[mj56gt]

My 2003 Corolla LE with 42K miles recently started to make squealing noise in the belt area. However the noise seems to only show up during the first 10 minutes of warming up period, and is gone after that. The serpentine belt does not look to me cracked at all. I just found a TSB notice (No. 02107) about the tensioner problem for 2003 Corolla. How can I make sure this is a tensioner problem instead of something else? If so, does it simply need adjustment or replacement, and is this something I have to take care of very urgently? What would be the consequences if not repaired?

Thank you very much for any suggestions.

 

[mikered30]

My 2003 Corolla LE with 42K miles recently started to make squealing noise in the belt area. However the noise seems to only show up during the first 10 minutes of warming up period, and is gone after that. The serpentine belt does not look to me cracked at all. I just found a TSB notice (No. 02107) about the tensioner problem for 2003 Corolla. How can I make sure this is a tensioner problem instead of something else? If so, does it simply need adjustment or replacement, and is this something I have to take care of very urgently? What would be the consequences if not repaired?

Thank you very much for any suggestions.

Based on your symptoms, it is probably your 5 year old belt, because it does it at start up, and not all the time. If it did it all the time, it is probably the tensioner or an associated pulley. There is probably moisture on your belt. The tensioner and the belt are notorious for going bad prematurely.

Instead of getting a the same belt from the dealer, go to Autozone or the like, and get the gatorback belt, and you can put it on yourself if you are mechanically inclined. If not, take it to your mechanic, and insist he uses the gatorback.

 

[adio831]

have an 03 CE..first 7-8 minutes it squeks..WTH!

 

[mj56gt]

Thank you so much for your suggestions! No wonder in rainy or humid days the noise comes more frequently at startup. I will try replacing it with the gatorback belt.

Again really appreciate your help!

Based on your symptoms, it is probably your 5 year old belt, because it does it at start up, and not all the time. If it did it all the time, it is probably the tensioner or an associated pulley. There is probably moisture on your belt. The tensioner and the belt are notorious for going bad prematurely.

Instead of getting a the same belt from the dealer, go to Autozone or the like, and get the gatorback belt, and you can put it on yourself if you are mechanically inclined. If not, take it to your mechanic, and insist he uses the gatorback.

 

[Jeff Lange]

5 years / 42k miles sounds about right for when we usually replace these belts at work. Almost always around that mileage actually, maybe a couple thousand higher.

Jeff

 

[mikered30]

If you want to confirm the belt problem, wait until the squealing stops, turn off your car, and carefully lightly spray your belt with water, and then turn on your car on, if it squeals, it is your belt.