Braver

I have a 2001 ES300 that makes a high pitch whistling sound from the fan belt area first thing in the morning that lasts about 20 seconds and goes away when I backup.The sound is heard only when the air conditioner is on. The mileage is 104K miles.Does anyone know what the is the cause for this problem? Thanks.

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus!

It sounds like the belt is ready for replacement. It may be glazed over causing the sound you are hearing. I suggest replacing both belts, the power steering belt, and the alternator/air conditioning belt.

The belts are cheap you should be able to get both for $20. Labor will be around 1/2 hour to 1 hour.

INNOUTFAN

When you go to change the belts, do one at a time, and start the car in between. Could also be a bearing - alternator, A/C Compressor, idler pulley, power steering pump all have bearings that can sing on start-up then stop at operating temperature.

Braver

Thank you for your response. I checked the car again without having the air conditioner on and there is no high pitch whistling sound. After warm up, I turned the a/c and the sound is not there. So it appears that the problem occurs only when the engine is cold at the first start in the morning when the a/c is also on.

Aqualung

I have the same sound, same year...had the belt lubed...but...my tech says that the bearings are also going and I'll need a new compressor.

Braver

Did the belt lube stop the whistling sound? The problem also occurs in the winter when the engine is cold during startup.

Kenny43

Your best bet is to just replace the belts at the same time