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Serpentine belt: a bit dry says dealer

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by jaymoussy, Jan 23, 2016.

  1. Jan 23, 2016 at 3:36 PM
    #1
    jaymoussy

    jaymoussy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I took my '12 for the catalytic converter recall, and dealer did their looking around.
    The truck, a 2.7 auto, 25K miles.

    I was told the serpentine belt "looks a little dry".

    Thoughts?
    Expected lifespan?
    Cheap remedy?

    Not sure if the belt change is a big job or not. I need to get better acquainted with the under-hood stuff!
     
  2. Jan 23, 2016 at 3:38 PM
    #2
    neverstuck

    neverstuck Well-Known Member

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    **wrong info. see below** Still a simple job though.

    The belt is pretty easy. Not sure about the 2.7 but on the 4.0 theres a tensioner screw on the alternator that allows it to pivot. Loosen it to remove and replace, then righten it back up. Pretty simple. Belts are cheap. Lots of how-to stuff online (especially here)
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2016
  3. Jan 23, 2016 at 3:41 PM
    #3
    t.hornstra

    t.hornstra Well-Known Member

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    Little this. Little that 4x4 Swap’d PreRunner
  4. Jan 23, 2016 at 3:50 PM
    #4
    File IFR

    File IFR "... Intercepting The Localizer"

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    Spray it with silicone... NOT WD-40.

    Silicone and rubber love each other. WD40 will dry out rubber.
     
    junaitari likes this.
  5. Jan 23, 2016 at 3:59 PM
    #5
    Monkeybutt2000

    Monkeybutt2000 Well-Known Member

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    " A bit dry" at 25k, lol! Hilarious.
     
  6. Jan 23, 2016 at 4:00 PM
    #6
    Justus

    Justus fucks not given

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    not so low, not so slow 2006 6 lug
    stockish
    Dry huh?.....better pee on it.
     
  7. Jan 23, 2016 at 4:04 PM
    #7
    glwood6

    glwood6 Well-Known Member

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    Must've been due to that 6-month trip through the Sahara...
     
  8. Jan 23, 2016 at 4:05 PM
    #8
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    Come now Toyota Has all these frame warranties to pay for .

    Perhaps donate money to help offset the frame replacement costs??
     
    File IFR likes this.
  9. Jan 23, 2016 at 4:07 PM
    #9
    File IFR

    File IFR "... Intercepting The Localizer"

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    I'm surprised they didn't suggest that they should change the old summer air in your tires for $39.99..... or even upgrade to nitrogen-filled for $79.99

    They always have to have their hand in a customer's pocket :rolleyes:
     
    Ten Rounder and DustStorm4x4 like this.
  10. Jan 23, 2016 at 4:07 PM
    #10
    jaymoussy

    jaymoussy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I casually asked the tech guy, throwing him a line:

    Me: "Look at it 10K for now?"
    Tech: "Yeah"
     
  11. Jan 23, 2016 at 4:08 PM
    #11
    Blkvoodoo

    Blkvoodoo a Hooka smoking caterpillar has given me the call

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    don't spray anything on it. 25k is nothing for the belt, 75-80k I'd start thinking about it.

    The dealer is there to sell you something, you were there for a factory freebee, that they got paid for, and they have an opportunity to up-sell ,

    you'll get the up-sell every time you go to the dealer, keep that in mind.
     
    Simple Man likes this.
  12. Jan 23, 2016 at 4:19 PM
    #12
    Simple Man

    Simple Man Well-Known Member

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    It is supposed to be dry. Don't spray it with ANYTHING. If it the ribbing on the inside has a lot of cracking going on you might change it out, but I would get a second opinion from someone else. Telling you it looks dry tells me they are looking to take your money. They will probably check your muffler bearing while doing the cat work and tell you it needs replacement too.

    There is a way to use a wire brush to deglaze it if that is what they are seeing but unless you are comfortable sticking your hands down near your spinning fan blades I highly recommend against it.

    But again...do not spray it. The belt is not made to absorb chemicals and it causes the belt to glaze and then squeal.
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2016
  13. Jan 23, 2016 at 8:17 PM
    #13
    Jimmyh

    Jimmyh Well-Known Member

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    Not correct. You are thinking of the older models with a plain v-belt.

    There is a belt tensioner assembly that is moved to tighten and loosen the belt.

    Removal:




    Installation:

     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2016
  14. Jan 23, 2016 at 9:20 PM
    #14
    fxntime

    fxntime Well-Known Member

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    No kidding, while I have a new one behind the seat, the one on my Sonoma is 18 years old and still perfectly fine with no cracking. THAT is what you look for, cracking [not slight surface cracks, deeper ones] on the grooves of the belt. Dry pertains to someones wallet, they need to moisten it with cash from you.
     
  15. Jan 23, 2016 at 9:36 PM
    #15
    neverstuck

    neverstuck Well-Known Member

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    Thanks. You're absolutely right. I think I'm thinking of my old 4runner. Haven't had to change a belt on my 06 or 13 Tacoma.
     
  16. Jan 23, 2016 at 9:45 PM
    #16
    Jimmyh

    Jimmyh Well-Known Member

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    No worries, Just trying to make sure we get the correct info out there for the forum members.
     
  17. Jan 24, 2016 at 5:44 AM
    #17
    fla_sun

    fla_sun Well-Known Member

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    I replaced mine yesterday. '06 4.0 with almost 45K miles. No cracks but the ribs were dry and the belt was stretched when compared to new.
    Drop the skid plate and replace from underneath. About a 15 minute job and cheap insurance. I would have waited but started driving an 80 mile daily commute to work.
     

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