I do not think that TSB applies to 05 corollas.My '05 Corolla started making a growling noise when first started and put in reverse(A/T) at around 33k miles. The sound is like the coolant resevoir or washer fluid resevoir is rattling against the frame or something. I took it to the dealer and he told me that it was the Belt Tensioner, and since I was past the 36 month mark it would be $370 to put a new one on. I told him I would live with it, and he told me that when the belt started squealing it would need attention. Low and behold - I now have 41K miles and it really rattles and the belt squeals! This was a gradual process that originally only happened for a few seconds when cold and would go away. Now the growl or rattle continues for 20-30 seconds and the belt squeal is non stop. I have owned Toyota's for 20+ years, and to me this is an embarrassment to them. I also believe it to be a "Drivetrain" issue because it obviously won't run long without the tensioner.
I called the 800 number and they wanted to know what I thought was an acceptable solution, so I explained why I thought it was a warranty item. So far I have no resolution at all. I did see a note about a TSB, and another guy got his tensioner replaced on his 03 well after the warranty, so I am going to follow up. It sounds like these tensioners have been a problem for quite a while, hard to believe they haven't addressed them.
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Just for the record and ta get some info on replacement, when u changed out the tensioner did u have to remove the front or passenger side engine mount to gain access to that main bolt on the tensioner? seems like u gotta raise up the engine for that bolt to clear the frame rail. any input would be helpful so I know how to go at it in the future
Just for the record and ta get some info on replacement, when u changed out the tensioner did u have to remove the front or passenger side engine mount to gain access to that main bolt on the tensioner? seems like u gotta raise up the engine for that bolt to clear the frame rail. any input would be helpful so I know how to go at it in the future
Taking the passenger side motor mount off and jacking the engine up is the text book way of doing it but I got it out without messing with the motor mounts, was a tight fit but with the right tools and help from my friend it wasn't that hard, key is a 17mm ratchet wrench. I think the tensioner cost me under $30 at Autozone! I bought the ratchet wrench there also, when I was finished I took it back! :saythat:
Was the OEM replacement tensioner too expensive? I would've gone that
route if you still had any warranty left. Even out of warranty I usually
try NAPA or O'reilly before Autozone. BTW, I always feel bad when I use a
store as a tool rental place. It's one thing to buy the wrong tool and need
to return it, but to walk in with the intent of 'renting' it is bad karma.:
route if you still had any warranty left. Even out of warranty I usually
try NAPA or O'reilly before Autozone. BTW, I always feel bad when I use a
store as a tool rental place. It's one thing to buy the wrong tool and need
to return it, but to walk in with the intent of 'renting' it is bad karma.
:
I've owned my car since it was new and the tensioner I put on was the exact brand/match that I took off, I can't remember the exact name but it was a german made part, I even remember remarking to my friend about it because we matched all of the marking on it, so paying $30 at autozone compared to $50+ at the dealer for the same item is a no brainer!Was the OEM replacement tensioner too expensive? I would've gone that
route if you still had any warranty left. Even out of warranty I usually
try NAPA or O'reilly before Autozone. BTW, I always feel bad when I use a
store as a tool rental place. It's one thing to buy the wrong tool and need
to return it, but to walk in with the intent of 'renting' it is bad karma.
As far as the tool, I don't believe in "bad karma" I believe that paying $15 for a tool that I might not use again for years is waste of good money, I only did this in a pinch, besides the wrench was as good as new when I returned it! Do what ever you thinks right but as for myself I don't need a preaching to :nono:
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