MarkRN312

Hey all
I have an 03 sc with 36k miles. It started to make this high pitched belt noise soon after I bought it.
How much should a new accessory belt run me?
And how do I know if that high pitched noise is not my serpentine belt?
Shouldn't belts last longer than 36k?
Looking to get a few good opinions before I take it anywhere.
Thanks!

cjs18

On the assumption that your accessory belt is the likely source of the noise you describe (as belt noise) I would go ahead and replace it if for no other reason than it's over 7 years old. You can do it yourself by obtaining the part at an auto parts store (about $35). There are posts on this forum with DIY instructions. It will take about 15 minutes. If the noise doesn't go away you will know there's another issue. Your mileage can vary with belt life. It's possible that the seller used belt dressing to quiet the belt noise and it became ineffective some time after your purchase, leading to the symptom you're hearing.

MarkRN312

Thanks cjs!
Another piece of information,
The noise is louder when I idle and gets quieter (but higher pitched) when I hit the gas.
Does this sound like it would be an acessory belt?

VVTiBob

It is the accessory belt. You have described the "classic" symptoms.

A new belt $40 and your time, 20 minutes and all should be fine. Some say the gatorback belts are better than the OEM ones.

There are several threads about it here. Just use the Search / Advance search feature above. There one thread that gives the step by step replacement.

Or you could go to dealer and spend $120.

VVTiBob

Here is one of those threads I mentioned: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...ld-starts.html

MarkRN312

Just replaced the belt, $20 at pep boys, no one had the gator back belt. I got a drive right. No more chirping! 30 min fix And 180$ saved! Thanks everyone, cjs, bob...cl

VVTiBob

Congrats... now onto your next DIY

cjs18

Good going. Enjoy that feeling of having done a successful job yourself - at considerable savings.

m3nv

Never knew its so easy. Mines not squeky but its 7 yrs old as well. Might as well replace it. Thanks!