Chirping/squeaking when I step on the gas pedal?

Hi Joe, thanks for responding. Last week I was able to gently tug the serpentine belt from the passenger wheel well. The tension seems fine to me. But later today, hopefully, I can remove the belt (never done anything like this before) and inspect it. Since the noise started after the fluid leak and after the new water pump, radiator, and thermostat were installed, I’m thinking the belt was probably contaminated with coolant. Maybe even any of the pulleys or the engine mount? I read that I can clean the pulleys with a carburetor cleaner.

As for pressing the brake pedal gently when it squeaks/chirps, the noise does not change.

As for the sound changing based on speed, it seems the sound does not change based on speed.

Attached is the video, hope you can hear it. Let me know if you need another video of it. Thanks again!

Thanks Joe! I jacked the car up and took the passenger wheel off yesterday. There’s no way I could get my arm to reach up for the belt and pulleys. Too tight in there. Will have to think of another way to replace the belt and clean the pulleys. Stay tuned.

Thanks Joe and Ken! Will be taking the car to a mechanic tomorrow. Hopefully cleaning the pulleys with carburetor cleaner and replacing the serpentine belt with OEM will do the trick. Will update once the work is done.

My arms aren't even big, and I wasn't able to reach the pulleys comfortably/confidently. Anyway, the shop called to reschedule the appt for next week as their Toyota specialist is not available this week. Will update when all is done.

Hello, I guess I’ll have to wait until the first week of June for the mechanic to look at the car.

Btw, I watched a YouTube video of a guy’s vehicle doing almost the same thing - squeaking chirping while accelerating while at HWY speeds. He later posted that his mechanic tightened the exhaust manifold bolts and that did the trick. So, I asked ChatGPT this:

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ME: Can a loose bolt on an exhaust manifold or worn gasket cause the chirping squeaking noise while gently accelerating in drive?

ChatGPT:
Yes, a loose bolt on an exhaust manifold or a worn gasket can potentially cause a chirping or squeaking noise while gently accelerating in drive. When the exhaust manifold bolts are loose or the gasket is worn, it can create gaps or leaks in the exhaust system. This can lead to the emission of unusual sounds, such as chirping or squeaking, as exhaust gases escape through the gaps or interact with other components.

ME: What if I put it in neutral and step on the gas pedal? Will it make the same noise?

ChatGPT: If you put the vehicle in neutral and step on the gas pedal, and the chirping or squeaking noise persists, it can help narrow down the source of the issue. If the noise remains the same or changes in a similar manner compared to when you are in drive, it is less likely to be related to the exhaust system.

In such cases, other potential causes should be considered. Some possibilities may include issues with the engine components, such as the serpentine belt, pulleys, or accessories like the alternator or power steering pump. It could also be related to a problem with the transmission or drivetrain components.

ME: So are you saying that if the noise remains the same when in drive or in neutral while stepping on the gas pedal, that it’s probably not related to the exhaust system?

ChatGPT: Yes, if the noise remains consistent whether the vehicle is in drive or in neutral while stepping on the gas pedal, it suggests that the issue is less likely to be directly related to the exhaust system. While it's not possible to pinpoint the exact cause without a proper inspection, other components such as the engine, belts, pulleys, or transmission could be the source of the noise.

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Interesting to say the least. Would you agree with ChatGPT? I’m going to research on where the exhaust manifold is located on my car and see if I can tighten the bolts up. Stay tuned.

This morning, I took the car to another mechanic who told me the engine and transmission mounts are going bad, which is causing the squeaking upon gentle acceleration. He showed me how much the transmission and engine move when his assistant was stepping on the gas pedal. Only symptoms I'm seeing when I google worn mounts are rattling and clunking, no squeaking. Do you know if worn mounts can cause squeaking as well?

Hello, I just wanted to give a quick update: my mech replaced the front and rear engine mounts as well as the tranny mount on the driver's side with OEM mounts that I ordered from a Lexus dealer. The result? No more squeaking!

Yes, it was bothering me a lot only because I was afraid it would damage other components. I didn't care much about the noise.

Just another but quick question if I may. I'm gathering opinions from pros like you. I bought the 2008 Lexus RX350 in March 2023 and it currently has 76800 miles on it. I don't think the transmission fluid has been flushed or changed yet. I heard from AMD (Car Care Nut) that if a Lexus or Toyota has over 100k miles on it, and the tranny fluid hasn't been replaced, to not replace it anymore. He didn't mention the age factor. What are your thoughts on me just doing a drain and re-fill considering its age (15 years old)? Also, any thoughts on Lucas Slip Fix? Thanks!

Thanks Joe! Will watch videos on drain and fill.