Belt Tensioner

[supton]

120k is coming up (or is here) on my Toyota's and that means time for plugs and serpentine. It's a bit too seasonal at the moment to pull the belt and check the pulleys & tensioner ahead of time. It's also a long drive to a parts store (hence I tend to mail order). I know I could put in a new belt and then redo the job the following weekend if I deem the parts worn; but regardless: is it typical these days to need to replace pulley & tensioner on these models at belt time?

I *do* have a cold start up squeak on the Tundra that goes away after a few seconds, haven't noticed that on the Camry.

 

[Doog]

Lube the tensioner....I have never replaced a Toyota tensioner in under 200k. But then again I R&R the belt at 60-80k

 

[Chris142]

120k it's due. I have ran into a lot of bad tensioneers lately.some with only 60-80k on them

 

[SumpChump]

That cold start squeak may be the serp or an idler. Dont forget that these cars likely have an idler pulley.

 

[Leo99]

I'm still running the stock tensioners in my Toyotas. The Camry one is very difficult to replace from what I've researched. You need to jack the engine up so you can clear a bolt past the wheel well. That is beyond my limitations.

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
120k it's due. I have ran into a lot of bad tensioneers lately.some with only 60-80k on them


Dorman aftermarket tensioners?

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: Chris142
120k it's due. I have ran into a lot of bad tensioneers lately.some with only 60-80k on them


Dorman aftermarket tensioners?
no OE ones.the dayco replacements we use are made in Canada...look to be the same manufacturer as oe without the OE stampings

 

[DoubleWasp]

Dayco makes some good tensioners, and they make a lot of bad ones too.

I bought 3 Daycos for my Roadmaster, and they all squealed like heck from moment one. Friend got one for his Blazer and got the same.

Replacing both with Delco shut them both up.

The Daycos I get for my trucks (OEM supplier for those applications) behave themselves and have yet to show a problem.

 

[supton]

Thanks. I'm in no rush to order parts, but am doing a bit of shopping at the moment and was reminded that belts is something else I need to get.

Doog, do you spray into openings with something? Drip in motor oil? I know on many sealed bearings one can either pry out the seal and drip in oil, or otherwise inject in oil. I'm curious what you have done.

 

[cjcride]

Originally Posted By: Leo99
I'm still running the stock tensioners in my Toyotas. The Camry one is very difficult to replace from what I've researched. You need to jack the engine up so you can clear a bolt past the wheel well. That is beyond my limitations.

The Corolla is the same. I used to feel the same as you till I tried it, it was easier than I imagined.

OP, I would change the tensioner.