newells4

I paid the Toyota Dealer $156 on Sep 9th to remove the brand new non-OEM belts and replaced them with new Toyota/Lexus belts. They tightened the belts according to Toyota/Lexus specs. Yes, they are much tighter. The startup squeal has gone away. The new squeal only happens after the vehicle comes up to temperature while driving. It is much fainter and happens with the A/C disengaged. Engaging and then disengaging the A/C stops the noise. It also disappears when the vehicle comes to a stop. Have no idea yet, RX300 is going into Lexus for this one. Keep you posted.

Lenore, I have had the same issue. Wife backs out of garage and RX starts squealing. I had the belts replaced at our local garage. The squeal got progressively worse. A/C engaged the belts would squeal during startup or later when driving. Decided to take it to local Toyota dealer (Lexus dealer too far away). They replaced the new non-oem belts with Toyota/Lexus belts and tightened the new belts. The squeal went away when starting up or engaging the A/C. Now it squeals (not as loud as before) when she drives, but quiets when she is at a stop. I still think it has something to do with the A/C clutch bearings. 83k on vehicle and original timing belt. Hoping it is not timing belt.