Drivetrain - Hum/Thump/Whine on Deceleration

TRANSMISSION & CLUTCH
TC002-04

February 26, 2004

Title
DRIVELINE WHINE/HUM OR THUMP DURING DECELERATION

Models
'04 RX 330

Introduction

This bulletin makes available a revised oil cooler tube sub-assembly to address the following conditions:

1. Some subject vehicles may exhibit a noise described as a drone, groan or hum when decelerating from 50 mph to lower speeds. This noise is most noticeable while the gear shift lever is in the 4th gear position.

2. Other subject vehicles may exhibit a thump or clunk noise on a downshift at approximately 30 mph while decelerating. This noise is also heard when coasting at 55 mph and lightly applying the accelerator.

Applicable Vehicles
^ 2004 model year RX 330 vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.





Production Change Information





Parts Information





Warranty Information

Applicable Warranty*:

This repair is covered under the Lexus Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.

* Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer's specific complaint.

Repair Procedure

1. Remove the Oil Cooler Tube Sub-assembly.

A. Remove the engine undercover shield.

B. Place a container to catch the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) leakage.

C. Using pliers or other tools, remove the 4 hose clamps.

D. Remove the 4 hoses from the oil cooler tube sub-assembly.





E. Using a 10 mm wrench, loosen the 2 bolts on the oil cooler tube sub-assembly and remove it from the crossmember.

2. Install the New Oil Cooler Tube Sub-assembly to the Front Crossmember.





A. Install the oil cooler tube sub-assembly to the front crossmember with the 2 bolts specified in Parts Information.

Torque: 7.0 N.m (71 kgf.cm, 62 in..lbf)





B. Install the hose to the oil cooler tube sub-assembly. Fully insert the hose to the stopper of the oil cooler tube sub-assembly. Refer to Figure 3.

C. Install the engine undercover assembly.

NOTE:
Ensure hoses are straight and no twists remain after installation.

D. Add the ATF.

ATF Type: T-IV





3. On the vehicle inspection, check the ATF level and ensure there is no ATF leakage.

Fluid temperature: 70° to 80°C (158° to 176°F)

A. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.

B. With the engine idling and the brake pedal depressed, shift the lever into all positions from the "P" to the "L" (S1) position, and return to the "P" position.

C. Take out the dipstick and wipe it clean.

D. Put it back all the way into the pipe.

E. Take it out and check that the fluid level is within the "HOT" position.