nparthi

2005 ES330:
Note : Photos & video attached.
I was driving home this evening when I started to hearing a bearing noise from the engine. Within minutes, the Discharge engine light came on. I parked the car and I noticed that engine drive belt connecting to the alternator was completly shredded.
I could also hear the ringing, bearing noise. I was able to restart the car and got home. After I got home, the engine wouldn't crank anymore. I think my alternator is about 5 years old.
1) What is this belt that needs to be replaced ?
2) Would I be able to start the car by jump start? Is it Ok to drive with the broken belt?
3) Is the noise coming from the engine or the alternator ?

Video Link

LeX2K

You can drive the car without the alternator working but I don't recommend it the battery will discharge and at some point the engine will stall possibly at a bad time. That clanking/rattling sound not sure what is doing it. The belt you need is called cooler/compressor also referred to as alternator belt. Speaking of alternator I highly recommend you get a Denso 2100543 other brands such as TYC, Remy, Pure Energy etc. tend to fail in a few years. Or sometimes are bad right out of the box. People tend to recommend Gates belts because it's a name they know but IMO their quality has crashed the last few years get a Bando if possible. Or if you want to step up to a better belt walk into a Toyota dealer and ask for 99366-21040-83.

Before doing anything verify that the alternator is why the belt shredded can you turn the alternator by hand?

nparthi

Yes, I am able to turn the alternator with my hands. Also, the car was able to start this morning. I have added some more pictures that I took a short while ago.
Is this also called Serpentine belt ? Should I consider replacing the power steering belt also ?

ilkinandr

Don't know how you let it get this bad that it just ripped apart, but yeah, replace them all. If one went out I'm sure your others not far behind. How many miles did you have on them and did you have timing belt replaced yet?

nparthi

Thanks @Lexus2000 and @ilkinandr
I currently have 112K miles on it. Bought it used in 2012 when it had 54K miles. I repalced the Timing belt early around 60K when I had to replace the water pump to save some $$. I do not recall changing the alternator since 2012.
My last oil change was in Jan 2019 and the Toyota shop did not mention about any issues with the belts in their report.

What is the typical life of an alternator? What power steering belt make/model is recommended.
So far recommendation from @Lexus2000 is:
1) Alternator - Denso 2100543
2) Alternator Belt from Toyota Part # 99366-21040-83

ilkinandr

Not always possible to tell an issue with the belt just by looking at it, unless you take it off completely. Had mine done at 92k miles at Toyota, now have 190k. The Toyota used mitsuboshi belts, Denso is OEM parts provider for many lexus parts. Still have original alternator, so cant comment. OEM from Toyota most of the time guaranteed quality.
https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.c...t-993662104083

LeX2K

Belts don't normally shred like that I'd like to know why it happened. Here's an example I worked on a Sienna with 180,000 miles the alternator belt was about 1/5th the original width but still working! As far as I can tell it was the original belt I could still see some of the Toyota markings. Denso alternators in my experience give out somewhere past 200k miles the brushes wear out.

That clanking sound you're getting is not normal could be timing belt components or maybe something is simply loose. You asked if the alternator is making that noise, well no in your video there is no alternator belt. The shredded belt could be from an A/C compressor failure.

nparthi

I had a mobile mechanic come and replace both the alternator and the PS belt:

1. Alternator Belt from Toyota Part # 99366-21040-83 ($29)
2. Power Steeering 90080-91088-83 ($5)

He pointed to me that the wires of one of the sensors (pictures attached) had been damaged. He was able to secure it with nylon ties for now. But, I am worried if a slight displacement could result in the wires getting damaged again by the alternator belt.
What is this sensor and why is it located close to the belt drives?
Also, after replacing the PS belt, my steering seems a bit tight ? Is this expected?

LeX2K

Steering should not be "tight" maybe the mechanic did not tighten the belt enough or there is grease on the belt and pulley. That is a low oil level sensor you should secure the wiring properly or like you said it could get wound up in the belt.