Hello all:

2006 RX400h AWD.

I've been experiencing a new and irritating creaking sound that happens when I'm turning left and/or right

The odd thing is that it sounds like it is coming from the center console. I've moved it all the way forward, all the way back and removed the contents of the console...no luck.

Any ideas and/or suggestions would be appreciated, as my searches didn't find anything close to my scenario. I know that there's a TSB for the front seat pins, but my sound isn't coming from the front seat.


Thanks!!

 

Creaking from where specifically (top-middle-bottom of or under console?). If under the console, may be a tranny issue. I assume you have the center console that can be slid back and forth. If it is coming from the console itself, the plastic could just be getting old/worn/dried out. Maybe try spraying a little lubricant on the track and moving it back and forth.

 

Creaking sounds like it is coming from underneath the sliding console. I'll remove it today and spray some lubricant on the tracks.

I'm hoping it's not a tranny issue (CVT)!

 

Probably don't have to actually remove the console, just slide it all the way back and spray underneath between the console and the track.

 

Well, I removed the sliding console, applied silicone lubricant and it didn't make any difference.

On a positive note, I discovered that the noise was indeed coming from the driver's seat. I followed the instructions per the TSB (for squeaking seat). There is only one guide pin on the RX, front, inner track.

Removing the seat bolts and accessing the guide pin was easy. Cutting it was took some time with my rotary tool. I went through at least 5 cut off wheels! The pin is much thicker than I imagined. It's a metal pin covered with thick plastic.

All of the sweating (and swearing) was worth it, as the annoying sound is gone!

 

Sounds good but a lot of work. Though sometimes, like you said, it is all worth it in the end. Good luck.