bob2200

I don't know how long this has been going on since it can't be heard from inside the car. During idle, regardless of transmission setting, with FWD car, I hear a constant chirp, chirp, chirp (or squeek, squeek, squeek) that seems to be coming from the belt area on the engine. My RX has 57K-mi and is 5 1/4 years old. Local temperature is in the 40's, and the weather has been dry.

Is it the serpentine belt? Is it covered by drive-train warranty? If you think you have an answer, what is estimated parts/labor costs?

Lil4X

Probably is the belt - which is not a warranty item. No idea of cost, but it shows up on drivewire.com at $15 - $20. Google lexus serpentine belt for several sources and descriptions of replacement.

Here's an old mechanic's trick - You can confirm that it is your belt and not an idler pulley bearing by taking a bar of soap and, with the engine idling, CAREFULLY touching the soap to the underside of the belt to transfer a little dry soap to the belt surface all the way around. This will lubricate the belt enough to stop the squeak for a few days. Try not to use your wife's expensive French-milled bath soap - they tend to get cranky when you return the bar to their tub with grease and rubber residue on it.

If the belt appears to be in reasonably good condition otherwise, you can buy a can of belt dressing from your auto supply store that will be a better fix. Read and follow the directions on the product.

HarrierAWD

Actually the belt is a warranty item. My dealer replaced it free of charge when it started making noise at 42K miles.

Lexmex

I think he is out of warranty, unless he has some kind of extension.

bob2200

I have an extension, but just checked and it doesn't cover the belts (other than timing belt).

miniround

my 2000 rx with 70k squeeks too...only some startups though...

salimshah

RX300 (other than the hidden timing belt) uses 2 belts.

Main pulley, Steering pump ... way below the engine.

Main pulley, alternator, AC compressor.

Salim

tightlinez

I have the same problem.. Mines a 2002 AWD @ 82k.

Does anyone have a DIY link for changing the belt?

bob2200

I had both belts replaced by a local mechanic I recently discovered. They looked OK, but the noise went away after replacement. Maybe belt dressing or tightening the belts would have worked, but I figured I'd replace them after about 60K-mi.

I've seen a DIY on replacing the outer (alternator) belt on this users forum. In watching the mechanic, the tricks are in access. For the outer belt, the access is with a long socket extension by removing the plastic cowl on the top of the radiator. For the inner belt, the access is by removing the passenger-side front wheel and removing the access plate (2 bolts). This is a different technique than that described in the DIY.

If you know what you're doing, it only takes about a half hour to replace both belts.