I started noticing a noise comming from the front of the engine. Upon further inspection, I notied that the noise was comming from the engine belt tensioner. I sprayed WD40 and the noise went away and came back just a few seconds later. Anyone had this problem before? Anyone have a part number for this? thank you for your help.

 

I have that same noise coming from my engine bay. Mostly on idle I can hear it pretty clear from outside the car. I noticed it coming from the belt area. I dont know why it does that but its been doing that for a pretty long time now. Its almost like a whinning kinda sound but not really. Its kinda hard to explain the sound but its like a rusted peice of metal and turning I guess. I never tried to spary WD40 on it. When I got my belt replaced it was making that sound and after they changed it it went away for a while and then a few months later it came back. I wonder if this is pretty common?

 

I dont know if it's same sound but I have high frequency squeak noise from belt area, it happens first 5 min when I start the engine and it disappears.

 

those are exactly the noises I'm talking about. I just replaced the belt but the noise is still there. I have just been told thats its the idle pulley. I'll see what it costs to have it replaced.

 

maybe this is a good time to post that wd-40 is primarily a de-greaser NOT a lubricant..sure it has some lubricant in it....but thats not what it was made for


I see many many people that use it as a lubricant........with the same results you got.....


want to lubricate something.....use a lubricant.......not a degreaser...

 

I feel obliged to point out that no lubricants should be used on the belts, if they are squeaking the belt is probably loose or worn, if you "lube" the belt it can induce slippage and some oils will attack the belt causing failure.

A little squirt of WD40 on the belt can make it a quieter but the WD soon wears off.

The idler pulleys are known to collapse on high milers so if there is a rotation noise coming from it get it replaced.

 

You can buy a replacement bearing for the idler pulley at any bearing supply store.

 

the WD-40 was used on the idler pulley.
I will just replace the idler pulley. Don't feel like messing around with changing bearings etc.

thank you all

 

I'm glad I found this thread. I have the same problem also my boy with his SC400. I thought it was the belt, got a new one same thing, then I thought it was the Alt. going bad. Does anyone know the cost for that pulley?

 

I got a price from a independent mechanic who told me 210 bucks. but I don't think its that high. I emailed steve ganz from carson toyota. when I get an answer back I will post them up. I will also try to look them up on the net and post results.

 

I don't know how much the idler pully is but I seem to remember someone mentioning something over $100 for the part. I bought the bearing for under $5 and it isn't hard to install.

 

can you tell me the exact part number or size of the bearing and how you did it? I got a buddy who's does all his own installs that may be able to do it for me.

 

This is the answer I got from a local bearing supply store:

A 17x40x12 is a standard 6203 bearing sealed both sides is a 6203 2rs we have hundreds of them. Your price is $5.42 ea.

I ended up buying one from the local NAPA store using the part number 6203RS.

You just release the pressure on the idler and remove the belt, then loosen the bolt in the center of the idler (as I remember it is a left hand thread) and then drive out the old bearing using a socket and then put in the new bearing. It took me about 5 minutes.

 

Khark!

Thanks for that info, I'll get the part and change it, I'll post the results.

 

me too. I just called a local auto parts supplier and they have it. I'll do it tonight and post results.

one more thing... what is a left hand thread?