Hello,
I have an 06 Lexus IS 250 AWD with 143k miles automatic transmission.
A few days ago I went out and while driving it started raining, after I drove over a small puddle of water (less that 1/4” of water), almost immediately my car started making a grinding noise coming from under the car when I pressed the gas. I’m not sure if it was coming from the front or rear of the car but it kind of feels it’s coming from the rear. After I stop for a few minutes the grinding noise/feeling goes away BUT comes it back if I drive over water again.
This is the second time this has happened and I’m not sure if it’s a transmission issue or what.
Any advise will be appreciated.
I did some research and some people recommended to change the differential breather plug since when they get damaged, they may allow water to enter the transmission/differential.
The breather is designed to release ONLY air/pressure(?) from inside the differential/transmission and the way it’s made, it won’t allow air/water to come in. When I remove the old breather I did a test (blow and suck), and the old breather allowed air/pressure out and in.
I ordered the breather for the transmission and rear differential and changed them. Was not a walk in the park since they are located on top of the transmission and differential.
Will update if this works or not.
@wilmacias
Is water getting on the brakes?
@wilmacias
I reckon the water has pulled some thing off under the car. Check for bits of plastic hanging down.
@wilmacias
that's a good suggestion. Please enter it as an "Answer" down below, rather than a comment to his question.
the breather thing is true, but that's a long term thing. If you hear the noise IMMEDIATELY after driving through a puddle then it's something else. I think it's your ABS kicking in, which is normal.
@mountainmanjoe
Thanks for your input; I’m not sure if it’s the ABS since the grinding noise/feeling happens when I press the gas after driving on water, not when I break.