Has 60,000 since it was last changed. When the hood is open, it seems loud. A grinding like sound. Any way to check it out without taking half the engine apart?

 

Use a car stethoscope to pinpoint the source of the noise, Not as good, but you can also use a rrounded wooden stick of an approprate length,.

Just be carefull of moving parts.

Phil

 

Is the noise coming from the alternator or perhaps a drive accessory belt/pulley?

 

Well, just found out my alternators voltage regulator is bad. But I really think the sound is coming from under the timing belt cover.

Weirdest thing, I have 2 Lexus's, both have bad alternators on the same day! The other is a 98 gs400.

 

Try starting it without the belts, it won't hurt it to just run for a few minutes. See if the noise is still there.

It could be that the last time the timing belt was changed, the idler pulleys weren't changed, and now one is worn out.