My 2004 RX 330 has 250,000 miles and recently started making a bad bearing noise. I'm told that it is in the front differential, which is the main transmission and is not repairable. I was quoted approx. $5,500 to replace the transmission by the Lexus dealer. Anyone else had this problem, and is there any option to repair it....or cheaper transmission replacement option?

 

Our '07 RX350 developed a bad bearing noise in the transmission six weeks ago with just over 100k miles. It was only audible in gears 2, 3, & 4. Same diagnosis: needs new transmission for $6k. Fixed it by getting rid of the car the next day.

 

Dealers will only replace the complete transmission with a rebuilt one at dealer parts prices. Find a local transmission shop that can rebuild yours or install an aftermarket rebuilt one. Should be half the cost of dealer.

 

Thanks, for the suggestions. I'm also wondering if the front one's bad how long till the middle and back ones go. The dealer also indicated suspicion if the "transfer case" was hanging up. I'm afraid its time to let go of this vehicle...so sad.