[xsacta]

Hello All,

Just got back from a trip from PA to NY. About midway I noticed a chirp coming from the front of the engine. When I first schecked I thought it was simply the belt. By the time I got home it was clearly something more. The belt is still tight and not dry rotted. It's an '05 TRD sport that just turned 30K. Never saw mud. Actually never saw snow. I've never driven it through any deep puddles as far as I know. I guess it's one of the idler pulleys, or the tensioner. Could be the alternator.

I tried Advance for a Chiltons, but no luck. My question is: Is there a simple way to release the tensioner so I can spin anything with a bearing in order to find the culprit. I have an extended warranty but I'm told this isn't covered. I can do the work no problem. I'm just looking to avoid getting raped for something simple.

TIA!

Rich

 

[surfsupl]

Were you running your a/c by chance?

 

[xsacta]

No, not at all.

 

[TurDonor]

Why, yes, there is.

The tensioner is relieved of its tension by putting a wrench or socket on the tensioner bolt and turning in the loosen direction. It moves. Then, the spring housing behind the tensioner has a hole in its rim that a long bolt will fit in. (Like 1/4", maybe smaller. Or a nail. Doesn't matter.) Once you get it turned about 60 degrees or so, the bolt will push further into a hole that holds it in place. Now you can do hands off stuff.

That might not be enough to freely spin things but it will be enough to pry off the belt and free everything up.

Also, it's tight in there, you'll probably want to remove either the engine cover or skid plate to create enough room to work.

 

[ricelover]

same thing with me when i am running the a/c

 

[Splicer]

If you don't have a mechanic's stethoscope (they're cheap), you can use a long screwdriver -- touch the end of the handle just ahead of your ear, then carefully touch the tip of the screwdriver to different areas you suspect the noise might be coming from. Obviously you need to avoid moving parts (belts, pulleys, fan blades etc). Helps pinpoint the source of the noise...

 

[xsacta]

Thanks for the replies,

I found a thread over at one of the FJ Cruiser sites where many people have had issues with the idler and tensioner bearings going south on their 1GRs. If it's one of those, it's a simple fix. It seems Napa sells units with better sealed bearings. Tomorrow I'll lock the tensioner in position and find the offender. Hopefully it'll just be one of the idlers or the tensioner and not an alternator or A/C condensor.

Rich