Gen3 Engine Noise, Fan Clutch failing?

Hello all, newish to the forums (First time posting). Bought a 2018 TRD-OR last fall to finally join the taco club.

I'm a fairly capable DIY'er (part of the reason I bought a taco), but not an expert. My engine bay started making noise this week. I am linking to a video of it. Just wanted to get feedback from those experienced if you think this is my fan clutch going bad, or something else. When off, I am able to still turn the fan blades by hand fairly easily, but the sound has me concerned. Best I can tell this is coming from the fan area. I do not see any issues with the belt. Just wanted to get second opinions before buying and installing a new fan clutch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mCLHgzVhtc

 

Put some lube oof some sort on the ribbed part of the belt & backside,
just a quick spray to see if it goes away or changes, almost sounds like a harsh belt squeak to me...
Ive NEVER seen a noisy fan clutch unless it was actually locked up, then it would roar really loud as rpm's increase.
A cheap harbor freight stethoscope would help here to isolate....
from what im hearing, belt or an accessory / pulley....

If it is a belt, I have no idea if toyota belt tensioners are known to sag-out causing belt alignment issues, like some of the fords.....

 

Start by spraying a little belt conditioner on the belt and see if anything changes. From there, if you are very careful, you might try a long screw driver as a stethoscope. I'd also try removing the belt and turning the various pulleys. Anything not absolutely perfectly smooth rotating is suspect. I'd try these all these before jumping at a solution.

 

stay away from any belt dressings, that stuff is garbage & a nightmare to get off the pulleys when it gets everywhere....
Any sort of lube would work in this situation, anything but belt dressing...
vasoline, olive oil, dw40, cooking spray, dishsoap, water, etc.....
dielectric grease is a life saver when it comes to belt squeeks....

its just to isolate the noise...

 

Thanks all for the replies. Oddly enough, the sound went away after a couple days, so will keep an ear on it for if it comes back.

 

contaminated or wet belt.....