[JohnH]

Originally Posted by Youx

Removing the belt off seems a bit of a hassle? No idea how to do that (and put it back properly after?)

I've turned off the AC, so far no noise at all the few times I have started the car.

one of the reasons I bought this car is that its SUPER easy to work on, at least under the hood. The belt is nearly as easy as opening the trunk. Im not kidding. Put a tool in the tensioner, and detension it. then slide the belt off. Start the car, and listen to the noise or lack of it. Put the belt back on and try again. This really is the only way to isolate if its related to anything spinning by the belt