Hi All,

I have a 2015 RX350 with 58K miles. It makes the sound as below. Not all the time. Random. Fluid levels are normal. Is this Waterpump or the belt issue?


Thanks..

 

That is a difficult question to answer and you may need a local mechanic (NOT A DEALER) to inspect and listen to your vehicle in-person to definitively diagnose this noise.
It could be a couple of different things. A serpentine belt idler pulley or tensioner, water pump, alternator.
I have not heard a noise like that on the Toyota/Lexus 2GR fe - 3.5 engine. However, that engine has been used in so many Toyota and Lexus vehicles for over 10 years that any number of import or Japanese car repair places could diagnose it for you as they have worked on hundreds of them.

If you need help finding a local independent repair shop start with recommendations in this link as you can search by city & state. It is shops recommended by listeners of the old Car Talk radio show. Then cross check those names with Yelp & Google reviews to get more current info. Good Luck and maybe another member here has a better answer.
​​​​​​https://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files

 

Start with a cold engine, then remove the serpentime belt, and start it, do not let it run long as this disconnects the water pump and alternator. This can eliminate a lot of sources. While the belt is off, spin all the pulleys.

 

A mechanic's stethoscope is a great tool to have for locating the source of unusual noises in the engine bay. They are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at any of the big-box auto parts stores. I purchased mine more than 15 years ago and paid less than $20 for it at NAPA. A very long screwdriver can also be used as a similar listening tool although it is not nearly as accurate as using a stethoscope.

 

Internet sound diagnosis has significant drawback... stethoscope to narrow down top or bottom of engine, just don't get it near moving parts. So, over the internet, it sounds like piston slap...does it go away when engine warms up? It sound like something from the bottom of engine due to lower pitch, but again, internet diagnosis is a WAG.

 

It is at the shop now (not dealer, but a trusted one). Will update once it comes back. Thanks for all suggestions..

 

What mileage do they recommend belt change?

 

It was the water pump.. shop replaced it

 

Thanks for closing the loop. Would not have guessed water pump with that noise.

 

There is a thin booklet [in your glove compartment] which has the maintenance/service. Each item is listed that needs to be replaced or checked at the prescribed service intervals.

Salim

 

I never had water pump failure at this early mileage in any other cars i had (Passat, bmw z3, Corolla, Matrix, Odyssey). When i did the timing belt on the odyssey at 100k, the water pump was still intact. Same on the Passat.

Talked to some other people also who have cars with same engine. Seems all of them reported failures with water pump. Seems like a bad design.

 

I also have a 2015 and the water pump was replaced at 55K.

 

My wife's 2015 RX350 FWD now has over 66,000 miles and is still on its factory water pump. One of the most important steps to take to preserve the cooling system in any vehicle is to always run the specified coolant formula designation. Do not mix coolant types or formulas - that can gel up the system and cause various component failures such as a water pump, thermostat, or radiator. A couple of days after we purchased this vehicle in late October 2018, I noticed that the coolant level was about an inch below the "cold full" mark on the plastic coolant reservoir. I purchased a gallon jug of the appropriate coolant (pink in color) for this vehicle from our local Toyota dealership parts department and topped the system up to the mark. I have never had any cooling system issues or had to add additional coolant since.

 

Thanks for the information. Seems the water pump life is roughly 60k. Wonder if any one tried with aftermarket parts like Aisin who used to be OEM.

 

I got 122k miles on mine and didn't change it yet. Run fine.