dlamb89

Hello all. I went to check my transmission fluid , and I noticed a weird noise on the left side of my engine. It really sounds like it's coming from one of the pulleys, motors or belts. Its definitely on the outside. It sounds like a constant squeak caused by motion. Anyway, it isn't loud at all. I can't hear it whilst driving, or even outside of the car. I only hear it when im under the hood. could this be normal? Could some part of the motors, pulleys or belts be worn out, or require lubrication?


Edit: speed and pitch of the noise does not alter, but has a slight characteristic of oscillation within the noise, which makes me suspect a belt more, but I don't know any better than most of you. I will upload a video of it on YouTube and link it tomorrow.

BDSL

When you say "left" side, you mean the passenger side? Technically, that is the right side.

Yes, idlers can make squeaking noise especially when they are old and cold.

tomf

The 1mz-fe engine is turned sideways in the ES300. Thus:

Technically, the left side of engine is closest to the front of the car.

The front of the engine is on the passenger's side.

The right side of the engine is nearest the rear of the car.

The back of the engine closest to the driver's side.

I'm guessing when he says left side of the engine he really means the front of the engine.

moonphase

If you have a squirt, or spray bottle of water, you can use it to wet the two belts on both sides while the engine is running and making that noise. If the sound goes away, you likely need a new belt. Keep a safe distance from moving parts and the water that will be tossed from the belts. Drive the car a short while afterward to dry the belts so they don't freeze overnight.

dlamb89

Sorry for the delay guys. I was going to upload the video, but it didn't make the sound. Also, it was cold during the sound, and when I tried to record, the sun has been out for a while. So, would it be safe to say its definitely the belt, or could it be another possible part?

moonphase

You can get a belt go/no go gauge free from daycoproductsllc.com for free to be sure if if the belt is worn out. If the underside of the belt is glossy, or glazed then you likely need a new belt. Also have the belt properly tensioned if you do not have an automatic tensioner.