jackiepent

Hi, if you have experienced a squealing noise when you start your 2003 Lexus 300 (especially in cool weather) and have solved the problem, please let me know. I have had the belts replaced but the noise persists.

salimshah

Usually it is belt slipping.

Have the condition and tension of the ac-alternator-mainPulley and the steeringPump-mainPulley belts.



Salim.

carguy07

Agreed, it is very likely a slipping belt. Make sure you use OE belts, the aftermarket ones seem to be problematic on these cars.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Could also be a timing belt tensioner.

code58

What Keith says is true, could be the timing belt tensioner. The 1st thing I would do is REMOVE both external belts (Alt./AC & PS). Then when you start it if it still squeals (probably will) you know it's not the external belts. It COULD be external, I have had experience with squealing NEW belts. It could also be the W/P or upper idler pulley, but my bet is what Keith said, lower tensioner pulley. I have had experience with that and it is the most likely because it has only 1 row of bearings, where everything else has 2 rows.

bearbrew

A quick check for slipping alternator power steering belts would be to use some belt dressing or use some old style white tooth paste. This will cut any glaze that will allow the belt to slip and squeal. Then, if you still have a squeal you will know to look at the tensioners pulleys.

colrhino

I have experienced the same issue- I will try the suggested fix- thanks!