to solve this issue I was offered encouraging advice to review both sides of the vehicles windows for alignment and or molding differences. I noticed that on the driver side (pretty close to where the fix took place there is rubber molding that aligns to the glass window) the molding was not coming into full contact with the window. There was in one area a little gap. I rolled the window down and injected some of the same silicon used in the fix to create an additional layer of the molding to prevent any gaps. This sealant fix I used was placed on the inside of the rubber molding such that when you closed the window it would rest on the silicon which is on the molding itself. From the outside you do not see anything. The 2 fixes I performed to date have completely resolved my issues. I was reluctant to post immediately but wanted to share what I found because it has been 3 days of the best driving experience I have had since owning the vehicle. 175+ miles driven in all types of conditions.
I can highly recommend any out there experiencing the wind noise to try the “jmcraney fix” You will observe improvments. If you do not obtain the results you are looking for continue to find what might be the problem. Thanks to all for sharing as this has helped me and thank you Jeff.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: NJ
The dealer had attempted to fix it twice before and I was considering a buy back.
Come spring, I'm going to do the new fix. There is no more wind noise but I'm sure buy doing the new fix the outside noise will only become quieter in the cabin. Thanks again and again and again Jeff...
When the problem first arose the car had about 5k on it and a few months old. There was no way in hell I was going to fix a problem on a 77k car plus I wanted to educate the dealer and rep so they could use Jeff's procedure on other cars to help other customers. Now that the car is a little older I have no problem working on it plus I know I will do a much better job than the dealer ever would....
Last edited by garyr; Jan 20, 2009 at 09:39 AM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 557
Likes: 2
From: Midwest
Gentlemen,
We have a possible breakthrough on the wind noise issue officially from Lexus. I emailed my salesperson at the dealer this afternoon about the recalls on the LS460 and 460L and the RX 400h since we own both. Look at his reply below and pay particular attention what he says (on his own) about the wind noise issue. If Lexus is talking about the "triangle fix" that Jeff invented, then this is very exciting news. I just told the salesperson that I did the fix (Jeff's fix) on my own after I was not satisfied with what they did at the dealer. I am anxiously waiting to see what he says. Anyway here is what he said on his first response to me when I was asking about the recalls:
"Yes we were informed of the issues last week and are awaiting a report that provides us the VIN’s that are affected. Also, I am adding you to the list of LS460 owners that still experience wind noise. Lexus is releasing a new trim design next month and I want to have the parts ordered for your car so we can install this change. I will contact you on the other issues when we know what vehicles are affected".
If I missed this news I apologize, but to me this sounds like brand new information from Lexus about the infamous wind noise problem. It will be very interesting to see what Lexus has to say when this comes out next month.
We have a possible breakthrough on the wind noise issue officially from Lexus. I emailed my salesperson at the dealer this afternoon about the recalls on the LS460 and 460L and the RX 400h since we own both. Look at his reply below and pay particular attention what he says (on his own) about the wind noise issue. If Lexus is talking about the "triangle fix" that Jeff invented, then this is very exciting news. I just told the salesperson that I did the fix (Jeff's fix) on my own after I was not satisfied with what they did at the dealer. I am anxiously waiting to see what he says. Anyway here is what he said on his first response to me when I was asking about the recalls:
"Yes we were informed of the issues last week and are awaiting a report that provides us the VIN’s that are affected. Also, I am adding you to the list of LS460 owners that still experience wind noise. Lexus is releasing a new trim design next month and I want to have the parts ordered for your car so we can install this change. I will contact you on the other issues when we know what vehicles are affected".
If I missed this news I apologize, but to me this sounds like brand new information from Lexus about the infamous wind noise problem. It will be very interesting to see what Lexus has to say when this comes out next month.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 310
From: TX
2008 LS460 Wind Noise Buyback
This is the first evidence that I have found that Lexus did any wind noise buybacks of 2008 LS models. This one mentions the "Lemon Law" so maybe it was not "voluntary."
This one is a 2008 LS460, VIN JTHBL46F585065636.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...ht_6887wt_1357
If you don't want to chase the link, here is what it said:
Quote:
This is a loaded up ls 460! This unit has a lemon law manufacture buyback title. This unit was bought back for a complaint of wind noise. The seals were replaced and Lexus put it back on the market! Save huge bucks with this unit!
