stant_98

Hello guys,

I hope someone can assist. 02 ES300 timing belt, idler pulleys, tensioner replaced about 4 months ago, about 5K miles ago. Non-dealer repair shop did it. Parts used were factory parts purchased from a Lexus dealer online. Currently, engine makes sort of a whistling noise, which is coming from under the plastic cover that covers the timing belt, etc.... My mechanic, without looking into it, i.e. removing stuff, listened to the noise and said that the upper / lower idler pulleys and the tensioner are defective and need to be replaced and gave me a written work order that states that the upper / lower idler pulleys and the tensioner are to be replaced and the total job price. The online Lexus dealer told me that how the Lexus parts warranty works is that once they receive the "bad" parts, Lexus inspects them, and IF indeed found defective, they will provide credit. In other words, I buy new parts, have them installed, ship back the old defective parts, and only when Lexus confirms they're defective will I reimbursed.

Since my mechanic did not actually "get into it", but only listened to the noise, what if the pulleys/tensioner are not defective? How should I go about this whole situation and try to avoid paying for things twice and/or avoid unnecessary expenses?

Thanks in advance!

lextech765

The engine can be run with the top cover off to better locate the source of the sound

willhickey

iTrader: (1)

if he did the work and now its making a noise from the same department tell him to fix it......, did he warranty his work?

JohnLX300

iTrader: (2)

I am researching such an issue myself. I replaced all you did. Bought the parts from a lexus dealer online. I continued to experience noises from the timing belt area. I was so bother by it that I bought it back a few times to be repaired at my local toyota dealer. They replaced the timing belt with a napa (gates) timing belt and the issue went away. It sounded like a bad bearing, idler tensioner or pulley. Toyota sprayed the belt with brake parts cleaner. The sound went away. They claimed it was the way the OEM belt was riding on the camshaft gears........hope this helps.