Auxiliary Belt Screech!

[jedi134]

I have a screeching noise coming from the auxiliary belts area and not sure whats causing it, could it be,

1. A slipping Aux belt? I noticed there were 2 of them and both seem tight enough.

2. One of the tensioner bearing is on its way out? think there are 2 how do I remove them as I would like to try these 1st

3. Power steering pump bearing? :(

4: Alternator bearing? :(

5: AC compressor bearing :(

Has any one had this screeching noise before, I personally think it`s either the power steering pump or the top tensioner,?? when the screeching dies down, I hear a slight droning noise, the noise like a bearing is failing any idea`s. :(

[capstar1]

I have a screeching noise coming from the auxiliary belts area and not sure whats causing it, could it be,

1. A slipping Aux belt? I noticed there were 2 of them and both seem tight enough.

2. One of the tensioner bearing is on its way out? think there are 2 how do I remove them as I would like to try these 1st

3. Power steering pump bearing? :(

4: Alternator bearing? :(

5: AC compressor bearing :(

Has any one had this screeching noise before, I personally think it`s either the power steering pump or the top tensioner,?? when the screeching dies down, I hear a slight droning noise, the noise like a bearing is failing any idea`s. :(

Ive got the same problem at the moment. The belt is noisy at start up and eventually quietens as the engine gets warmer. When the engine is warm all I can hear is a slight constant squeeling noise from the area of the pump at the top.( i'm thinking that is the power steering pump). I still have a month left on my warranty with Arnold so I plan to call them during the week

[anchorman]

Any of the things you mentioned could cause it. Why not start by fittng a new belt and checking a few bearings at the same time?

[jedi134]

Hi Anchorman, I thought there might have been a common fault with these Vehicles causing the screech, I would like to try that but how do I get at the tensioner bolt? I presume this needs turning in a certain direction to loosen, but which way, and which is the easiest way to get at it? from underneath? from up top? or from the wheel arch area? I think I'm going to need a very long handled ratchet either way? unless there`s a simpler way? The alternator to crank belt also has a tensioner, but I have no idea how to loosen this one..

[anchorman]

You get at it from on top but it helps to have it on a ramp so you can thread the belt around the bottom pulley.

I have to go to work now but will look in later if I get the chance. This might help. You don't have to use the special tool - you can manage with normal sockets and spanners;

Serpentine_belt_replacement_AC_5.pdf

[jedi134]

Thanks for the info once again, looks very tight in there, the ABS pump looks like its in the way, and I can feel its bruised knuckles and fingers time again May have a go at this some time during the week, will post back as to how I got on.

[PhilGee]

Very common on these Rav's. Usually its the longer belt that goes noisey. Sometimes the tensioner on that belt can go noisey to. The other belt has an automatic tensioner which never seems to give any bother. Best thing to do is get the noise to happen and spray a LITTLE of WD40 onto the belt but do the longer one first ( try and keep the WD40 on the one belt) If noise stops then you know its just a belt problem and nothing else. They are a little tight to change but do-able if you have a bit of expirience. Let us know how you get on mate.

[jedi134]

Yep you could be right washed the car today and hosed under that area, with noticeable noise change, looks like the belt could have been on there from new as well, As for WD40 thats how my problems started :D it was slighty noisy to begin with, but after a spray here and there, it squeals like a banshee. either the belt slipping or the WD40 has washed the grease out of the bearings. its seem`s to be getting better after being hosed with water, but still does it now and then. I think I will change both belts any way, as they probably need doing with 65K on the clock.

So how do I change the belt on the auto tensioning pulley? looks very very tight in there, do I have to improvise some special tools?

[PhilGee]

You need the big belt off to change the other belt. Once the big belt is off its just a case of putting a 14mm spanner onto the bolt head of the tensioner/pulley and turning it to release the tension and remove the belt. That is the easy one. The bigger belt is the awkward one. I normally take off the grill, drivers headlamp and drivers side of the bumper for better access.

[jedi134]

I normally take off the grill, drivers headlamp and drivers side of the bumper for better access.

I was thinking exactly the same thing but thought this would be over kill, without extra space in there I think I would really struggle, I like to make sure eveythings on tight and with limited access this cannot be guarranteed. will have another look during the week and see where I go from there.

what do you mean by drivers side of bumper? does it come in 2 halfs? :D or do you mean to just pull that side away from the body?

[PhilGee]

Get an electric saw and cut it in half, take the drivers half off then when you are done put it back on with some sticky backed plastic and chewing gum. Wrigleys juicey fruit normaly works best ;)

Only joking. Yeah, should be able to move that side of the bumper far enough to get in to what you need to do.

[jedi134]

LOL!!!!! Its getting quieter the more I drive it so hopefully won`t have to do anything just yet, Is this sounding more like belts? Never heard of a bearing getting better. I think that a combination of hosing it down and a couple of good runs has removed what ever contaminants where on there. They probably still need changing but I`ll wait until the bruises on my fingers and hands have settled :D

[PhilGee]

Sounds like a belt. Just keep an eye on it and see how it goes.