Center vent fan makes noise... help Lexus Techs?
 

Question for the Lexus Tech guys....

In my 98 GS400, I have a slight regular rattling/ticking sound coming out of my center vent that sounds like an old-timey movie projector. It's especially noticable when the fan is on a lower speed and stereo is turned down. The rattle changes speed with the fan.

Here's the burn... I had this problem before and Lexus replaced the entire fan unit under warranty which fixed the problem. I thought it might be a leaf or paper or something trapped down in there. What they replaced DID fix the problem, but now (a couple of years later) it's back.

Any ideas on a fix? Is this a common problem you've seen?

I think my mileage was lower at the time I had the replacement last time (now at about 60k). My GS is a CPO, so I'm hoping the warranty - especially since I had the problem remedied in the past and it didn't take - will cover it.

Thanks for any advice.

I can't say it's common.

Maybe you have another piece of paper inside the fan box. Valet tag? Pull the ac filter and look inside with a mirror.

Did you recently have the coolant flushed? Could be that nasty air pocket rattle noise.

Can't recommend much without hearing it myself.

DD:confused:

you beat me too it i agree with the man devildog

Nope, didn't have the coolant flushed. It's definitely tied to the fan itself - the 'ticking' sound speeds up when I increase the fan speed. It stops when I turn it off.

I'll check the filter - good idea. Last time when I thought it was that, though the dealer here in Charlotte replaced the entire fan assembly.

I think I posted something about it on the old EZboard version of ClubLexus and got at least a couple 'mine does that too' responses.

Thanks for the replies guys - will check the filter and inside, and then take it in for a second look at the dealer.

Dave, you may have something inside the fan housing. Just pop the bottom plastic cover out and there are 3, 8 mm bolts holdling the fan or you can use philip head screw driver.