03 RX300.. is my problem with the BRAKES or the DRIVELINE?

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J Golden - 11 Jan 2009 23:24 GMT

Greetings,

I have an RX300 AWD with 80,000 miles. Recently, about 1/5 of the
time when I shift into then accelerate, I hear a "Whining" sound from
the rear, and the RX moves slowly and feels like it is dragging. To
me, it feels like the rear brakes aren't releasing fully. If I shift
the RX into neutral or park, apply the brake, then shift again into
reverse, it seems fine. When I shift into D, I hear a loud "CLUNK"
noise that seems to be coming from the passenger side rear wheel.
After that, everything seems fine. My RX is due for service at
81,000 miles. I'd appreciate knowing if this is a simple brake problem
or a major driveline repair? The difference would mean if my local
and highly respected Toyota dealer could perform the service along
with my scheduled maintenance that the normally do on my RX, or if I
have to take a day off from work and have my inconvenient but highly
competent Lexus dealer 50 miles away take care of the repair.
Unfortunately, I haven't had a single good experience with my "local"
Lexus dealer's service dept so it's either Toyota or a 50 mile drive
to Lexus.

Thanks,

Jose

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Anonymous - 12 Jan 2009 05:30 GMT

> Greetings,
>
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>
> Jose

May be related?

http://www.motorpits.com/c/445832/

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?s=7576a6ee75a6000f0ceaa612763e60a
6&showtopic=53725&pid=348743&st=0&#entry348743

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-173614.html

http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:o1iJR79hlikJ:www.us.lexusownersclub.com/foru
ms/lofiversion/index.php/t23561.html+%2B%22tsb%22+%2B%22DL001-04%22&hl=en&ct=cln
k&cd=5&gl=us

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Ray O - 12 Jan 2009 06:44 GMT

>> Greetings,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
>
> http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:o1iJR79hlikJ:www.us.lexusownersclub.com/foru
ms/lofiversion/index.php/t23561.html+%2B%22tsb%22+%2B%22DL001-04%22&hl=en&ct=cln
k&cd=5&gl=us

The last 3 links refer to the GX 470, which has a completely different
drivetrain from the RX. The GX has a longitudinally mounted drivetrain,
while the RX has a transverse mounted drivetrain.

The first link may be related if the OP has an AWD RX.

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Ray O
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Ray O - 12 Jan 2009 06:46 GMT

> Greetings,
>
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>
> Jose

Jose,

Unfortunately, it sounds more like a driveline repair. By any chance, have
you had the transmission flushed in the past year?

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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J Golden - 13 Jan 2009 01:27 GMT

I have to check my maintenance receipts but for some reason, I believe
that the transmission fluid WAS flushed this past year. Actually, I
can speak with my service rep at Toyota tomorrow to be sure and I'll
let you know. I'm curious though as to why this is relevant?

Jose

>> Greetings,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
>Unfortunately, it sounds more like a driveline repair. By any chance, have
>you had the transmission flushed in the past year?

Reply to this Message

Ray O - 13 Jan 2009 05:43 GMT

> I have to check my maintenance receipts but for some reason, I believe
> that the transmission fluid WAS flushed this past year. Actually, I
> can speak with my service rep at Toyota tomorrow to be sure and I'll
> let you know. I'm curious though as to why this is relevant?
>
> Jose

It seems to me that vehicles with relatively high mileage that get a
transmission flush tend to experience a transmission failure within a year
of the flush. I am not a fan of transmission flushes because they can
dislodge sediment, which ends up clogging passages in the valve body or in
the valves themselves.

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Ray O
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J Golden - 14 Jan 2009 01:19 GMT

My gut feeling is that it is a problem with the rear brakes not
releasing properly. However... I'm due for the 80,000 mile service in
a couple of weeks. I prefer to have Toyota do it, since the dealer is
much more convenient. But, my question is... is the drivetrain of the
2003 RX the same as the one in the 2003 Highlander? If it is, then
Toyota should be able to easily diagnose and make the repair. If it
isn't, then I'd rather take the vehicle to Lexus. Recently I had a
problem with the climate control system that Toyota wasn't able to
diagnose since it is different in the RX and the Highlander.

Thanks,

Jose

>> I have to check my maintenance receipts but for some reason, I believe
>> that the transmission fluid WAS flushed this past year. Actually, I
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>dislodge sediment, which ends up clogging passages in the valve body or in
>the valves themselves.

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johngdole@hotmail.com - 14 Jan 2009 04:05 GMT

Have you checked ATF level?

If the rear brakes aren't releasing properly then they can get hot
very quickly. If the transmission is slipping, which seems to be a
common problem with that vintage, then the ATF would be in bad shape
(dark, burnt smell). The Aisin U-140E, like the one in Toyota
Highlander, isn't the best transmission, unfortunately. There is also
a chance that the dealer messed up the ATF flush last time.

> My gut feeling is that it is a problem with the rear brakes not
> releasing properly. However... I'm due for the 80,000 mile service in
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
> >dislodge sediment, which ends up clogging passages in the valve body or in
> >the valves themselves.

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Ray O - 14 Jan 2009 05:32 GMT

> My gut feeling is that it is a problem with the rear brakes not
> releasing properly. However... I'm due for the 80,000 mile service in
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Jose

The drivetrain for the RX and Highlander should be pretty close, enough for
a diagnosis.

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Ray O
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J Golden - 15 Jan 2009 02:32 GMT

I dropped by my Toyota dealer this afternoon to set up an appointment
for service. Fortunately, my RX decided to act up when I was there.
The service manager heard the noise, and, after several "tests", he
diagnosed the problem as being parking brake related. He said that
the parking brake wasn't releasing properlly. He's not sure if a part
might have fallen off or a part might be rusted. I'm bringing the RX
in for service on the 21st. He assured me that there is nothing wrong
with the drivetrain so I don't have to worry about a major repair
charge.

Jose

>> My gut feeling is that it is a problem with the rear brakes not
>> releasing properly. However... I'm due for the 80,000 mile service in
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>The drivetrain for the RX and Highlander should be pretty close, enough for
>a diagnosis.

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Ray O - 15 Jan 2009 05:15 GMT

>I dropped by my Toyota dealer this afternoon to set up an appointment
> for service. Fortunately, my RX decided to act up when I was there.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Jose

Jose,

thanks for the update and the good news!

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