isfjay

Hey guys, found a nice, well-serviced 43k mile 2002 GS430 from a private seller. My question is... I looked at the car and upon start-up in the garage there were some high pitched squeals coming from the belts. I popped the hood to look (of course can't really see the issue). anyway, after 10 minutes or so of warming up the squealing died down.

Does anybody know what causes this? Easy fix? Deal killer?


Thanks

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Did you check the condition of the belt? That could be it. If belt checks out fine, then pulley would be next to worry.

isfjay

I looked at the belts but the engine was running plus didn't know what I was really looking for....

SaddleFTW

fan belt needs to be replaced. should be cheap.

Johnny Rad

I highly recommend that you get a mechanic to check it over from top to bottom. I think it costs $100 at the Lexus stealership and they'll also search their nationwide system for its service history. Well worth the money in my opinion.

02Legend

iTrader: (3)

You do know that the fans are electric right?

isfjay

So, it wouldn't be the fan belt?

02Legend

iTrader: (3)

No, there is one belt, serpentine/drive.

isfjay

thanks! So, my logic is that if I replace the serpentine belt I should be good to go? Is this really expensive of a few hundred bucks?

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

changing out the serpentine belt is not expensive at all. A 43k mile GS430? Who owned that car? It barely got driven.

tinman

Previous poster was correct, fan belt, but it's not called a fan belt anymore, it's a drive belt or serpentine belt. It would cause a squealing noise. They are not hard to replace. You could even bring one with you, the proper size socket and a big wrench and change it yourself before you purchase the car, just to be sure. You should also be able to look at the belt and see cracks if it's old.