Screeching grinding noise on starting
03-28-15, 05:20 AM
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Screeching grinding noise on starting
My '99 Lexus RX began periodically making a screeching/grinding noise on start-up. I would simply wait a second and try again and it would work. But it's happening more frequently. I'm going to take it in but would like some thoughts. At first my research was coming up a loose belt could be the cause which seemed odd. But it's also coming up as the starter, but that seems to be more with issues of not starting at all.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Thanks for any thoughts.
03-28-15, 07:06 AM
#2
Moderator
You need two people to narrow it down... one starting and one looking in the engine bay.
There are two belts which can make the screeching sound, but it is not grinding. You can mist the belts with a spray bottle (water) or physically see the tension. Although I believe in a tension gauge to set the right tension, but to confirm it is loose, twist the belt at the middle of the long section. If you can turn 90 degrees, it is loose.
Salim
There are two belts which can make the screeching sound, but it is not grinding. You can mist the belts with a spray bottle (water) or physically see the tension. Although I believe in a tension gauge to set the right tension, but to confirm it is loose, twist the belt at the middle of the long section. If you can turn 90 degrees, it is loose.
Salim
03-28-15, 07:34 AM
#3
Driver
Thread Starter
Thanks Salim. I actually just got back from dropping it off and got to speak with the mechanic at Toyota and he is going to first check the belts first. Hopefully that's the culprit vs. something more expensive.
03-28-15, 08:40 AM
#4
Driver
Thread Starter
It was the starter
Just got a call from Toyota. It was the starter - belts were fine. I wanted to post this in case others have this symptom. Looks like it will be $450 after my coupon discount. I'm sure a DIY would be much cheaper but I'm an no mechanic and they got it done for me same day.
I've had to replace the starter and neutral safety switch just one month apart. Hopefully my starting system will not be the cause of any further problems. I think my RX is going on probation. It's getting old enough that it may require someone with DIY skills to deal with worn out parts as they come up. But it still drives nicely!
I've had to replace the starter and neutral safety switch just one month apart. Hopefully my starting system will not be the cause of any further problems. I think my RX is going on probation. It's getting old enough that it may require someone with DIY skills to deal with worn out parts as they come up. But it still drives nicely!
03-28-15, 08:48 AM
#5
Racer
[QUOTE=
I think my RX is going on probation. It's getting old enough that it may require someone with DIY skills to deal with worn out parts as they come up. But it still drives nicely![/QUOTE]
I hear this one for sure!; but fortunately for me in the little over 2 months now that Ive had my 99 rx 300; Ive had no problems thus far; it appears whoever owned mine before me seemed to have been atiment about doing proper maintenance when it was/is required and in doing repairs when needed as well; because mine has a bit over 134,000 on the clock thus far and no problems thus far
I think my RX is going on probation. It's getting old enough that it may require someone with DIY skills to deal with worn out parts as they come up. But it still drives nicely![/QUOTE]
I hear this one for sure!; but fortunately for me in the little over 2 months now that Ive had my 99 rx 300; Ive had no problems thus far; it appears whoever owned mine before me seemed to have been atiment about doing proper maintenance when it was/is required and in doing repairs when needed as well; because mine has a bit over 134,000 on the clock thus far and no problems thus far
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