RX 330 Help Road Noise
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 18
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From: FL
RX 330 Help Road Noise
i have had this car since new. It is an '04 and always been really noisy. I was told it was tire noise. After reading the post on this sight I put on Bridgestone Alenza's....NO HELP AT ALL. Still makes alot of noise. Sounds like rear wheel bearings. Have had to shop numerous times and NO HELP. Any ideas what be helpful. THANKS
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,283
Likes: 63
From: FL
What does the dealer say is causing the noise? Does this noise seem louder with the windows open or closed? With the roof open or closed? Thumping or grinding sound?
You're sure it's not excessive wind noise? Try this and see if the noise is lessened. Close up all the windows and on the front tap the down button just a tad to release the pressure and drop the glass a fraction of an inch. Does the road noise seem less now?
My RX had an issue where the window was closing with too much force distorting the weatherstripping causing road noise. There was a TSIB on it.
There is also a TSIB on an AC groan/humming sound. Another describes humming or groaning sounds when decelerating from 50 mph to slower speeds caused by transmission cooler hoses.
You're sure it's not excessive wind noise? Try this and see if the noise is lessened. Close up all the windows and on the front tap the down button just a tad to release the pressure and drop the glass a fraction of an inch. Does the road noise seem less now?
My RX had an issue where the window was closing with too much force distorting the weatherstripping causing road noise. There was a TSIB on it.
There is also a TSIB on an AC groan/humming sound. Another describes humming or groaning sounds when decelerating from 50 mph to slower speeds caused by transmission cooler hoses.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 18
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From: FL
It is a front wheel drive. The best way to describe the noise is that if it had a rear differential I would swear that the gears growling. Different road surfaces do not seem to change the noise, but at higher speeds it is MUCH LESS noticeable. Seems to be worst up to about 55 MPH. I do not think it is wind noise, as I have lowered the back set and ridden in the back and isolated the problem as coming from underneath.
Thanks so much for taking time to help me.
Thanks so much for taking time to help me.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 669
Likes: 3
From: Montreal, QC
what a coincidence, i was going to post about my noise as well, it sounds like we have the same issue, mine is also a 2004, but its AWD with air ride. i am suspecting the tires due to the fact that they are a little scalloped and almost at the end of there life, about 4-5 32nds. i notice it especially on the highway going about 80km/h, but it is there at other speeds.
if i still hear it when i change the tires in the fall i will have the dealer look at it.
i am pretty sure its the right rear wheel bearing
if i still hear it when i change the tires in the fall i will have the dealer look at it.
i am pretty sure its the right rear wheel bearing
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 18
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From: FL
i put on new tires that were recommended on this site. bridgestone alenza dueler. waste of money and they were about $850.00 for the set. did not help my problem one-bit! i am looking forward to other suggestions. the lexus dealer has been no help. they even told me it was a gas tank issue...blah...blah...blah. wife has a nissian murano and and it is so much more quiet than the lexus. i had a rx300 first and it was quiet as could be. there has to be something wrong with my car, just wish i could figure it out.
Also, the bridgestone tires cut my mpg down about 1.5 mpg. had michelin's to start.
Also, the bridgestone tires cut my mpg down about 1.5 mpg. had michelin's to start.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 620
Likes: 101
From: Colorado, USA
i put on new tires that were recommended on this site. bridgestone alenza dueler. waste of money and they were about $850.00 for the set. did not help my problem one-bit! i am looking forward to other suggestions. the lexus dealer has been no help. they even told me it was a gas tank issue...blah...blah...blah. wife has a nissian murano and and it is so much more quiet than the lexus. i had a rx300 first and it was quiet as could be. there has to be something wrong with my car, just wish i could figure it out.
Also, the bridgestone tires cut my mpg down about 1.5 mpg. had michelin's to start.
Also, the bridgestone tires cut my mpg down about 1.5 mpg. had michelin's to start.
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Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,283
Likes: 63
From: FL
i put on new tires that were recommended on this site. bridgestone alenza dueler. waste of money and they were about $850.00 for the set. did not help my problem one-bit! i am looking forward to other suggestions. the lexus dealer has been no help. they even told me it was a gas tank issue...blah...blah...blah. wife has a nissian murano and and it is so much more quiet than the lexus. i had a rx300 first and it was quiet as could be. there has to be something wrong with my car, just wish i could figure it out.
Also, the bridgestone tires cut my mpg down about 1.5 mpg. had michelin's to start.
Also, the bridgestone tires cut my mpg down about 1.5 mpg. had michelin's to start.
I'd have to ask what inflation you have set for these tires? I'm running 32-34 psi.
It seems to me that the noise issue you have is not tire caused. If you look at the TireRack noise ratings of the Michelin, Goodyear and Alenzas you will find that the majority of owners rate the Alenza quieter. The Goodyear was rated a 6.0, the Michelin a 7.5 and the Alenza an 8,4. (Higher is quieter)
Here are links to TSIB issues that you might review to see if anything sounds familiar to your issue.
TSIBs:
http://www.aboutautomobile.com/TSB/2004/Lexus/RX330
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 44
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From: BC
Does anyone hear get a lot of road noise that comes into the cabin. I have an 08 RX400h AWD and find it really bad when it rains. I've tried sitting in the the back and you can really hear all the water from the wet road sweeping in the treds of the tire.
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: VA
I had same type of noise previous owner had mixed tires good years and michelins .. anyway put 4 new michelins 235/55/18 and love them.. absolutely a dream to drive now.. and I got them to static balance them a second time as the first time they did it had a bit of a vibration at 60+MPH turns out they were an ounce off now its like butta.
Rookie
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 55
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From: CA
I got Michelins on my AWD. Alenzas are quiet at first, but with some wear, its starts to get loud. There a reason why these tires have a longer tire life, as the rubber is harder and thicker. Michinelins are much softer tires so it'll be much more quiet. BTW, I did notice that there's a significant difference to cabin noise if you have the shutters on the sunroof closed.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2
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From: ia
Hi I'm having the same road noise problem coming from the rear of my 04' Rx 330 AWD. At first I had thought it was from the tires. So I had change them. The same humming noise is still there when driving. Louder at lower speeds, but still can be heard at faster speed. When I come to a complete stops, no noise at all?
would this be a wheel bearing problem coming from the rear?
would this be a wheel bearing problem coming from the rear?