wr2009

My first post on this forum so if I do it wrong, sorry. I think the idler pulley on my 2009 rx350 may be going bad. Started out as a squeal-type noise but that is gone and I think I can hear a rattle-type noise now. Is there any way you can tell if it's the tensioner pulley or the idler pulley? Are there any instructions for replacing them and should I replace the belt too? The car has 70,000 miles on it. If a repair shop does it, what kind of cost am I looking at? Thanks!

RTIS250

iTrader: (9)

I would have it checked out ASAP. The rattling noise could be a water pump bearing beginning to fail. If it goes out, the engine could overheat. May be an idler as well..best way to tell is to remove the belt, and spin each pulley and see which one feels rough and/or makes noise.

wr2009

Thanks for the response. I ended up having a local repair shop replace the water pump, idler pulley, tension pulley, thermostat and belt for $1100. All OEM. Now I should't have to worry about that stuff for another five years at least.