Quick VR-4

iTrader: (2)

Specs:
2001 Lexus GS430
65,xxx miles
No 60k done

I parked my car all weekend and on Monday morning, I noticed a squealing sound at start-up. After 10 minutes, it went away and never came back that day. The following morning it did the same thing so I sprayed some belt dressing and the noise went away immediately. It goes away with belt dressing, but returns if car sits 12+ hours. This morning I raised my hood and listened and seemed harshest on drivers side facing motor. It kind of sounded like metal-on-metal so could the belt dressing actually be lubing a pulley. What is going out on me...water pump??? No other issues with car...no lights, loss of power, etc.

Any help is greatly appreciated!!!

GS300ToM

iTrader: (32)

It's your belt, change it out but double check all your pullies to see if they're loose

vwynn

iTrader: (4)

could be your belt slipping.

either change the belt if its worn out or the tensioner if its worn out.

Debonair

Belt. Change it.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Check the condition of the belts see if it's cracked, replace it if so. If not most likely the belt is old so it's getting dry. Easy fix is spray some WD-40 or belt dressing for "temp" fix.

Quick VR-4

iTrader: (2)

Thanks guys. I figured it was the belt because as soon as I sprayed the belt dressing on, the noise stopped instantly. I just wanted to make sure.

I guess my next question is can I use a belt from a local autoparts store or is Lexus OEM recommended? Closest Lexus dealership is an hour away, but I do have a Toyota dealership local if the 430 shares a part# with a Toyota.

Thanks for the help.

phillygs3

iTrader: (5)

Yeah like the others said , I just changed mine ..... took me two minutes

Quick VR-4

iTrader: (2)

What kind of belt did you go with? Am I OK with getting one from an autoparts store or need to go with OEM Lexus?

link13

I would suggest doing the 60K service.

vwynn

iTrader: (4)

yea you can. they should be the same size. Im not sure which is best but i heard a lot of people are happy with the goodyear gator back or watever.

Debonair

If not Lexus (Toyota) Goodyear is a good choice. Just stay away from super generic brands and you should be fine.

12345678910

GS300ToM

iTrader: (32)

YezziRR 5 Min DIY, cant beat that!!!!!

3UZFTE

As it's been said a million times, your belt needs changing, it most likely has a thousand cracks causing air to get in there and loose surface area to drive the belt, or it has stretched. I personally do not like the Goodyear, "gatorback" or whatever they try to push, I'd purchase a Gates belt, I'm pretty sure that's who makes Toyota's belts, I've had good luck. I wouldn't do the 60k, The only thing that I think that might be beneficial is if they change your diff fluid or not, everything else can wait until the 90k, depending on how you service your car.

Quick VR-4

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the advice guys...exactly what I was looking for. I priced the Goodyear at $28 and the Gates at $50 so I will give the Goodyear a try. The off-brands were around $14, but I would rather pay a little extra for something proven to work.

Thanks again!!!!