04 GX470 cold start very loud whining noise

[Sophina]

🙏🏻Please help 🙏🏻 2004 GX 470 with extensive maintenance records… however I have an issue several mechanics and Lexus dealer can not find the problem. Cold start extremely loud whining noise from front of vehicle. It gets faster and louder if I press the gas peddle. It does get much quieter after it warms up and does not return the noise unless completely cold. Dealership said I needed a new transmission. NO. I am very confident that is not the problem. I am thinking a pulley or bearings. I have audio file too. Please help…. Thank you in advance 🙏🏻✨

[RX400h]

Do you have a mechanic's stethoscope? That would help pinpoint the source. My initial guess would be a loose/worn belt or pulley bearing. I agree that it should not be the transmission unless perhaps it has 400,000 miles on it.

[Sophina]

Update to the whine and thank you for a response. Totally used the stethoscope method and I am sorry to say it is the Transfer Case. Oh goodness me 😢 

[RX400h]

How many miles are on the transfer case? I wonder if you can get one out of a low-mileage GX 470 at a scrap yard.