2008 Highlander - Serpentine Belt Tensioner Pulley

[GaspipeBob216]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum, looking for some desperately needed help. We heard a noise coming from the V-belt and took it to the dealer. Turns out all we need to replace is the tensioner pulley, so I did not want to claim it on the 100K warranty - seemed like a bad choice with only 30K left on the vehicle before we get that $1200 refunded.


Problem is, I cannot figure out how to loosen this tensioner to get the belt off and replace the pulley. Apparently there is not a Chilton for 2nd gen highlanders yet, and all the searching I've done only explains this for 1st gen. Anyone have any knowledge/diagrams/pics/advice on how to do this???

Thanks for the help

[nov0798]

PM Sent

[nme7]

What timing, I heard a noise like crickets coming from my engine. Local mechanic says it is the tensioner pulley. He tells me that they have to take off the alternator in order to remove the tensioner due to the way to tensioner pulley bracket is installed. Did you have your replaced? If so, did you notice if the engine feels different?

[GaspipeBob216]

Nope - haven't done it yet. One of the TN users sent me the instructions from the Toyota manual and it says a special tool is required to loosen the pulley.

It did not say anything about removing the alternator - it shows the best access is from the underneath, in the passengery tire wheel well. There is a panel that you can remove to see the V-belt.... though, you can't see much of it.

[nme7]

Any luck in getting this fixed? I've got the crickets in my engine and it was traced to the tensioner pulley as well.

[GaspipeBob216]

I took it in. After toying with it for a while, I came to the conclusion that more gray hairs were not worth the effort of this repair. There was not enough room for me in there at all...

$90 installation charge at dealer. Well worth it.

[nme7]

How did the repair work out for you? I took my car to a local "toyota and lexus specialist" in the area and now they state that the alternator pulley is making the noise. They recommend replacing the alternator for a cost of approx $1000 including labor. They were the same ones that told me the tensioner pulley was making the noise earlier. Well told them not to do anything and took the car back while I figure out my options. If you look at the parts inside the alternator, the pulley inside is maybe a $20 part. Would hate to spend over $750 for what they quoted for a replacement alternator when the part in question is only $20.

Anyone have a good mechanic in the LA area?

[lispeej]

I haven't done much with my 08 highlander, but I wouldn't think that any special tools would be required to take things such as the tensioner pulley off. I've worked on numerous Toyotas and they are all simple.
Maybe the dealers say those kind of things to put fear into you, so that you can let them work on it....idk.

[lispeej]

Originally Posted by GaspipeBob216

Nope - haven't done it yet. One of the TN users sent me the instructions from the Toyota manual and it says a special tool is required to loosen the pulley.

It did not say anything about removing the alternator - it shows the best access is from the underneath, in the passengery tire wheel well. There is a panel that you can remove to see the V-belt.... though, you can't see much of it.

so, whats the deal with the special tool required to take off the tensioner pulley? Any pics of the tool?

[GaspipeBob216]

No, I never bought it. Based on the tight location of that pulley (I could feel it, but not see it), I forked over the $90 labor at the dealer and had it done.

[lispeej]

ok. thanks.