End Quote
This one is a 2008 LS460, VIN JTHBL46F585065636.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...ht_6887wt_1357
If you don't want to chase the link, here is what it said:
Quote:
This is a loaded up ls 460! This unit has a lemon law manufacture buyback title. This unit was bought back for a complaint of wind noise. The seals were replaced and Lexus put it back on the market! Save huge bucks with this unit!
End Quote
Last edited by jmcraney; Jan 27, 2009 at 07:38 AM.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: cA
Interesting - I wonder if Lemon Law on the title is anything like "Salvage" on the title - start with 40% diminished value and go from there.
Pats - let us know if you get more information - Part #'s etc.. would be ideal.
Looks like over time the 'noise' has a good chance of developing if you don't hear it initially. We are only at 2K miles on our LS L but wife has told me she hears some noise on the freeway/passing trucks etc...
Pats - let us know if you get more information - Part #'s etc.. would be ideal.
Looks like over time the 'noise' has a good chance of developing if you don't hear it initially. We are only at 2K miles on our LS L but wife has told me she hears some noise on the freeway/passing trucks etc...
Last edited by terrain; Jan 27, 2009 at 01:30 PM.
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CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 310
From: TX
Another 2009 LS460 With The Wind Noise Option
This review was just posted on yahoo.com for a 2009 LS460L (RWD).
http://autos.yahoo.com/2009_lexus_ls-reviews_user/
If you don't want to chase the link, here is what it said:
Quote:
by Aiden O'malley
from Chicago, IL
on 01/28/2009
Pros: Less expensive than a Mercedes Benz or BMW
Cons: Wind noise, breakes and trans!!!
New
This has been a nightmare for me. I have not had this many problems with my 2004 BMW 7 Series or my 97 Mercedes Benz S500. I have 8,000 miles with too many problems to list. Long story short.... Wind noise that dealer found the problem, can't fix it. Breakes are finnaly fixed after taken the car to the dealer 5 times. The trans was replace once.
End Quote
http://autos.yahoo.com/2009_lexus_ls-reviews_user/
If you don't want to chase the link, here is what it said:
Quote:
by Aiden O'malley
from Chicago, IL
on 01/28/2009
Pros: Less expensive than a Mercedes Benz or BMW
Cons: Wind noise, breakes and trans!!!
New
This has been a nightmare for me. I have not had this many problems with my 2004 BMW 7 Series or my 97 Mercedes Benz S500. I have 8,000 miles with too many problems to list. Long story short.... Wind noise that dealer found the problem, can't fix it. Breakes are finnaly fixed after taken the car to the dealer 5 times. The trans was replace once.
End Quote
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 310
From: TX
Another LS Wind Noise Buyback On eBay (#12)
Here is another wind noise buyback on eBay - eleven 2007 LSs and one 2008 so far.
This one is a 2007 LS460 VIN JTHBL46F875048814.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...ht_3724wt_1521
If you don't want to chase the link, here is what it said:
Quote:
Manufacturer buyback for Wind noise. We have sold few LS460's that were bought back for wind noise at high speeds (over 130mph). The vehicle carries the same original factory warranty. What is Manufacturer buyback? When the vehicle goes back to the dealership for the same problem more than twice. In certain states the law requires the manufacturer to buy the vehicle back from the consumer if they are unsatisfied, and Lexus likes to maintain their top consumer satisfaction ratings. The manufacturer is required to repair the problem and provide documentation before reselling the vehicle. The advantage: you save thousands compared to the market price on a similar LS460 and you get the same manufacturer warranty and the problem is fixed. By law because it is a buyback the car will have a branded title. Please feel free to contact Joe at 678-994-8585 if you have any additional questions.
End Quote
Here is a running list, including this one, of the 2007 and 2008 LSs that I have found on eBay with "Wind Noise Buyback" notations in the ad. I suspect we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg.
