2003 Corolla- Belt Tensioner

[panthermike]

Hey guys,

This model year Corolla is notorious for bad belt tensioners. Anyways, my gf's car was squealing a little and the belt was original, so we put on a new Dayco belt.

We then went on a long trip and I hadn't heard anything until this morning, a "chirp" that lasted about 2 minutes.

I'm guessing the belt tensioner is bad(we will confirm before any repairs) and we have three options. I was wondering which you would choose(money is a bit tight for her):

Gates-83.00
Dayco-88.00
AC Delco-101.00

Basically, are any of these choices bad?

 

[beast3300]

Buy the cheapest one.

 

[FusilliJerry82]

Gates actually makes good stuff; so I wouldn't hesitate to get the cheapest one in this case.

 

[Bill in Utah]

May be just the $10 pulley. Mine makes noise here and there and I've got the pulley in a box (comes with the bearings)

I doubt you need the whole thing...

Bill

 

[FusilliJerry82]

I know the 2003 Camry's tensioner itself, not just the pulley, is faulty, so that may also be the case for the Corolla.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: FusilliJerry82
I know the 2003 Camry's tensioner itself, not just the pulley, is faulty, so that may also be the case for the Corolla.


+1

Toyota TSB #: EG021-07 that was issued on 4/17/2007 states that certain 1ZZ-FE engines may exhibit a squealing and/or rattling noise from the engine compartment during vehicle operation. It goes onto state that a new belt tensioner assembly has been improved to correct this condition.

The TSB covers most 2003-2007 Corollas, I can e-mail you the exact TSB if you want.

The part # for the improved belt tensioner is 16620-22033. One online Toyota parts seller charges $148.59 + S/H for the part. MSRP is $185.74.

I would go with the OEM tensioner since the aftermarket one was probably not improved to correct this problem. The noise may come back in a short time with the aftermarket one if it is still of the "original" design.

 

[Bill in Utah]

So he had squealing which could mean 2 things;

Belt wearing so its not grabbing the pulleys of the accessories or belt loose (because of a bad tensioner).

He replaces the belt and the noise went away. IF the tensioner was bad, would NOT the noise continue with the new belt since the "bad" tensioner does not keep the correct tension on the belt?

The belt was prob in need of replacement (the noise did go away with the new one) and the pulley is starting to go bad.

Mine makes noise here and there when below freezing. I sprayed some lube into the pulley and wola the noise went away for a couple of weeks. That is when I ordered the new pulley. Some time I'll get to it.

I'll replace the tensioner when it stops providing tension to the belt.

My thoughts...

Bill

 

[panthermike]

Forgot to mention this guys, sorry.

It squeals ONLY when started after sitting for a while. The squeaking will subside after 2-3 minutes. But yes, the first 5 or so cold starts on the new belt yielded no noise.

I've never noticed squealing otherwise(unless it rains).

 

[panthermike]

BTW, is it easy to tell if just the pulley is bad?

Also, don't know if this is related but, I kind of feel like the car sometimes takes longer than it "should" to start. Not real long, but not instantaneous either. Could either the pulley or the tensioner cause this? Battery is new and alternator tested fine.

Appreciate the help guys.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: panthermike
Forgot to mention this guys, sorry.

It squeals ONLY when started after sitting for a while. The squeaking will subside after 2-3 minutes. But yes, the first 5 or so cold starts on the new belt yielded no noise.

I've never noticed squealing otherwise(unless it rains).


That is what mine does here and there.

The starting "issue" is prob normal since it does start and not taking a long time. Did she try the turning the key all the way just before engaging the starter wait a few seconds THEN engage the starter?

Bill

 

[Mustang_Cougar]

If you wanted to take a chance and save $60+, you could try a decent salvage yard first: There are only millions and millions of '03-08 1ZZFE Corollas, Matrixes & Vibes out there that use the same tensioner. Swapping a belt tensioner isn't a difficult job...so if you got a bad one, it's not like it's the end of the world.

 

[panthermike]

Bill, we haven't tried that yet, but I will let her know. Thanks

 

[FusilliJerry82]

Originally Posted By: Mustang_Cougar
If you wanted to take a chance and save $60+, you could try a decent salvage yard first: There are only millions and millions of '03-08 1ZZFE Corollas, Matrixes & Vibes out there that use the same tensioner. Swapping a belt tensioner isn't a difficult job...so if you got a bad one, it's not like it's the end of the world.


'Cept that doesn't solve the problem if there's a revised tensioner.