I have read a number of different threads regarding the whining noise at start up. I have a 1999 Lexus RX300 with 105,000 miles. My problem is similar but has the following characteristics;
1. High pitched whining noise at start up that disappears after about 10 minutes.
2. The car will not engage into 4th gear until the engine is warm.
3. The distance I have to travel before the 4th gear will engage is increasing on a daily basis from a few hundred yards to several km's now.
4. When the engine is warm the gearbox/transmission works almost flawlessly and is fully responsive in all gears.
5. I have had the noise for a while and it is getting progressively worse.
6. Just had the timing belt, serpentine belt, accessory belt, water pump, spark plugs changed. The noise continues unabated.
7. All oils have been changed including transfer case and differential.
8. The transmission was rebuilt at 170000kms (105,000 miles) and I have done 17,000 kms (10,500 miles) in 4 months.
9. I live in Toronto and unfortunately I have to park outside (garage is occupied by my 1973 Triumph Stag). Therefore it can get very very cold up here.
10. My general mechanic (not Lexus) used a stethoscope and believes a bearing is screaming in the torque converter. If this is the case why does the noise go away when the engine has warmed up.
11. Another armchair thinks it is the alternator but he did not drive the car from a very cold start.
12. My next solution if no one can help on this forum is to take the car to a Lexus dealer and have them do a transmission service and hope they can diagnose the problem.
Appreciate any suggestions.
Steve

 

probably from the power steering pump, just leave it along. I am getting used to it.

 

Thanks......sounds possible. I did wonder if how it was the bearing in the torque converter how could the noise go away when it was warmed up.

 

when the weather is cold, the fluid is sticked, and because the pump is becoming old, it does not have much power to pump the fluid up. When the fluid is warmed up, it flows easier, and the pump can pump it up. Just a guess.

I also learned that sometimes, it is not because the pump is getting old, it is because there is somewhere dirty in the steering system that impede the fluid flow.

I will look into my car when I have time.

 

It could be as simple as a squealing belt. Aftermarket belts are known to squeal even when properly tightened. I think you are just being paranoid about the tranny (at least the delayed shifiting thing) they lock out OD until it gets warmed up a little. Try a little belt dressing and see if the sound goes away or changes, if it does just replace with a new OE belt.

 

If you think it's the power steering, just go ahead and change the fluid to Mobil 1 synthetic ATF, and it should be as good as new.

 

had the same noise. Just dont use regular steering wheel fluid. use MObil 1 ATF. So i drained my all steering fluid and put mobil 1 ATF, that's it, no more noise

 

Sounds like your transmission which seems to be common with all these in really cold weather. Mine has done it too this last winter. Worried the crap outta me. Now that the temps are up no noise

 

Agree. Could also be (timing) belt tensioners. I've had squealing at startup for the last couple of years. Changed the belts (Toyota) - that helped for a couple of months and then it came back. Next time changed the belts and the tensioners (Toyota) - that helped for a couple of months and then it came back. I give up!

 

Thank you everyone for you input. As it happens I have a more definitive diagnosis now. The main bearing on the torque converter finally gave way and I suspect the pump was the cause. So I guess that the fairly rapid acceleration of transmission issues for me ultimately resulted in a complete failure. Hopefully I can rely on the repair shop to do a good job because they are having to rebuild an already rebuilt transmission under warranty. I hope they do it properly this time. Steve

 

Are you saying to use oil as power steering fluid?? I looked online and couldn't find M 1 ATF power steering fluid. My 01 RX 300 makes a whining noise too and takes 10 or more minutes for the noise to go away depending on how cold it is.

 

Welcome to Club Lexus!

Transmission oil, yes. More specifically, Mobil 1 ATF. It won't say power steering fluid, it'll just say Mobil 1 ATF.

 

OK I'll try using automatic transmission fluid, more specifically M 1 ATF as power steering fluid after I drain out the old power steering fluid.

Is M 1 ATF thinner and or lighter than your everyday power steering fluid?

How would you recommend flushing out the old power steering fluid that may have dirt in the pump or line?

Doing this won't ruin the power steering pump?

How much less or longer will substituting transmission fluid for power steering fluid last?

Thanks

 

ATF is the correct factory fluid for the power steering. Should be listed in the owner's manual.