The most likely causes for your Lexus LX having a rattling sound are interior noises (like loose items), noises from under your car (like a faulty exhaust system) or noises from under your hood (like failing lifters or piston damage).
Lexus LX has a rattling noise/sound
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Why does my Lexus LX have a rattling noise/sound?
It is important to note that when trying to identify a sound coming from your Lexus LX, you try to pinpoint where the noise to coming from. Is it coming from inside the car, the front dashboard, the boot of the car, the engine, the tyres or maybe from something scraping along the road? Is the rattling noise happening when your car is idle or when you’re driving slow or when you’re driving fast or when you’re driving over bumps or when you’re accelerating or… do you just hear it all the time?
Is rattling coming from under your car?
The most common reason for your Lexus LX to have a rattling noise/sound coming from under your car is problems with your exhaust, potentially caused by rust and corrosion. The remedy for this might be as simple & low-cost as a heat shield added to your exhaust system or it may require more extensive repairs. Problems with exhaust systems that cause rattling can include a damaged heat shield, loose exhaust hangers/clamps or a failed catalytic converter. If you have a rattling noise closer to your wheels, the issue could be faulty steering or suspension components (like bushings, shocks, joints, links and struts) or could come from poorly-fitted brake components.
Is rattling coming from your engine or from under the hood?
The most common reasons for there to be rattling noises coming from under the hood/bonnet of your Lexus LX are failing hydraulic valve lifters (they open and close the engine valves) or potentially a piston slap from pistons not moving smoothly inside their cylinders. Both of these problems can be quite expensive to fix by your mechanic. Other potential causes for rattling can include drive belt bearings, a cracked or broken serpentine belt (drives alternator, compressor and water pump), loose brackets, rod knocking or low engine oil (the cheapest fault to fix).
Is rattling coming from inside your car?
The most common reasons for there to be a rattling noise coming from inside your car are loose interior panelling, open glove compartments & centre console lids, rattling drink bottles in holders, worn window channels/seals, small items (like loose change) rattling inside plastic compartments or wind causing loose objects to move around inside your cab, creating a rattling sound. These can generally be fixed cheaply by removing the objects, closing compartments or using a screwdriver to tighten rattling interior components.
How do I fix my Lexus LX when I have a rattling noise?
If the rattling sound is coming from inside your car, the fix can be simple and quick – find the loose object & remove it or find the interior component making the noise so you can fix it with a screwdriver. If the rattling noise is coming from under your car hood/bonnet, you can check the oil and fill it up if it is low. If you’ve tried these and your car is still rattling, we’d recommend that you book a mechanic to look at your Lexus LX as soon as possible.
Should I still drive my Lexus LX when it has a rattling sound?
We’d recommend that you do some quick checks to make sure the noise isn’t from low oil or from an interior noise then, if these are not the causes, only drive your car as far as your local mechanic, if the rattling noise continues.
