Serpentine Belt Tensioner not covered in 5/60 ???

[muscato12ga]

The tensioner on my 05 XRS is bad and Toyota says it's not covered in the 5/60 powertrain warranty. Seriously? I can understand the belt itself not being covered as it's a part that's designed to wear, but the tensioner is most definitely part of the powertrain - and I can't believe that Toyota considers this a wearable part.

Being my 2nd used toyota, I'm suddenly not so impressed with Toyota's supposed reputation.

Has anybody had a different experience getting their tensioner replaced outside of the 3/36?

Thanks,

Mike

[JasonA]

Powertrain warranty typically covers things internal to the engine. Like camshafts, pistons, oil pumps, etc. It will often cover water pumps also, but usually not accessories like the alternator. Apparently the tensioner is not covered, perhaps because it's considered "external" to the engine. I'm not all that surprised, and that's not all that uncommon.

The tensioner itself has been re-designed, and a replacement part is available relatively cheaply. It's also pretty easy to replace yourself.

[muscato12ga]

Thanks for the extra clarification on what's covered. With those who have experience on the 2zz tentioner - is it typically the whole assembly that needs replacing or just the pulley? If so, it seems that the pulley is pretty cheap, but the whole assembly can be quite pricey. I know I should probably search, but I already started the thread so I might as well continue. Besides, the info could be updated by now, right...riiiiight

[Slaander]

Originally Posted by muscato12ga

The tensioner on my 05 XRS is bad and Toyota says it's not covered in the 5/60 powertrain warranty. Seriously? I can understand the belt itself not being covered as it's a part that's designed to wear, but the tensioner is most definitely part of the powertrain - and I can't believe that Toyota considers this a wearable part.

Being my 2nd used toyota, I'm suddenly not so impressed with Toyota's supposed reputation.

Has anybody had a different experience getting their tensioner replaced outside of the 3/36?

Thanks,

Mike

i doubt belt is under warranty, just like exhaust pipe, windshield wipers, tires

[muscato12ga]

Originally Posted by Slaander

i doubt belt is under warranty, just like exhaust pipe, windshield wipers, tires

That's what I said, but the Tensioner is not the belt. Now back to my last question. Does the whole tensioner unit need to be replaced or just the pulley?

[JasonA]

If the tensioner is making noise, changing the pulley is most likely not going to fix the problem. The tensioner internals have probably gotten loud.