Low speed sound
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 39
Likes: 5
From: MN
Low speed sound
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
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
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
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
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
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 39
Likes: 5
From: MN
Problem Solved
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.
What was it, you ask? Right Front Wheel Bearing was bad. Couldn't be happier with my RX.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 3
From: AR
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....
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: AL
Droning noise on '10 RX350 at 50mph
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?
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,222
Likes: 1,746
From: VA
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.
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.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: AL
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sandrew77
Wheels, Tires & Brakes Forum
1
Mar 25, 2011 11:10 AM