#1 JTHBL46F775045743 2007 LS460
#2 JTHGL46F875003331 2007 LS460L
#3 JTHGL46F175008967 2007 LS460L
#4 JTHGL46F975002186 2007 LS460L
#5 JTHBL46F875008216 2007 LS460
#6 JTHGL46F475017758 2007 LS460L
#7 JTHGL46F175009066 2007 LS460L
#8 JTHGL46F575004856 2007 LS460L
#9 JTHGL46F875018220 2007 LS460L
#10 JTHGL46F075016218 2007 LS460L
#11 JTHBL46F585065636 2008 LS460
#12 JTHBL46F875048814 2007 LS460
This one is a 2007 LS460 VIN JTHBL46F875048814.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...ht_3724wt_1521
If you don't want to chase the link, here is what it said:
Quote:
Manufacturer buyback for Wind noise. We have sold few LS460's that were bought back for wind noise at high speeds (over 130mph). The vehicle carries the same original factory warranty. What is Manufacturer buyback? When the vehicle goes back to the dealership for the same problem more than twice. In certain states the law requires the manufacturer to buy the vehicle back from the consumer if they are unsatisfied, and Lexus likes to maintain their top consumer satisfaction ratings. The manufacturer is required to repair the problem and provide documentation before reselling the vehicle. The advantage: you save thousands compared to the market price on a similar LS460 and you get the same manufacturer warranty and the problem is fixed. By law because it is a buyback the car will have a branded title. Please feel free to contact Joe at 678-994-8585 if you have any additional questions.
End Quote
Here is a running list, including this one, of the 2007 and 2008 LSs that I have found on eBay with "Wind Noise Buyback" notations in the ad. I suspect we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg.
#1 JTHBL46F775045743 2007 LS460
#2 JTHGL46F875003331 2007 LS460L
#3 JTHGL46F175008967 2007 LS460L
#4 JTHGL46F975002186 2007 LS460L
#5 JTHBL46F875008216 2007 LS460
#6 JTHGL46F475017758 2007 LS460L
#7 JTHGL46F175009066 2007 LS460L
#8 JTHGL46F575004856 2007 LS460L
#9 JTHGL46F875018220 2007 LS460L
#10 JTHGL46F075016218 2007 LS460L
#11 JTHBL46F585065636 2008 LS460
#12 JTHBL46F875048814 2007 LS460
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 310
From: TX
Oops! Here Is Another Wind Noise Buyback On eBay - #13
Here is another wind noise buyback on eBay.
This one is a 2007 LS460 VIN JTHBL46F075008162.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...t_30305wt_1521
If you don't want to chase the link, here is what it said:
Quote:
Here is an absolutely gorgeous 2007 Lexus LS460! The Spinel Nobel Mica exterior with the Dark Brown Ash Burl matched to the Alabaster leather interior is absolutely stunning. The original MSRP on this car is $70,657 but our reserve is a fraction of that. This car is a Lexus manufacurer's buyback for wind noise. The problem has been corrected and you get the balance of the Lexus factory warranty. Check out the high level of equipment on this car:
End Quote
The latest eBay wind noise buyback tally, including this one, looks like this:
#1 JTHBL46F775045743 2007 LS460
#2 JTHGL46F875003331 2007 LS460L
#3 JTHGL46F175008967 2007 LS460L
#4 JTHGL46F975002186 2007 LS460L
#5 JTHBL46F875008216 2007 LS460
#6 JTHGL46F475017758 2007 LS460L
#7 JTHGL46F175009066 2007 LS460L
#8 JTHGL46F575004856 2007 LS460L
#9 JTHGL46F875018220 2007 LS460L
#10 JTHGL46F075016218 2007 LS460L
#11 JTHBL46F585065636 2008 LS460
#12 JTHBL46F875048814 2007 LS460
#13 JTHBL46F075008162 2007 LS460
This one is a 2007 LS460 VIN JTHBL46F075008162.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...t_30305wt_1521
If you don't want to chase the link, here is what it said:
Quote:
Here is an absolutely gorgeous 2007 Lexus LS460! The Spinel Nobel Mica exterior with the Dark Brown Ash Burl matched to the Alabaster leather interior is absolutely stunning. The original MSRP on this car is $70,657 but our reserve is a fraction of that. This car is a Lexus manufacurer's buyback for wind noise. The problem has been corrected and you get the balance of the Lexus factory warranty. Check out the high level of equipment on this car:
End Quote
The latest eBay wind noise buyback tally, including this one, looks like this:
#1 JTHBL46F775045743 2007 LS460
#2 JTHGL46F875003331 2007 LS460L
#3 JTHGL46F175008967 2007 LS460L
#4 JTHGL46F975002186 2007 LS460L
#5 JTHBL46F875008216 2007 LS460
#6 JTHGL46F475017758 2007 LS460L
#7 JTHGL46F175009066 2007 LS460L
#8 JTHGL46F575004856 2007 LS460L
#9 JTHGL46F875018220 2007 LS460L
#10 JTHGL46F075016218 2007 LS460L
#11 JTHBL46F585065636 2008 LS460
#12 JTHBL46F875048814 2007 LS460
#13 JTHBL46F075008162 2007 LS460
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 310
From: TX
Another LS Wind Noise Buyback - #14
Here is another wind noise buyback.
