Hi All,
My wife has an LS460 Lexus here in Australia. 2007 model and is a reasonably low mileage car at 150,000klms. Over the past 2 years I have replaced all front end control arms, air suspension units replaced with genuine units, the starter motor and yes you need a degree to do this!!! Recently I changed the r/h front wheel bearing (also a genuine part used) as you could here this rumbling noise when turning the steering to the left whilst driving. The sound was a traditional wheel bearing noise IE load up the wheel bearing on a test drive and it rumbles. I have replaced the bearing back in September last year and the rumbling, noise although somewhat less audible was still there.

Today I drove the car up to the city and there is distinct whirring rumbling noise and it gets loader if you throw the car to the left and yes at all speeds. The steering is fine in its operation this problem has me stumped. Understand its electric steering in the 460 and that there is a drive motor in the pinion side of the rack. Was starting to convince myself that there is a problem with this motor starting to fail (like "poleing" but in another breath convince myself that if that's the case it would bring up a warning of some sorts. Tyres have 10,000klms on them and look fine.

Has anyone else had a similar problem and what did you do to rectify such? I am at a loss as to just what the issue is

Regards
Peter