I have a rx300 2wd and was wondering what all is involved in changing the timing belt and tensioner and other necessary componants.

The motor is making a real loud screaching sound from what seams to be a central location on the front side of the motor between the cam pullys. Seams to be in that area anyways.

I'm sure this is a recognizable sound for someone here.

Thanks in advance.
Kris

 

Well kris, If you have never done this before,I really dont recommend you try it on this vehicle. try a local Toyota dealer,or reputable shop. Get some estimates. How many miles are on it?

 

Unlikely to be the timing belt - that's a toothed belt and doesn't "slip" as such. More likely the the regular, exposed belts or possibly tensioner/idler.

How many miles on the car? If greater than 90k then it probably wouldn't hurt to change all the belts (timing belt included). But this isn't a job for a beginner.

 

you might want to make sure its not the transmission making that noise.

 

Well I'm pretty mechanicly inclined, I'm in the service industry but am not familiar with this 3.0 engine. So i just was not sure what or where to look first. Also if there was any special tools needed that i might not have to do the job.
I've been looking through the info that the search function has pulled up for me but have not really found anything the pertains to my question. So far anyways.

Kris

 

Kris- My 1st. suggestion would be to tighten the alt./ac belt some and see if it changes it any. Tighten it so you can only twist the belt a little less than 90 degrees to make sure that is tight enough. Also check to see if it is the original belt or at least original Toyota brand. I am not the only one who has had problems with replacement belts squealing on the RX's. If that doesn't change anything- remove the belt completely. Do the same with the p/s belt though that is less likely to be the culprit. If the squeal is still present my suggestion is to get a mechanics stethoscope (if you don't have one). It is some work but I would then pull the timing belt cover off or at least loose if you can (enough to get the probe of the stethoscope in to the idler pulleys and water pump). Most everything will sound rough with the amplification of the mechanics stethoscope but you should be able to easily determine what is making the noise. BE VERY CAREFUL! The scope can be obtained very inexpensively at Harbor Freight. Good Luck.