This one is a 2007 LS460 VIN JTHBL46F275022984.
https://creditapp.autotrader.com/fyc...standard=false
If you don't want to chase the link, here is part of what it said:
Quote:
Manufacturer buyback for Wind noise. The vehicle carries the remainder of factory warranty. What is Manufacturer buyback? When the vehicle goes back to the dealership for the same problem more than twice. The manufacturer has to buy back the vehicle from the customer and fix the problem before reselling the vehicle. The advantage: you save thousands compared to the going price on a similar LS460 and you get the same manufacturer warranty and the problem is fixed. By law because it is a buyback the car will have a branded title.
End Quote
The latest wind noise buyback tally, including this one, looks like this:
#1 JTHBL46F775045743 2007 LS460
#2 JTHGL46F875003331 2007 LS460L
#3 JTHGL46F175008967 2007 LS460L
#4 JTHGL46F975002186 2007 LS460L
#5 JTHBL46F875008216 2007 LS460
#6 JTHGL46F475017758 2007 LS460L
#7 JTHGL46F175009066 2007 LS460L
#8 JTHGL46F575004856 2007 LS460L
#9 JTHGL46F875018220 2007 LS460L
#10 JTHGL46F075016218 2007 LS460L
#11 JTHBL46F585065636 2008 LS460
#12 JTHBL46F875048814 2007 LS460
#13 JTHBL46F075008162 2007 LS460
#14 JTHBL46F275022984 2007 LS460
This one is a 2007 LS460 VIN JTHBL46F275022984.
https://creditapp.autotrader.com/fyc...standard=false
If you don't want to chase the link, here is part of what it said:
Quote:
Manufacturer buyback for Wind noise. The vehicle carries the remainder of factory warranty. What is Manufacturer buyback? When the vehicle goes back to the dealership for the same problem more than twice. The manufacturer has to buy back the vehicle from the customer and fix the problem before reselling the vehicle. The advantage: you save thousands compared to the going price on a similar LS460 and you get the same manufacturer warranty and the problem is fixed. By law because it is a buyback the car will have a branded title.
End Quote
The latest wind noise buyback tally, including this one, looks like this:
#1 JTHBL46F775045743 2007 LS460
#2 JTHGL46F875003331 2007 LS460L
#3 JTHGL46F175008967 2007 LS460L
#4 JTHGL46F975002186 2007 LS460L
#5 JTHBL46F875008216 2007 LS460
#6 JTHGL46F475017758 2007 LS460L
#7 JTHGL46F175009066 2007 LS460L
#8 JTHGL46F575004856 2007 LS460L
#9 JTHGL46F875018220 2007 LS460L
#10 JTHGL46F075016218 2007 LS460L
#11 JTHBL46F585065636 2008 LS460
#12 JTHBL46F875048814 2007 LS460
#13 JTHBL46F075008162 2007 LS460
#14 JTHBL46F275022984 2007 LS460
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 310
From: TX
Interesting Statistics
While we are waiting for Lexus to reveal the "LS Wind Noise Fix" that has been heralded in rumors, I thought it would be interesting to tally up the wind noise reports from several of the sites that provide space for owner reviews. The three sites that I have been watching are: MSN.com, Yahoo.com and Edmunds.com.
