We have a 2015 RX 350 that has served us very well. it currently has 113K miles. Tonight I noticed a grinding noise when turning left in a parking lot at full lock. It doesn't make any sounds turning right, or driving normally (even making a LEFT hand turn on a street).

Any ideas whit this could be?

 

Noise that increases as you lesson the turning radius is typically associated with CV joints of the front axle. The more you turn the flexible joint is stressed more. If you are only hearing it in full lock position, then it is the onset of the CV problem and it will get worse as time goes bye.

I can only point you in the direction. You can get more info by searching the www. And it can be confirmed by a mechanic. Mechanic can also tell you if the boot(s) has been ripped and the loss of grease has created an early failure.

Assuming it is the early CV issue, it can be postponed for a bit, but it will only get worse. If the boot has been ripped, the deterioration will happen fairly quickly.

Salim

 

^^ I concur.

 

Thank you. Typically when you replace one, should you also replace the other side? If it is in good condition can I wait on it, or do they need to be done in pairs?

 

Need to replace in pairs is typically to keep the balance.

In CV shafts one would replace due to wear. If the parts were manufactured identically and used identically they should wear out identically.

If your mechanic feels that the parts are wearing out fairly evenly then expect the other to give you issues pretty soon.

Savings on doing the two tasks together will not give you major savings on labor but a great return on single inconvenience.

Twice the cost of parts should not make you opt for a less robust part.

I would suggest have it checked and diagnosed. You can live with the problem for a while. IMHO cost or repair will go up with time.

Salim

 

@salimshah thank you for your advice and help! Any ideas on cost (parts/labor) for both CV shafts to be replaced? There is a Lexus dealer close to me, but also a very trusted local Lexus shop. I will try get quotes from both.

 

If it's a horrible scraping noise (rather than grinding) and vanishes as soon as you turn the wheels a fraction the other way, I suggest you first rule out that it's just the brake disc dust shield scraping.
I don't know anything about RXes (just starting my research ) but it happened on my Prius and seems pretty common.
(The general fix is to bend the dust shield to get a bit more clearance. I imagine there are plenty of youtube videos. If any of them show the "wheels-on-push-with-a-long-screwdriver method" then that's what I did on my Prius.)

 

I'd like to suggest you swallow the cost for an original OEM CV joint from the dealer, and have it replaced on your original axle, if this is indeed the issue.
Most shops would pull your half shaft and install an aftermarket "rebuilt" unit. These tend to have a short life span.
Unless you plan to get rid of your car.

 

I would say have the diagnosis done before going with the hunch [mine is hunch and it needs to be confirmed]. There are multiple reasons to get the noise you are hearing. The diagnosis has to be done "hands on" and not by internet advice.

Lexus Toyota shafts from dealer or even on line Lexus dealers will be substantially higher. On my first gen, i rebuilt the CV issue as mine was ripped boot which was identified very early and repaired immediately. Price both [OEM and after-market]. Labor will be the same ... unless you of to Lexus which will charge higher labor rates.

Salim