shpatel

Hey guys, as some of you may know I just purchased a 04 LS430 with around 13.5K on the odo. The car is perfect in every way except for this squealing sound that occurs when the car is first started in the morning. It then starts to fade away after the car starts to warm up. But now I was just sitting at a light and I could here a very faint squealing sound.

Anyone know what this is? Is it the fan belt? Also is this anything I should be concerned about?

bigcory

I'm thinking power steering issue. Thats usually the loud, inconsistent, mostly on startup, noise you hear. Check your power steering fluid. After you do that....

Try starting the car and when it makes the squealing noise, turn your wheel. What happens? Does it seem to affect the squealing?

bigcory

I'm not a mechnic, but since the car has very low mileage for an 04', it's probably been garaged for most of it's life. Not being used can also cause issues as seals and gaskets often need to be lubricated to keep from drying out/cracking. If your steering fluid is low, you might have a small leak somewhere. Don't attempt to use those fluids you see that promise to "Stop Leaks". I've been told they can do more harm then good and should only be used as a last ditch effort to make a car go putt putt a few more miles. but then again..i'm not a mechanic.

shpatel

I tried turning the wheel and it makes no difference in the sound. Any other ideas? Man this sucks!

bigcory

Is the squeal consistent. Or does it change pitch and tone?

Does it change when you shift from P to Drive or Reverse?

It could be a belt. They are known to squeak.

Have you tried to locate where under the hood it is coming from? That might help. I would certainly get your new car checked out before you do some damage to it by driving it around.

shpatel

Well the sound seems to be coming right around the area behind where the fan is with that pulley system. The sound varies from high pitched to low pitch very quickly regardless of what gear the car is in.

shpatel

Took it to Lexus this morning and the diagnosis was a worn serpentine belt. Replacement cost was $150 out the door.

tkbalt

We bought an 03 with 38K miles in March. Had the same squeal - dealer replaced serp belt - good as new.

bonafyd

iTrader: (6)

I just saw this thread but i was gonna say that it's the serpentine belt because i had the same problem.....glad you got it worked out.

shpatel

Yeah now its smooth as silk when I start it up!