1999 Mk1 Yaris Alternator Belt Issue?

[GDB87]

Hi

Over the last few weeks I've been getting an infrequent, very loud squeal from my 1999 Yaris. Mainly just when starting for the 1st time that day, but occasionally at other times, usually when decelerating. Usually stops after a few seconds but if not turning the engine off and restarting seems to eliminate it. Is this likely to the the alternator belt?

If so, is there anything relatively straightforward I can to do fix this or does it need to go to a garage?

Thanks

[Cyker]

A common problem when it's cold and/or damp.

Easiest thing to try is tightening it using that big bar above the alternator.

Failing that, it's worth getting the belt replaced (The part is relatively cheap and the job shouldn't be too expensive) - Make sure they clean the pulleys too as if there's any debris on them they may still slip a bit on the new belt.

That said, try and listen to see if it is the alternator (aux) belt, as I replaced that on mine and it didn't help at all and I'm now thinking the problem is with the power steering belt which is further in.

I haven't bothered replacing it on mine as the squeal goes away once the car warms up tho'.

[CPN]

Hi

Over the last few weeks I've been getting an infrequent, very loud squeal from my 1999 Yaris. Mainly just when starting for the 1st time that day, but occasionally at other times, usually when decelerating. Usually stops after a few seconds but if not turning the engine off and restarting seems to eliminate it. Is this likely to the the alternator belt?

If so, is there anything relatively straightforward I can to do fix this or does it need to go to a garage?

Thanks

This is almost certainly a belt in the early stages of being worn, stretched, loose or all three of those and is probably one of the easier jobs for a DIYer to tackle in the engine bay. At best, tightening up the belt to spec could cure the problem or, at worst, go and buy a new belt in your local motoring accessory store. If your car has an A/C, squealing is usually the first indication of its belt going loose as it has a higher startup torque loading than the main fan/alternator belt. Again, there will be an adjustment procedure to follow for that also.

[GDB87]

Thanks for the replies! It's so sporadic I can never manage to get a look under the bonnet while it's still making the noise. I had the aux drive belt replaced about 2 years ago when the car was being serviced (first time it has ever been replaced as far as I know). Wasn't causing any probs but garage said it needed replacing as very worn?? Anyway, hopefully it's not wear of the belt itself that's the problem (looks pretty good visually). There is some slack in it, I can compress it about 2-3 cm, so might it be loose?

Car doesn't have AC so won't be that.

I'm happy to have a go at tightening the aux drive belt. Cyker, is there a guide to this anywhere online you know of? I took a photo of my engine to check I was looking at the right bit but can't find a way to upload it.

Cheers

[Cyker]

I'm not sure how it is on yours as mine is a diesel but assuming the engine layout is similar, near and above the alternator should be a longish bar with an arm bolted to it that has some belt pulleys and the alternator attached; You literally just loosen the bolt and pull the arm toward the front until the belt is tight enough and then tighten it up.

That said, if the squeal is only occasional and when you first use the car on cold/wet mornings and goes away after a few minutes driving, you can also ignore it.

That is only for tightening the Aux belt tho', which drives the alternator, air con and other ancillaries; It turns out the Mk1 Yaris has ANOTHER belt which drives the power steering pump - I think on mine that is the source of the squeal but I got fed up with all the palava and now can't be bothered to replace it