I've been trying to trace a whirring sound since purchasing my 2010 RX350 this summer. I've tried two sets of Michelin tires, Primacy and Latitude HP, which I thought was the source of my sound.

But what are the chances of two sets of tires making the exact same sound

The sound is most noticeable between 30 and 40 mph on smooth roads and is like a "playing card against bicycle spokes' only much softer (if you are old enough to remember that).

Currently I'm thinking gear mesh noise from the front transfer case or maybe there is a sensor for the anti-lock brakes or traction control that reads a toothed 'gear' for measuring tire speeds that may be mis-adjusted.

If you have any experience or thoughts about what the issue might be, I'd like to hear it. I do plan to take the vehicle in as it is still under warranty and have it checked out, but I thought the collective wisdom of this group might give me clue as to what / how to describe this to the service department writer.

Thanks and Safe Travels,

Kevin

 

Is this FWD or AWD? If AWD have you looked at the driveshaft?

 

It's AWD. I suppose that the short drive shafts and u-joints could cause the same symptoms. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll add that to the list of things to check.

 

The fine folks of Lexus of Wayzata diagnosed and corrected the noise I was hearing. Kudo's to Cort, Ton and others who made it right.

What was it, you ask? Right Front Wheel Bearing was bad. Couldn't be happier with my RX.

 

had mine for about a year now and have noticed that the humming/drone sound is appearing around 55mph but waxes/wains as you either accelerate past 60mph or decelerate under 50 mph. From my research I am starting to suspect a bearing failure coming on....

 

i posted in another thread, but followed this one here. Wondering if I may have wheel bearings going. Noise becomes pronounced at 49-50 mph, and will drop out when vehicle goes under that speed. Doesn't matter if my foot is on accelerator or coasting (when I'm going faster than 50mph), and I have turned off both climate control (and fan) and radio to try to isolate/listen to noise. Any thoughts?

 

That sounds like wheel bearings, although you did not tell us your mileage, based on age it is surely high enough to have failed wheel bearings. It could also be worn tires.
However, they are one of those things that require inspection by an experienced mechanic to determine if that is the actual problem. It cannot be diagnosed accurately on the internet. I would use Google and Yelp to find reputable independent repair shops nearby to your location. Avoid the dealer as they will overcharge and over or misdiagnose the problem.

 

Sorry, I had it on the other thread. We have 193K miles on the RX, and we've been driving it for 15 years.

 

I would also suspect failing wheel bearings. A common issue with these vehicles, especially at your high mileage.

 

Just a follow-up, if anyone searches out this thread. We had both front wheel bearing replaced (couldn't isolate it to one side or the other), and the noise disappeared. I guess we happened to get nearly 200k miles out of the originals, so you can't be upset about that.