Sixdown

Whenever I start up my LS400 in the cold, there's a loud whinning/spinning noise coming from the engine bay. I can guess where the sound comes from and found it to be coming from on or near the timing belt.

The weird thing is that it only happens in very cold circumstances and the noise disappears once the car reaches normal operating temperature.

Any ideas on what the noise really is?

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

a/c compressor possibly??

Blavatsky

Possibly serpentine belt? mine has a similar whir/spin noise until it warms up.

steveski

I would also check your PS fluid levels as mine did it before I rebuilt the unit. It whined until warm and then it was normal. You can also check under the car near the tie rods to see if you see a leak.

link13

My GS300 does the same thing. It seems to be the pulleys for the serpentine belt. I hadn't really noticed it until I went to Prescott Valley, AZ and the car sat outside overnight in sub 20 degree temperatures. It doesn't usually get cold enough in SoCal for this to happen.

Suneet

Are you sure it isn't your power steering pump? Check the fluid.

My car sounds somewhat distraught in cold temperatures at times. Although I don't know anymore becuase I have remote start and I almost never get to my car when it's still cold

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

KISS principle , Keep it simple S,,,,
Belt make nice because it is slipping.
Happens only when cold.
The battery may not be charging enough and the alternator is dragging on the belt to recharge it in the cold.

Replace the belt and it comes back .
Replace the battery and the belt will eventually stretch more then replace it.
Or inspect the ps fluid leak then if their is none replace your battery and belt.

Bill Dowd

have some one check the tensioner for the main drive belt. this could be the problem.