Avensis Steering

[Mantis]

Right ive been searching back through old post and found alot of info on the avensis steering (which is great, thanks) and the problems that come with them. :o

My 2000 1.8 automatic avensis steering has been fine up untill recently. Their has been a noise coming from the steering which looking at old posts ive relised the cause. The noise never bothered me so i just ignored it really.

However in the last week or two ive noticed that when i put the steering on full lock (either way) the Battery light came on! So had a look under the bonnet and seen that when its on full lock the belt stops turning which also stops the altinator (Reason for Battery light coming on).

Im at a loss to what is causing the belt to stop though. I will be bringing it somewhere to have it looked at but i just want to have a bit of info behind me before i go.

Anyone have simular problems or know the cause?

Any help will be greatly appriciated, Thanks in advance, james!

Forgot to add that it does pull to the left but i had just put this down to the tracking.

[Slowtraveler]

Are you sure that your belt is not loosen?

When you turn steering to dead lock, pressure in hydraulic rises, and pump loading is rising also and pump wheel is trying to stop belt.

If your belt is not tightened enough, one of belt wheels begin to slide (in your case most possibly crank-shaft wheel is sliding), because you have not enough grip with loosed belt.

Try by finger (when engine is stopped of course :D) - when you push the belt hardly it must go off position not more than 1- 1.5 cm

It is possible that you heard sliding belt noise before and during sliding, the belt is wearing.

Thus it is quite possible that your belt is already worn out and you must replace it.

[Mantis]

Are you sure that your belt is not loosen?

When you turn steering to dead lock, pressure in hydraulic rises, and pump loading is rising also and pump wheel is trying to stop belt.

If your belt is not tightened enough, one of belt wheels begin to slide (in your case most possibly crank-shaft wheel is sliding), because you have not enough grip with loosed belt.

Try by finger (when engine is stopped of course :D) - when you push the belt hardly it must go off position not more than 1- 1.5 cm

It is possible that you heard sliding belt noise before and during sliding, the belt is wearing.

Thus it is quite possible that your belt is already worn out and you must replace it.

To be honest i never even thought of that .

I'll have a look in the morning and see if its loose or worn down.

I was worried that it might be a big job that'll cost alot but if its just the belt it shouldnt be to expensive.

Thanks mate!

[Slowtraveler]

Welcome

If you are not experienced with the belt tension, let the service made the tension adjustment for you, because overtightened belt is so dangerous as if it is loosed.

Bearings of all machinery, driven by overtightened belt (hyd.pump, alternator, aircon compressor etc) become overloaded and may fail or at least to wear out faster...

[Black Knight]

It's got an automatic belt tensioner fitted so you can't manually adjust the tension on it. What you can do is check the operation of it by putting a spanner on the fixed nut used for releasing the belt during changes. Haul on it a couple of times. You should be able to pull it slowely but surely as it's oil damped. If the tension comes off really quickly it might have a problem and need replacing

[Slowtraveler]

You are right 'Black Knight' - 1zz/3zz have automatic belt tensioner fitted, but you can check belt tension anyway....

It is also possibly some oil to drop into the belt - result will be again slippery belt....

[Mantis]

Well i have a bit of an update on this one.

Friend of my dads (mechanic) had a look at it and said it just needed to be tightend. So he did it and it has been grand since then, untill tonight! Two of the belts have shredded to pieces so obviously ive to pick up new ones tommoro.

I got the car home but the weather here is terrible so only had a quick look in at the engine. From what ive seen their is two wide belts and one slim one. The slim one and the wide one are shredded!

Just want to know what to ask for when i head down to the motor factors tommoro? Like what size belts??? or will the lads have details their and look it up for me?

I know its quite limited information for ya's but its very late in the morning/night for me LOL.

I'll be greatfull for any info people, Cheers