jbl-1985

All, I've noticed that there is what I would call an abnormally loud gear noise coming from the following location under the timing belt cover. Its almost like it needs a shot of grease or a good showering of WD40...Has anyone else had this noisy condition with their ES300?

Mine is a 2000, 83k miles and the Timing Belt was replaced (as per the sticker on the cover) at 36k miles in 2009 so apparently someone replace the belt due to time.

Any thoughts appreciated.

ES300NZ

The only thing there is a cam wheel, so that means its a cam bearing failing, but it's so hard to say without hearing the noise youtube video ? / post link ? I'd do it on a random account just for the purpose keep your personal one private.

jbl-1985

Yep sorry there's no video but I can say that it nearly sounds like metal on metal when the engine is running. That said, and assuming correctly in this case that a cam bearing needs to be replaced, is that a pretty big job or not? Though I do most of the maintenance on the car myself, this would not not be something I can do myself for sure. Again thanks for your response.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Take a long screwdriver or metal rod and put it against your ear like a stethoscope. Now put it on that spot and see if that's where the sound is coming from. After that, try the alternator. I also thought my noise was coming from under the cover, until I did this test.

LeX2K

Try pressing on the cam cover (to create a better seal) when the engine is running to see if the noise gets softer. If it does that means it's coming from the timing belt components not internally to the engine. BTW my car makes the same noise I've been unable to figure out what it is.

ES300NZ

This might seem silly but it's a very good idea. It works suprisingly well. I personally prefer to use a metal tube but my hearing is .... not great.

ES300NZ

It could easily be an idler bearing, noisy but perfectly functional.

jbl-1985

Thanks for everyone's comments. I'll try what everyone has suggested later today and see what's up. Interesting, Lex2000, that you have the same type of sound as well. Mine just seems really bad, like metal on metal when it's idling. However, on my '99RX300, which has the same engine, there is no such sound...

jbl-1985

Just did this and the noise is coming from the Alternator! Not worried at all now that I know anything with the cam will fail and ruin the engine. I'll keep an eye on the alternator but if that fails it's easier to deal with.

Thanks MrBooby for the insight!

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

No problem, glad I could help. Keep an eye out for weird electrical glitches. My bad alternator caused ABS issues that another member on here experienced as well.