Belt Tensioner Replacement ES350
#1
6th Gear
Thread Starter
Belt Tensioner Replacement ES350
Hi, I think I need to replace the belt tensioner on my 2009 ES350. It looks like I'll need to remove the A/C compressor to access the bolts for the tensioner. Can anyone tell me if this is correct. Any suggestions on this repair would be appreciated.
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ednmoore (09-13-17)
#3
If you have a squeaky pulley bearing, I'm pretty sure the bearing itself can be replaced. Did it on my Tacoma and 'the book' also calls for replacing the entire tensioner assembly. Wouldn't be surprised if they used the same bearing size.
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ednmoore (09-13-17)
#4
6th Gear
Thread Starter
Thanks for the suggestion. I've already replaced all the idler pulleys. I also replaced the water pump. It was definitely bad, but not the source of this squeak. I'm starting to think the belt (new) needs more tension, or it is one of the major components (alternator, etc).
#7
6th Gear
Thread Starter
Thanks for the comment. The alternator was my next guess. I have not been successful in isolating where the sound is coming from...
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#8
6th Gear
Thread Starter
It turn out the alternator was the source of the squeaking and chirping noise. I replaced the alternator and it sounds good as new now. I'm disappointed that the alternator needed replacing with only 86k miles on the car.
#9
It was the decoupler pulley, not the alternator.
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NdYAG (09-23-18)
#10
6th Gear
Thread Starter
Hi, thanks for the post, because I did not know what a decoupler pulley was until you posted this. Can you be 100% certain it is the pulley and not a bearing inside the alternator? Interestingly, the price of the decoupler pulley looks to be almost 1/2 of the price of a complete replacement of the alternator (rebuilt) at my local parts store. Do you need any special tools to replace them?
#11
Gates sells decoupler pulleys for ES350 for $47, # 370026P. You do need a special tool; they average $25. Our decoupler pulley seized at about 120K and fried the alternator. Gates recommends replacing the pulley at 100K. The Lexus service maintenance schedule doesn't even mention the pulley - bad Lexus...
http://www.gates.com/products/automo...er-pulleys-adp
http://www.gates.com/products/automo...er-pulleys-adp
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igzy (09-21-18)
#12
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I believe that my alternator decoupler pulley is starting to make noise too. I replaced the belt with a gator back and sprayed my pulleys and belt with Aerospace 303 protectant. The noise improved, but it comes back after going out on a drive. Usually only hear it coming to a stop and when I park at the end of the drive.
Has anyone removed the alternator pulley? Can you remove it where it is or do you need to pull the alternator out?
Has anyone removed the alternator pulley? Can you remove it where it is or do you need to pull the alternator out?
#13
Gates sells decoupler pulleys for ES350 for $47, # 370026P. You do need a special tool; they average $25. Our decoupler pulley seized at about 120K and fried the alternator. Gates recommends replacing the pulley at 100K. The Lexus service maintenance schedule doesn't even mention the pulley - bad Lexus...
http://www.gates.com/products/automo...er-pulleys-adp
http://www.gates.com/products/automo...er-pulleys-adp