2013 Lexus RX350 FSport

Intermittent, rotational, very loud banging from rear.Increases with rotational speeds. Will appear while turning towards right and/or going straight.

Applying brakes to slow down usually makes issues disappear - either briefly, or at times reappear on the same journey. It has become more frequent.

Brakes have been taken care of by general mechanic shop > rotors/discs & pads new at four corners. They can’t seem to identify further issues.

Will be taking it to Lexus dealer in the hopes they know the common issues with this!

Was hoping here on this Lexus forum that l could find owners who have dealt with these issues 🙏 and find relative advice.

 

Avoid the Lexus dealership. Their goal will be to extract as much money from your wallet as possible.

Find a well-respected Toyota/Lexus independent repair shop in your area and go there. You will be much better off.

 

My intention with the Lexus dealer is to isolate the issue ‘efficiently’ through their experienced technicians. They have by now seen this recurring issue and know how to go about it. My trusted local mechanic wasn’t able to do that. I live far north and l cannot find as you suggest, other than a Lexus dealer in the next closest city.

As far as cost goes - that remains to be determined; before l spend for parts & service. They will need to inform me visually before any further decisions are made.

 

A Toyota dealer could provide the same experienced analysis since the RX is a Toyota Highlander under the sheet metal.

Was the noise there before the brake job?
Did they check the drum parking brake mechanisms which are inside the rear rotors? Did they service them during the brake job? The noise could just be something wrong with the parking brake mechanism as it has many springs and moving parts. If braking affects the noise, that makes these parts suspect.

It could be related to the rear differential, differential coupler, or differential mount or maybe one of the rear axle constant velocity joints has gone bad.
Did they check the rear differential fluid? Assuming you must have all wheel drive for this to happen and they cannot figure it out.

A dealer will charge a few hundred dollars just for a preliminary diagnosis.

 

l appreciate you 👆

This very loud banging (like a sledgehammer hitting the frame!) was there before the brake job which they did verify the drum. Not sure anymore if they serviced it. Braking affects the noise in that the rotational banging diminishes in cadence accordingly and can either ‘go away’ upon picking up speed again, or, it can still be there and bang according to speed.

The initial local garage has only done a quick visual elsewhere during the brake job visit.
l have since taken an appointment next Monday with a well reputed local race shop who l have dealt with in the past and know more than the average garage.

I will have them check the differential components, and rear axle velocity joints. Also the aging/cracked suspension bushings could be a factor.

to be continued