Serpentine Belt Question
08-14-14, 04:07 PM
#1
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Serpentine Belt Question
Hey guys
In desperate need of some help.
I have a 1997 SC400, 178k miles, was running great until 2 weeks ago after Lexus state inspection.
Had a fairly erratic rpm at idle which threatened to 0 out and stall the car at stoplights along with a whining sound coming from under the hood whcih coincided with the rpm dips.
Had car checked by lexus and was told my "drive" belts need replacing and that my alternator is oil soaked.
First off, would this issue cause the symptoms Ive been having
Second, is it just the serpentine belt that needs replacing and what does that entail?
Third, Once the belts replaced is it absolutely necessary to change out the alternator or can it be cleaned?
Money is extremely tight so if anyones in the tri-state area up PA way I could use your help for a fair price to save on costly dealer repairs and parts.
Really appreciate any help you can offer and have a great day
In desperate need of some help.
I have a 1997 SC400, 178k miles, was running great until 2 weeks ago after Lexus state inspection.
Had a fairly erratic rpm at idle which threatened to 0 out and stall the car at stoplights along with a whining sound coming from under the hood whcih coincided with the rpm dips.
Had car checked by lexus and was told my "drive" belts need replacing and that my alternator is oil soaked.
First off, would this issue cause the symptoms Ive been having
Second, is it just the serpentine belt that needs replacing and what does that entail?
Third, Once the belts replaced is it absolutely necessary to change out the alternator or can it be cleaned?
Money is extremely tight so if anyones in the tri-state area up PA way I could use your help for a fair price to save on costly dealer repairs and parts.
Really appreciate any help you can offer and have a great day
08-14-14, 08:54 PM
#3
Wouldn't the most important step be identifying the source of the oil? Otherwise, how do you know that you won't be right back at square one after cleaning/replacing it? Are you positive its not power steering fluid that leaked onto it? That's a very common issue on SC400s.
08-15-14, 11:20 AM
#4
Rookie
Thread Starter
Im sure that it is power steering fluid as I have not had to add any other fluids in 5 yrs of owning car. I know its a common issue and I plan to change out the serpentine asap. Whats best band to buy and can the alternator just be cleaned up once the leak is fixed?
08-15-14, 12:01 PM
#5
That's good then. I don't really know the answer to either question -- I would hazard a guess that your alternator will be okay once dried out, if it isn't currently showing problems from getting soaked -- but I've always heard good things about Gates belts. And OEM is always a safe bet, of course. I would go with OEM unless the alternatives are significantly cheaper.
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