Water pump replaced- strange noises coming from engine

I had my water pump replaced, and afterwards I started to hear a loud whine come from the engine, it got louder if I gave it more gas. It sounded like it was a belt, but I'm not sure why it would make this noise. Then today the whine was replaced by a very loud ticking/ rattle sound (not the Toyota tick). It sounds like a rattled old tractor engine. When I put my hand on the power steering cap I can I can feel a strong vibration, and when I push on the top pully with a glove on the noise goes away. The pully does not feel loose and the belt feels tight.

You think this was related to the water pump replacement? It was quiet/ perfect before.

You think I would risk damaging the engine if I drive it?

Should I make the shop take a look at it? And if they give me the run around should I refute the bill with my credit card company?

 

YES!

 

Sounds like it could be a pulley bearing also. You can check that by removing the belt and spinning each pulley by hand. If it has any play or does not feel or sound right it could be the noise you hear. I have had several bearing failures from water crossings and driving in mud. Toyota does not use sealed bearings but you can buy sealed ones aftermarket.

 

I hope you're not putting your hands on a moving pulley.....
If you did...PLEASE DO NOT do that again!!!

You have a 98.... and if you have the 3.4L - you have 3 separate belts. Read below

The first thing I would check, is the A/C idler pulley. It's a small pulley at the lowest point and they're known for going bad especially if you drive in mud/water. Loosen the A/C belt, take belt off, spin the pulley.....if you feel any roughness, or the thing wobbles even slightly...its bad. Check all the other pulleys while you have the belt off. If the A/C idler pulley is bad....They're $35 at the dealer.
You can put a new bearing in it, but you need to make sure its the proper bearing. I bought a generic bearing from a bearing shop, installed it...and the bearing/grease couldn't withstand the rpm's and all the grease leaked out within a day......so I ended up buying an OEM pulley from Toyota.

If that isn't the problem...then you should take all the other belts off and check all the other pulleys....

If you have the 4 cylinder -I'm not familiar with it, but you can still look around, take belts off, and check pulleys.....

Other than that....take it to the shop and have them look at it. They would've had to remove all those belts to get into the water pump. They may have tightened a belt too tight which would put pressure on a pulley/bearing that was going bad....and now you're hearing it....
Good Luck