RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

Noisy Engine??

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Old 11-07-18, 09:50 PM
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draco
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Default Noisy Engine??

My 2011 Lexus RX350 when cruising can be whisper quiet (also depending on the orad and obviously the tyres). This meets the brief of that Lexus quiet when in motion.

However at times when the car is simply sitting idling at say the lights you can hear the engine and it sounds a lot louder than I expect it to be. I would have assumed at idle yku would barely hear it. Maybe it was the strong wind outside that played with the sound but its not the first time.

I also have that annoying drone from the exhaust when accelerating. Is it just me ir do most owners have these disturbances in their 3rd Gen's?

Apparently an sound vibration dampner for the exhaust will get rid of the drone when accelerating. Might it be a leak somewhere that woukd be causing this raspy idling noise? Realised outside the car it is generally louder than my previous 2nd gen RX330's. Is this charatiristic of the RX350 engine?
Old 11-08-18, 05:09 AM
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RX in NC
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We have only had my wife's 2015 RX350 FWD for eight days now but it seems to operate as quietly as her previous 2004 RX330 AWD did. Her previous 2000 RX300 AWD was definitely the loudest of the bunch, but that model was built just after the beginning of the RX line-up and Lexus had quite a few problems with it (as did we). It was underpowered and had a relatively lousy transmission.
Old 11-08-18, 08:47 AM
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JerseyJim
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I have a 2015 RX350 AWD and experience a drone noise between 1700 and 1800 RPM. The noise is most likely an exhaust system vibration. Someone on this forum reported that he fixed it by placing a damper on the exhaust pipe. Check out this thread:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ine-sound.html
Old 11-09-18, 12:46 PM
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ukrkoz
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2011... It's what, 7-8 yo car? I'd say you need to clean your VVT-I filters. I'll elaborate. This engine does not have engine lifters. Gap between rockers and tappets is maintained by VVT-I. Specifically, VVT actuator. That, in its turn, is basically oil pressure relevant. There are 2 VVT solenoids in the engine block, one per each block. They have strainer filters right next to them. When those go dirty, oil pressure to solenoids falls down, solenoids start acting up=VVT acts up=rocker noise. Mind you, at IDLE. As at idle, oil pressure is lower than driving already.
Does it make sense?
Old 11-09-18, 02:58 PM
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draco
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The car is due for its 105000km servicr shortly so I will have the mechanic look at that and check their condition.
Old 11-10-18, 07:36 AM
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ukrkoz
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OK... There is nothing to really check. You take them out, spray clean with a brake cleaner, reinstall. They are pretty easy access.
Personally, I'd Seafom the engine, as it cleans all oil passeges but, because you take yours to mechanic for jobs, I am not recommending that. That's DIY thing.
Old 11-10-18, 09:54 PM
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heshamos
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Originally Posted by ukrkoz
2011... It's what, 7-8 yo car? I'd say you need to clean your VVT-I filters. I'll elaborate. This engine does not have engine lifters. Gap between rockers and tappets is maintained by VVT-I. Specifically, VVT actuator. That, in its turn, is basically oil pressure relevant. There are 2 VVT solenoids in the engine block, one per each block. They have strainer filters right next to them. When those go dirty, oil pressure to solenoids falls down, solenoids start acting up=VVT acts up=rocker noise. Mind you, at IDLE. As at idle, oil pressure is lower than driving already.
Does it make sense?
Could you please post pics of the location of those solenoid valves/Strainers?
Thanks!
Old 11-12-18, 01:19 AM
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draco
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Originally Posted by heshamos
Could you please post pics of the location of those solenoid valves/Strainers?
Thanks!
Would be good to know where this, how to access and how to clean. If I can save dollars with the mechanic then that would be good.
Old 11-12-18, 01:46 PM
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louczar
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Originally Posted by ukrkoz
OK... There is nothing to really check. You take them out, spray clean with a brake cleaner, reinstall. They are pretty easy access.
Personally, I'd Seafom the engine, as it cleans all oil passeges but, because you take yours to mechanic for jobs, I am not recommending that. That's DIY thing.
I have been using sea-foam for years. Love the stuff! Nice to see there are others that know how to DIY!
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