Source----------Year--Model--Reviews---Wind Noise Reports
MSN.com-------2007--LS460----39--------------0---(0%)
MSN.com-------2008--LS460----14--------------0---(0%)
MSN.com-------2008--LS600-----5--------------0---(0%)
MSN.com-------2009--LS460-----3--------------0---(0%)
MSN.com-------2009--LS600-----1--------------0---(0%)
Yahoo.com-----2007--LS460----81-------------22---(27%)
Yahoo.com-----2008--LS460----29--------------4---(14%)
Yahoo.com-----2008--LS600----17--------------4---(24%)
Yahoo.com-----2009--LS460-----6--------------2---(33%)
Yahoo.com-----2009--LS600-----2--------------0---(0%)
Edmunds.com--2007--LS460----62-------------18---(29%)
Edmunds.com--2008--LS460----30--------------4---(13%)
Edmunds.com--2008--LS600-----4--------------0---(0%)
Edmunds.com--2009--LS460-----1--------------1---(100%)
Edmunds.com--2009--LS600-----0--------------0---(0%)
The MSN.com numbers seem to be telling us something about either the site denizens or the site administrators.
Something else that is noteworthy in these reviews is how the review viewers rate the reviews (if they found the review helpful). Most of the reviews that mention wind noise have the highest rating for being helpful. One interpretation of this might be that there are many silent owners with similar problems.
Source----------Year--Model--Reviews---Wind Noise Reports
MSN.com-------2007--LS460----39--------------0---(0%)
MSN.com-------2008--LS460----14--------------0---(0%)
MSN.com-------2008--LS600-----5--------------0---(0%)
MSN.com-------2009--LS460-----3--------------0---(0%)
MSN.com-------2009--LS600-----1--------------0---(0%)
Yahoo.com-----2007--LS460----81-------------22---(27%)
Yahoo.com-----2008--LS460----29--------------4---(14%)
Yahoo.com-----2008--LS600----17--------------4---(24%)
Yahoo.com-----2009--LS460-----6--------------2---(33%)
Yahoo.com-----2009--LS600-----2--------------0---(0%)
Edmunds.com--2007--LS460----62-------------18---(29%)
Edmunds.com--2008--LS460----30--------------4---(13%)
Edmunds.com--2008--LS600-----4--------------0---(0%)
Edmunds.com--2009--LS460-----1--------------1---(100%)
Edmunds.com--2009--LS600-----0--------------0---(0%)
The MSN.com numbers seem to be telling us something about either the site denizens or the site administrators.
Something else that is noteworthy in these reviews is how the review viewers rate the reviews (if they found the review helpful). Most of the reviews that mention wind noise have the highest rating for being helpful. One interpretation of this might be that there are many silent owners with similar problems.
Last edited by jmcraney; Feb 4, 2009 at 09:43 AM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Golden, CO
[QUOTE=jmcraney;4216344]Here is another wind noise buyback.
The latest wind noise buyback tally, including this one, looks like this:
Does anyone know if these buybacks are lease jobs or outright sales?
Whit
The latest wind noise buyback tally, including this one, looks like this:
Does anyone know if these buybacks are lease jobs or outright sales?
Whit
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 310
From: TX
[QUOTE=WhitBaby;4227545]
Whit,
My thinking is that they were repurchased from individuals because I don't think they would have to have the notation in the title if they were taken back by a leasing company. You can see that these cars are being offered at a huge discount, typically more than $20,000 less than their peers that don't have the wind noise title notation, and even then they are not selling. It is a real opportunity for someone who understands the wind noise problem and is able to determine if they can be fixed with the triangle trim repair.
Jeff
My thinking is that they were repurchased from individuals because I don't think they would have to have the notation in the title if they were taken back by a leasing company. You can see that these cars are being offered at a huge discount, typically more than $20,000 less than their peers that don't have the wind noise title notation, and even then they are not selling. It is a real opportunity for someone who understands the wind noise problem and is able to determine if they can be fixed with the triangle trim repair.
Jeff