Very Noisy Alternator Belt
#1
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Very Noisy Alternator Belt
My beautiful '99 Rx300, Roxy. 173k miles strong. She's been quite noisy for a few months now. Can't remember the last time the belt was replaced.
I've tried adjusting the belt tension a few times recently and it didn't work or I did it incorrectly. I remember tightening the tension a year or two ago and it was successful, but this time it was no good. The belt feels tight, but I don't want to fuss with it any more because I'm afraid of breaking something.
Here's what I, and everyone near my car, gets to hear everyday:
Sorry if the video is vertical, youtube is taking its time rotating it.
A high-res picture of the belt:
What is needed here? Any time I softly press on the accelerator the noise get louder but goes away once you hit like 10mph. So if I'm slowly driving through a residential area or even a parking lot, my car sounds like a thousand birds chirping.
Please help me, Club Lexus. You've been so good to me in the past! Thank you!
I've tried adjusting the belt tension a few times recently and it didn't work or I did it incorrectly. I remember tightening the tension a year or two ago and it was successful, but this time it was no good. The belt feels tight, but I don't want to fuss with it any more because I'm afraid of breaking something.
Here's what I, and everyone near my car, gets to hear everyday:
Sorry if the video is vertical, youtube is taking its time rotating it.
A high-res picture of the belt:
What is needed here? Any time I softly press on the accelerator the noise get louder but goes away once you hit like 10mph. So if I'm slowly driving through a residential area or even a parking lot, my car sounds like a thousand birds chirping.
Please help me, Club Lexus. You've been so good to me in the past! Thank you!
#2
Lexus Champion
My beautiful '99 Rx300, Roxy. 173k miles strong. She's been quite noisy for a few months now. Can't remember the last time the belt was replaced.
I've tried adjusting the belt tension a few times recently and it didn't work or I did it incorrectly. I remember tightening the tension a year or two ago and it was successful, but this time it was no good. The belt feels tight, but I don't want to fuss with it any more because I'm afraid of breaking something. Sorry if the video is vertical, youtube is taking its time rotating it.
What is needed here? Any time I softly press on the accelerator the noise get louder but goes away once you hit like 10mph. So if I'm slowly driving through a residential area or even a parking lot, my car sounds like a thousand birds chirping.
Please help me, Club Lexus. You've been so good to me in the past! Thank you!
I've tried adjusting the belt tension a few times recently and it didn't work or I did it incorrectly. I remember tightening the tension a year or two ago and it was successful, but this time it was no good. The belt feels tight, but I don't want to fuss with it any more because I'm afraid of breaking something. Sorry if the video is vertical, youtube is taking its time rotating it.
What is needed here? Any time I softly press on the accelerator the noise get louder but goes away once you hit like 10mph. So if I'm slowly driving through a residential area or even a parking lot, my car sounds like a thousand birds chirping.
Please help me, Club Lexus. You've been so good to me in the past! Thank you!
#3
Moderator
How old is the belt? (estimate or if has been 3 yrs then its time to change)
Take it off and examine it, through the full length and specially the inside. See if the belt feels stiff and dried out (not the best term, but in feel). A good belt should be flexible.
Salim
Take it off and examine it, through the full length and specially the inside. See if the belt feels stiff and dried out (not the best term, but in feel). A good belt should be flexible.
Salim
#4
Why would you change a belt at 3 years? Maybe if it is a cheap aftermarket, but factory belts last almost forever.
#5
When we bought our 2002, it sounded like that. It was brought to the dealer's attention many times. At one point, we had the serpentine belt replaced (forget if it was because it was due, or for a recall), and the problem went away.
Before I officially "signed up" for an account here @ CL, I seem to recall reading some threads here regarding a loud alternator belt.
Before I officially "signed up" for an account here @ CL, I seem to recall reading some threads here regarding a loud alternator belt.
Last edited by Dadikins; 06-21-13 at 09:01 AM.
#6
Moderator
If you are getting a squeal, and you have made sure the tension is right and you have had 30,000 miles on the belt, I would say change the belt. The belts are part of replace maintenance, the milage escapes me. Mine are averaging 50-60kmiles. The shortest life was when I was not parking my RX in a garage.
Salim
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#9
Driver School Candidate
Not forever, my 2002 started to squeal at 120,000 . Sept 2012 replaced at 130,000, old belt was worn, some cracking . My battery is still good, at 11 plus years. Thanks Rx Laguna
#10
Moderator
Salim
#11
Lexus Champion
#12
Lexus Champion
Nothing lasts forever.
If you are getting a squeal, and you have made sure the tension is right and you have had 30,000 miles on the belt, I would say change the belt. The belts are part of replace maintenance, the milage escapes me. Mine are averaging 50-60kmiles. The shortest life was when I was not parking my RX in a garage.
Salim
If you are getting a squeal, and you have made sure the tension is right and you have had 30,000 miles on the belt, I would say change the belt. The belts are part of replace maintenance, the milage escapes me. Mine are averaging 50-60kmiles. The shortest life was when I was not parking my RX in a garage.
Salim
#13
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Okay, I'm all for replacing the belt (which I would take to a mechanic to do), but I am open to spraying a little WD40 on the belt while it's running. I should note, that when I start the engine in the morning when it's cooler/cold, then I don't hear it. It's when it's warm/hot and/or the engine has been running for a while I hear the noise.
#14
Lexus Champion
Okay, I'm all for replacing the belt (which I would take to a mechanic to do), but I am open to spraying a little WD40 on the belt while it's running. I should note, that when I start the engine in the morning when it's cooler/cold, then I don't hear it. It's when it's warm/hot and/or the engine has been running for a while I hear the noise.
#15
Super Moderator
Sometimes oil and other gunk (whether from road, engine or other), can get on that belt and cause squeals. Usually, I find this stuff gets knocked off after going through rain and puddles or even through a car wash. Barring that it is weather expanding/contracting belt or just the belt itself.