Serpentine belt noise

Long time reader, first time poster.

I've had an issue with my belt making noise, but think I have it figured out. I read alot of web posts about guys replacing everything and still having the noise. I did have the lower idler replaced because it was leaking, but that didn't fix it.

Issues were:
* Chirp only above 3000 RPMs.
* Chirp only when engine at op. temp.
* Chirp got worse with time.
* Lower idler leaking. Dealer replaced free after I called corp.
* Now chirped as low as 1700RPMs.


So, recalling what a horrible job my local dealership did with the "free" oil changes - overfilling it every single time - I decided to remove the two idlers they did not change and the belt and investigate for any more bad bearings. I could not believe the build up on the pulleys with under 26,000 miles on the truck. So, I cleaned ALL the pulleys and the belt with soap and water and a plastic bristle brush and have yet to hear anymore noise. I did use fine sandpaper on the smooth metal pulleys.

While it may be too soon to tell, I think I may have solved it. Nothing looked out of alignment. All bearings were solid and the belt has zero cracks. But alot of grime came off everything. My guess is the same idiots that overfilled the oil at the dealership spilled it on the belt and then wiped it dry, giving the appearance of clean. And this truck just can't handle ANY contamination on the belt and pulleys. We will see. Hopefully it was that easy.

 

My former Tacoma (2008 2.7) had a horrible belt chirp, but a new Gates belt solved it. Welcome to TW.

 

Thanks.

Here's a pic of how clean I got everything. The smooth pulleys had alot of burnt or worn on black rubber and / or oil residue that took some elbow grease and sanding to get rid of. Looking at another vehicle of mine with over 70,000 miles I noticed the Taco's pulleys should have been alot cleaner than they were. Oh and the new lower idler had contamination on it in under 2 weeks.

 

I didn't feel any issues whatsoever with any of the pulleys or accessories. And I had read where guys had replaced everything to no avail. Water pump feels great too. And no leaks. So I went the easy route first.

Fwiw, I already did a drain and fill of the coolant. Truck doesn't even have 30,000 on it yet. Will report back if the chirp returns. But so far, so good. Was hoping to help others with the issue.