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Sounds Like Dentist's Drill

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Old Jan 5, 2020 | 10:22 AM
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Default Sounds Like Dentist's Drill

2005 LS430 with 187500 miles makes a whining sound of varying pitch and volume when started. It changes pitch and volume while turning , accelerating, and slowing, and is constant when sitting still at idle. Much quieter at high speed and once the vehicle has warmed. I have not owned my car but about six months. My independent Lexus Mechanic (who also owns this same generation Lexus) changed the belt idler pulley a few thousand miles ago, hoping to address the noise. However, by the time I got the car to him, it was warm and the noise much less pronounced. I have read that I may need a transmission service. Others have suggested power steering fluid service. Thanks for any help!
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Old Jan 5, 2020 | 03:39 PM
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Low power steering fluid or a failing power steering pump could cause that.
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Old Jan 6, 2020 | 03:32 AM
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Can you make a video?
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Old Jan 6, 2020 | 09:17 AM
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Could this be the idler and pulley on the tensioner (serpentine)? I just noticed mine this winter. Power steering fluid being low would cause a sound, but on this car it's very easily inspected and mine is full cold. I've got the parts on the way, people here have made it sound like it's a very simple job.
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Old Jan 6, 2020 | 11:00 AM
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Default Power steering fluid options

Originally Posted by SCn8ive
2005 LS430 with 187500 miles makes a whining sound of varying pitch and volume when started. It changes pitch and volume while turning , accelerating, and slowing, and is constant when sitting still at idle. Much quieter at high speed and once the vehicle has warmed. I have not owned my car but about six months. My independent Lexus Mechanic (who also owns this same generation Lexus) changed the belt idler pulley a few thousand miles ago, hoping to address the noise. However, by the time I got the car to him, it was warm and the noise much less pronounced. I have read that I may need a transmission service. Others have suggested power steering fluid service. Thanks for any help!
Is your power steering fluid original?

Consider replacing fluid using Turkey baster method.

Have a look at synthetic power steering fluid...better flow at start-up.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...d-options.html



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Old Jan 8, 2020 | 02:06 PM
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It was the alternator.
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Old Jan 8, 2020 | 09:43 PM
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Are you putting in a new one or getting it rebuilt?
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