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SUVs Lexus RX 300/330/350 2009 Lexus RX 350
87 messages, Last post on Nov 05, 2009 at 3:32 PM
You are in the Lexus RX 300/330/350 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Replying to: wwest (Jan 12, 2009 5:17 pm) I take that suggestion BACK...!! The 2010 RX350 (and the Toyota Venza) F/awd system was adopted from the Ford Escape/Mariner/Tribute design and is WORSE than the previous RX F/awd system by a WIDE measure.
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MSRP $46K with Navi 10k miles year, $800 out the door, $459/mo incl CT Tax Thanks to everyone on here for sharing their experiences
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Replying to: wwest (Jan 14, 2009 1:54 pm)
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Replying to: avery1 (Jan 14, 2009 4:35 pm) The functionality of Braking, ABS, VSC, EBD, etc, depends on the rear driveline being INSTANTLY decoupled upon activation of any of these "features", and that is the Lexus procedure. The way I read the information the only time(s) the rear drive line will be automatically "coupled" is under HARD acceleration or with front wheelspin/slip arising from too much engine torque being used for road surface conditions. There is an intimation that OAT, COLD OAT will play a part in the level of torque automatically delivered to the rear drive line. If the clutch is fully locked, as it can be up to 18MPH under driver pushbutton control, the driveline and tires will be forced to "absorb" any stress due to high roadbed traction. If the clutch is only partially closed/engaged then the clutch itself will be forced to absorb any undue driveline stresses, stressing. The Ford manual WARNS that in this circumstance, linear clutch overheating, the system may go to FULL engagement or be disabled altogether and advises the driver that should this happen the procedure to follow is to pull over long enough for the rear linear clutch to cool off. Toyota and Lexus have been notoriously lax with this type of advice so I suspect we will not see this CAUTION note in any Toyota or Lexus owners manual until maybe 2013. While I am NOT a strong fan of the current RX's F/awd it can be made more functional than the new one. The current model uses a fully OPEN center diff'l that will allocate the engine drive torque 50/50 F/R just as long as both "ends" have equal, roughly equal, traction with the road surface. The "secret" to making use of the current system is to assure that F/R roadbed traction is ALWAYS roughly EQUAL. I do that by installing all four tire chains in times of need. The only option with the new system would be to "wire" the rear clutch fully closed and disable one of the front drive halfshafts. You would then have a RWD vehicle, ultimately more safe than the new F/awd RX350. I have been seriously considering the purchase of a Mercury Mariner hybrid (now with VSC) and should I do so it would go immediately into the shop for a REMCO front halfshaft modification and I would "hot-wire" the rear clutch fully closed. RWD but with part-time 4WD capability via manually engaging the REMCO halfshaft coupling device.
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Replying to: avery1 (Jan 14, 2009 4:35 pm) Remove the front drive spider gear from the center diff'l, weld the rear drive spider gear to its side gear, install a VC from the '99 or '00 RX300. SOLID coupling to the rear driveshaft and only VC, Viscous Clutch, coupling to the front drive. R/AWD RX300...!! |
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Replying to: wwest (Jan 15, 2009 12:57 pm)
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Replying to: wwest (Jan 15, 2009 12:57 pm) |
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Replying to: bodble2 (Jan 15, 2009 1:52 pm) And yes, it appears that the new Venza and the 2010 RX350 share the very same F/awd system.
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Replying to: wwest (Jan 15, 2009 6:03 pm)
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Replying to: bodble2 (Jan 15, 2009 6:23 pm) |
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