RangoonRX

The engine on my 99 RX300 has a squeaking noise when it's cold but goes away after the engine warms up. I thought it may be my power steering belt but my mechanic who is not a not a Lexus guys said it's my timing belt that's squeaking. the car has 160000 miles on it and it had a new timing belt and water pump kit put on it at 140000. Should I not worry about it or should I put a new timing belt on?

salimshah

I would do these tests before going further and you may have to spin the main pulley clock-wise to see all sections.

Physically inspect [with light]
1. the accessory [main-pulley, AC-compressor, alternator]
2. the steering belt [main-pulley, steering pump]
3. the main pulley itself.

Look for cracks, shine etc.

Next is to take a spray bottle and fill with water. Gently soak the belts and see if the noise goes away. You can do one belt at a time and need to do it fairly quickly after you start. [before the noise would have gone away normally].

If you have belt tension gauge use it.

Then you have either trust your mechanics diagnosis or open the timing belt covers to inspect the timing belt. If OEM or quality timing belt was used, I dont think it will be the timing belt [best guess]. I would attribute the sound to the idler or tension roller and they might need replacement. Normally I replace these with timing belt change as they are lubed at time of manufacture. Water-pump is also a possible source of noise.

Once you do open up the timing belt, I would replace it as the item is just 30~40 vs the labor. I would also suggest to replace the water pump ... if it is squealing and if it was not replaced at the last TB change. imho

You really dont need Lexus certified mechanic and any good mechanic who uses good parts and has access to specs and tools [like tension gauge] would be fine.

Salim

RangoonRX

Thanks. I'll check those things out

carguy07

Why not remove the belts one at a time and see if it goes away?

salimshah

Often the best answer is the simplest one.

Salim