Noises appears to be from panoramic moon roof glass

[Austin Isikhuemen]

Had to drive my es350 2009 through a fairly bumpy Street, unmacadamized, in a new development yesterday. At the end really rough areas there were some noises as if someone was knocking at the door. Was difficult at first to localise the source of the annoying noise.

Howevery, as I moved along listening for the source, it appeared as if majority of the noises were coming from the roof. My car has the panoramic rofas top with the top made of glass. The moonroof can slide open or can be tilted while the back side provides a view of the sky to persons on the back seat once the lower sliding cover is manually shifted forward. See photo.

I put my hand against the moonroof glass while moving on the rough patch and could feel some vibrations as each time the noise came up. This noise completely disappears while I drive on even surfaces and macadamized roads. 

Has anyone had this problem previously? Need helpful advise. 

 

Cheers.

Austin

[gbhrps]

Austin,

I have no experience with the panoramic roof system, but lots with the single a dual sunroof setups on many makes of cars.

 

Looking at your picture, locate the attachment points for the rear section to see if the brackets that attach to the glass (glued) have a bolt or two that have come loose and are rattling over rough roads ("macadam" I haven't heard anyone use that word in many years). The long arms to the front section may be the largest culprit. Chances are that with the front section open, those spring loaded arms will vibrate and move, causing the noise. There may not be a cure, but check to see if any fasteners at each end of those arms are loose.

[Austin Isikhuemen]

Thanks once again Gbhrps. 

Will carry out hose checks asap.

Warm Regards. 

Austin 

[Austin Isikhuemen]

Gbhrps,

I can happily report that the problem of noises from the panoramic roof area has been fully resolved. The solution was exactly as you suggested/recommended!

As you will expect, it's not so easy to find a Lexus dealership in these parts though a number of Toyota dealerships is readily available. But I chose to patronise a local repair shop who I was assured would handle the job easily and yet not cost an arm and a leg! Also note that the issue of warranty did not apply due to the way I bought the used car.

Besides, with the dealerships here, apart from the astronomical cost, your car would have to be on the queue for days- could be weeks...

These guys did a fantastic job. Dismantled the entire top fixed what needed fixing and tested the car with me and released the car all within 5 hours! And guess the cost? $50 only.....

To give you the extent of the labour that went into the job I have attached a video and some photos below. Goes to show the ingenuity of local technicians and artisans in the third world. These guys handle all sorts of car repairs and are not specialised on any particular brand. If they could just have the enabling environment and conditions not even the sky would be their limit! 

The car is completely noise-free now!!! And everything works just fine and no fault indication from any sensor post-pair. 

 

20160917_152725.mp4

[gbhrps]

Austin,

 

I'm thrilled that it worked out for you! And at $50 for what is involved, that is unheard of!!!!

I've personally done sunroof swaps and fixes over the years, and none of them are particularly hard to do, but they take so much time to remove all of the headliner attachments, A, B and C Pillar moldings, seat belt anchors, etc. and then replace them again. Here in North America, dealerships can charge as much as $150 an hour labour, let alone the parts. Sunroof repairs typically are estimated at $2500 CDN, because of the time involved.

 

You made out like a bandit! And since your car is out of warranty, why would you go back to a Lexus dealer if you have that independent shop to go to. Great find!

Keep us posted on your ES350 journey.

Gene