Serpentine belt, idler pulley

For a while now, when it is cold and wet in the morning. just after the engine is started there is a very noticeable squeal/ and light clicking noise. I am about 95% sure it is serpentine belt related. Problem is, I don't know if it is the belt or one of the pulleys. this only happens for a few minutes.

Anyone else have this? and what did you do to fix it?

 

How many miles on your truck?

 

108K and it has never been changed. I did have a coolant service done and the mech said he thought the belt was fine. I would think it should be changed before that many miles.

 

Which motor do you have - 4 or 6-cylinder?

 

V6

 

The first place I would start is replacing the serpentine belt.

Even if it's not, your belt could likely use a replacement after 108k. Belts are cheap and it's REALLY easy to change it out yourself, so that would be some maintenance and trouble-shooting all in one.

I'd bet that your squeak goes away when you do that, though. Normally, when I think of pulley problems, I think of a constant squeal, but it sounds like yours only does it momentarily on startup, which makes me think of a belt that's worn and needs replacement.

My two cents. Others may add theirs.

 

I agree, like you said, if its a bad bearing on a pulley, I wouldn't think a few minutes would clear it up, I would think it would continue to squeal.

 

If it is a very loud noticeable squeal it is likely the A/C clutch or compressor. Try turning on the A/C switch. If you get the same squeal, and the A/C light on the switch starts flashing, you've found the culprit.

 

I replaced my OEM belt last weekend, with 140k miles. It had deep cracks but lucky for me, it did not squeal or make any funny noises. When you remove the belt, free-spin each idler pulley and feel for excessive play and noise. Of course, if you need one, you now have to stop what you are doing and go buy one. It may help to have one or two pulleys handy in case you need to replace one. Eventually, you will need to as the mileage adds up. Our trucks have four pulleys, including the tensioner, but there are three different part numbers: the upper idler pulleys are different from the bottom one, as is the tensioner pulley, which does not appear to be available individually (it only comes with the tensioner assembly.)

 

Quick question about the bolts attaching the pulleys: I believe they are right hand threaded (normal) except for the tensioner pulley which is left hand threaded. Please confirm before I break off any bolts by turning the wrong way.

 

I have not replaced mine but I will put money on your assessment. It's the way it is on the wife's 07 Lexus ES350. But, you don't need to remove the tensioner pulley unless you are replacing the entire tensioner. Last time I checked, pulleys are not sold individually for the tensioner. Pulleys will fit but the backspacing is not the same. At least not aftermarket; Toyota might sell them.

 

You are correct. The AC and idler pulleys are the same type and the idler #2 pulleys are the same type. They are about $50 each