Dear Scotty,
First of all thank you for the great videos and the great forum.
Thanks also to all those who are actively participating, giving nice answers.
Following your advice, last summer I bought a used 2007 Lexus RX350 at a good price, and it has been great.
Anyhow, recently, it started making a ticking noise.
Initially, it would happen only some times, so I didn't think too much of it, as it is an old car, but now it seems to happen more often.
Also, it's kind of strange, because it seems to get louder as the engine warms up. Or at least, when after I drive back home, as opposed to when I first start the engine.
I was worried it could be the lifters, but upon further inspection, I realized the noise comes from the lower front of the engine.
The oil is at the right level, and there are no leaks.
Just in case it might be connected somehow, I would like to mention that from the beginning, the engine would also make sometimes a whirring sound as I speed up, typically when cold, but again, I never thought much of it, as it would go away, as the engine warmed up.
Any advice of what it might be, or how to diagnose the problem would be great.
Thank you,
AJ
It could be a timing chain noise or something as simple as a bad accessory belt or pulley.
Thank you.
Is there a way, or a series of tests, to see which of the elements is making the noise, without opening things up too much, or at least unmounting things gradually?
As of now, the main pointer seems to be the fact that there is no noise when cold, in other words, after moisture accumulates at night on the belt/pulley, but then, after running for some time, the noise starts again.
I understand engines a bit, and like trying fixing things, but don't have a lot of experience beyond oil, filters, brake pads, tires, and strut replacements, plus a few electrical components, so I would probably end up relying on a mechanic after a certain point.
I would like to make sure I have a better sense of what's happening, so I can be treated fairly.
Hi, I brought the car to a mechanic that looks honest and has very good reviews (the shop focuses on transmissions). After keeping the car the morning, he called me and told me that the flex plate is cracked and needs to be replaced. They can do it for about $2k.
I am a bit conflicted.
On the one side, it seems to explain the whirring/whining sound speeding up, and the ticking in the lower part of the engine, but I was wondering what your thought were.
Also, the price seems a bit high, but not unreasonable. Again, I was wondering what your thoughts were
Lastly, do you think I should go ahead with the repair, or have the car checked by another mechanic first?
Thank you