han2690

Hi all and happy new year! Long time lurker but first time poster here

Last night we noticed a strange engine noise on our 2013 GS350 when starting the car and wonder if this is a timing chain or pulley noise? Our local mechanic is closed for the holidays so I just want to ask if this is something serious that need looking into asap

Attached are what it sound like on start. After a minute or two the noise went away. Has anyone seen something similar? Appreciate everyone's input

AnirudhA

It sounds like the pulley belt needs to be replaced. But you will have to get it diagnosed to be sure.

PGA71

iTrader: (3)

I played your 2nd video with hood open a few times and it sounds normal to me.

Happy new year.

han2690

Thanks for your input! The open hood video was taken a few mins after the cold start and glad it sounds fine. Will try to take it in next week to be sure and update!

petr4271

Its one of the puleys, my dollar is on water pump.

jgscott

iTrader: (1)

Idler pulley go most often. Take a pipe be careful, put it to you ear then the pulleys. See which one is ringing and grinding ratchey. If not, could be the notorious Vacuum Pump gone bad engine start up noise.

han2690

Really appreciate everyone input on this, I'm thinking one of the pulleys as well. Got an appointment tomorrow to take it into the shop. Hopefully it's not too bad

han2690

Want to close the loop on this. Just got it back from my local mechanic. They concluded that the dry and worn serpentine belt is the culprit and all the pulleys look fine. The job cost $160 and no noise so far 😁

chinee

Sounds like you won on this issue... an affordable fix.

lexo98

iTrader: (2)

Mine just started doing the same with this cold weather. Price seems kinda high for a $50 belt and 5 minutes labor. I’m picking up the belt tomorrow and have some bearings left over from another project so going to change the bearings in the pulley also.

bclexus

@lexo98 - You're going to change (replace) the bearings inside the pulley with some bearings leftover from another project?

lexo98

iTrader: (2)

HAHA not used ones. I bought extra last time around. Some SKF bearings

lexo98

iTrader: (2)

Alright just got some time to work on the GS. I replaced the belt and the pulley bearings. Took just under an hour partially because I had to find some tools. I used this video as a reference
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BjDYXMPNtoc
Definitely wear a long sleeve shirt to protect your arms. I purchased the belt from Longo Lexus for $42 part # 99367-K1550 and I had some extra bearings from a while back that I used when I replaced the pulley bearing on my 2nd Gen GS SKF brand # 6203-2RSH/C3. Our GS has 2 bearings side by side with a sleeve pressed in between. Removal of the pulley was pretty basic you can see that in the video and I didn’t need to remove any covers. I used an SPC Balljoint press https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sps-40920
to remove the pulley sleeve and then press out the bearings. They were pretty easy to remove you might be able to use a large C clamp. I put a light coat of oil on the inside of the pulley and pressed the bearings back in. Extremely basic if you have ever done anything like it before.

Has anyone ever replaced or swapped out the bearings on the pulley next to the alternator? Looks to be similar in size. Not sure if it takes the same size bearings though.