Misalignment Of Pas, A/c And Idler Pulleys

February 11, 2005

I was advised by staff at the Toyota dealer in Derby that there is a known problem with misalignment between PAS, a/c and idler pulleys and that there is cure that involves the use of shims to bring them back to tolerance.

The "technical bulletin" refers to a "high pitched whine that increases in frequency and volume with engine speed" - furthermore it mentioned that problem gets worse when dry. The cause is the misalignmen - made worse by a slipping dry belt. Replacing the belt offers a short terms cure - as does spraying it with water!

I have had this noise on my Avensis D4-D - it disappeared after the belt was replaced but came back about 5 months later.

I asked my local dealer to solve this problem earlier this week while the car is still under warranty - all they did was adjust the belt (and charged me £45-00 for the privilege).

Has anyone else suffered from this problem - if so what was the outcome?

February 13, 2005

Hi i had the same prob with my rav4 ,used to make a awful noise was worse when got wet !! your was worse when dry !! any way seem there is few of these belts giving bother dealer told me idler wheel gets out of line then belt hums was fixed under warranty no probs ,new belt too and shimed idler wheel.

The great D4D engine Quite , great MPG and trouble free ????? not mine thankfull to have a great dealer

June 17, 2005

I was advised by staff at the Toyota dealer in Derby that there is a known problem with misalignment between PAS, a/c and idler pulleys and that there is cure that involves the use of shims to bring them back to tolerance.
The "technical bulletin" refers to a "high pitched whine that increases in frequency and volume with engine speed" - furthermore it mentioned that problem gets worse when dry. The cause is the misalignmen - made worse by a slipping dry belt. Replacing the belt offers a short terms cure - as does spraying it with water!
I have had this noise on my Avensis D4-D - it disappeared after the belt was replaced but came back about 5 months later.
I asked my local dealer to solve this problem earlier this week while the car is still under warranty - all they did was adjust the belt (and charged me £45-00 for the privilege).
Has anyone else suffered from this problem - if so what was the outcome?
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Hello there Yes I have a similar problem I have a 2001 GS D4D Estate i bought the car with 17000 miles on the clock I had this whine belt screech came on at 19000 and put it into Toyota for its 20000 service They said this was a common fault with the Avensis and Corrolla D4D Engined cars and that a modified mounting bracket which gives a better wrap of the belt around the pulleys is required which they fitted.The squeal was gone but I have never been competent that this cured it completetly as it required tensioning at every service to stop the squeal which appeared before every service upto 50000 As the car was out of warrantey the 60000 service was done by my local garage cambelt and new p/steering belt which chewed itself up and rubber bits flying off.A second new p/steer belt was fitted but after 2000 miles it is again squealing.I have looked at the alingment and noticed the washers to aline up the pulleys this seems a proper cheap rubbish fix by Toyota on such an important issue. My way forward is to get my local garage to have the shiming checked and possibly a thinner set of shims fitted to make the alignment more accurate,but this should have been put to bed long ago by Toyota.I like the car but am digusted with Toyota for not sorting this common fault out in a proper engineered way.Consequently when it comes to replacing my car I will not be purchasing a Toyota.

I will keep in touch when I have the belt alingment checked whch will be very shortly as the squeal is very irritable.

June 17, 2005

Hi axcarr. well another new belt fitted here +new belt tennisor and i it still screechs when pulling away from road junction under light load 1st or 2nd gear around 12-1500 rpm ??? not all the time so when i go to dealer it stops he thinks iam joking , some joke .we will see if new belt settles in with a few miles keep in touch if you get a cure .

Dave

August 31, 2005

Got a similar problem, had belts replaced twice, new tensioner, now started squealing again.

I have noticed that engaging the aircon makes the noise significantly worse.

I have tried loading the alternator by turning on all electrics, no noticeable change.

My conclusion is some mechanical fault in the aircon pump pulley area which has the belt engaged at all times but only starts pumping(via a clutch mechanism of some sort?) when the switch is operated and because this loads the pulley, the noise worsens. I'd welcome any input. :ffs:

August 31, 2005

hummm i ve had this problem too, ended up using soap on the belt all summer. had it replaced now so we will see how long it lasts.

when are toyota going to learn that after owning a troubled motor your not gonna go back and buy another, pity coz i love my avensis just dont like paying out for work to be done that should be sorted out of good will