Bought a 2008 RX350 last month with only 74400 miles and so far it’s spent most of its time in the shop since I got it on March 31. The following were replaced last week:

1. Alternator
2. pulley
3. tensioner
4. serpentine belt
5. power steering pump/assembly
6. water pump
7. radiator
8. thermostat

Only item I’ve paid for is the thermostat.

Now, the reason of my post: when I’m in Drive, and either stopped or going slowly and steadily under 20mph, I’m hearing a squeaking/chirping sound. It’s especially more audible when I’m lightly stepping on the gas pedal in the drive position. It goes away when I put it in park, reverse or neutral.

Based on what I’ve been reading everywhere, the noise could be coming from any of the parts replaced above. But I haven’t read/seen anything that mentions the noise coming only when in drive.

Still waiting to hear back from the mechanic but would like to know if anyone’s experienced something similar so I can also bring it up to him… thanks in advance.

 

Sounds about right for a 15-yo-old car - even a Toyota/Lexus. Mine was lifted up on my driveway for over a month before it was road-worthy. Still way better than making car payments. As for the noise, check the exhaust gaskets. Particularly the one that is between the y-pipe and the 3rd catalytic converter underneath the car. If that goes bad, the pipes will be rubbing metal-on-metal and will produce a similar sound to what you described.

 

Nice! Will mention that to the mech… thanks MattRX!

 

Oh I also forgot it may be one of the heat shields. Mine on the front catalytic converter broke loose and was rattling like crazy. I just removed it and it has been fine 1+ yr later.

 

Thanks and noted!

Just a quick update: this morning I dropped off my kids at school, but while waiting for them to get in the car, and while it was in the park position, I heard the chirping noise (really sounds like I have crickets in the engine bay or dashboard). Yesterday, I only heard it when I lightly accelerated (in drive of course). But today, it was less audible when accelerating lightly.

Another thing I heard was a loose screw rolling around I assume on the engine plastic shield whenever I come to a stop. I guess I'll have to continue monitoring this a bit longer to see if I see/feel/smell/hear anything else. After all, like you said, it is a 15 year old car.

 

Why not mention it to the shop/dealership that did all the work that you mentioned? btw, I wouldn't say these vehicles are a headache vs other similar vehicles......

 

I did, and I also wrote in my post "Still waiting to hear back from the mechanic..."

 

Were these parts replaced solely to address the noise? If yes, the mechanic's should have been able to rule them out as the source before replacing them. A dry crank seal could also explain the noise. And some vacuum leaks could mimic a squeal sound. Since the noise occurs when not in motion, that rules out wheel bearings, CV shaft, and brake components.

 

Actually, the alternator/pulley/tensioner were for another squeaking/squealing noise. The power steering issue was just discovered by the PPI that Firestone performed.

So after the dealer had replaced all those, a new issue arose, which was coolant leaking. They then replaced the radiator (cracked), thermostat, and water pump.

And a day after I picked it up at the shop, the new noise is the "cricket-like" chirping... yesterday, it would only chirp when I'm in Drive. Today, just while it's in Park. I'm gonna need some time to continue to monitor everything.

 

Just a guess, but was the timing belt ever changed? It could be a bad idler pulley or tensioner pulley for the timing belt that is making the noise.

 

No timing belt on the 2008's 2GR.

 

However, I did find this on Yourmechanic:

https://www.yourmechanic.com/questio...ator-by-divine

I also asked ChatGPT this question:
When changing the water pump, thermostat and radiator on a 2008 Lexus rx350, is there any belt removal involved?

Got this response:
Yes, when replacing the water pump, thermostat, and radiator on a 2008 Lexus RX350, there may be some belt removal involved. The water pump is typically driven by the engine's serpentine belt, which is responsible for driving multiple engine accessories, including the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. In some cases, the radiator may also be connected to the serpentine belt indirectly through a fan clutch or electric fan motor.To access the water pump, thermostat, and radiator, it may be necessary to remove the serpentine belt to gain proper access to these components. This typically involves using a belt tensioner tool to release the tension on the belt, allowing it to be slipped off the pulleys and removed from the engine. Once the belt is removed, the water pump, thermostat, and radiator can be replaced as needed.

 

 

Take it back to the shop. The noise started after they touched it, so they should figure it out.

 

[QUOTE=GotHeem;11489262]Bought a 2008 RX350 last month with only 74400 miles and so far it’s spent most of its time in the shop since I got it on March 31. The following were replaced last week:

1. Alternator
2. pulley
3. tensioner
4. serpentine belt
5. power steering pump/assembly
6. water pump
7. radiator
8. thermostat

Those parts that got replaced are pretty much, issues w/ the 2gr powered rx's. So yea I get why you'd think that this vehicle is nothing but problems & the dealer should of done the work before it was up for sale, but then some dealers do that. One reason to research the different like vehicles. How'd you like to have a MDX or Q60 that needs a transmission or a MKX that needs a waterpump? I also make sure that the replaced tensioner is a Toyota brand. Just to add the 2gr's make a more mechanical noise vs the 3mz's......