Timing belt

[Erock]

Recently when I've started my car, the belt squeals for about 30 seconds and then it would stop. But now even if my car is up to temperature, if I idle at a stoplight or the like, I hear it squeaking and it didn't do that in the past. Is this my timing belt and if so how much would it cost to get it fixed. From what I hear from peers its an expensive fix.

Thanks

 

[SearchMaster]

No, it's not your timing belt (it would make a horrendous sound, not a squeal, and your car wouldn't last long with a bad one). A squeaking belt is your accessory/serpentine/alternator belt. I don't know how hard it is to change on a Corolla but generally should be relatively inexpensive to have done or easy to do yourself.

As a temporary fix to alleviate damage caused by the rubbing/squeaking, have you tried some of the squeak-stop spray?

 

[jjanders]

I just replaced the belts on my 2002 Protege. Belts cost about $40 for the both of them. Took about an hour to replace. My alternator belt is still squeaking a tiny bit, will have to tighten it a bit this week.

 

[steppinthrax]

Correct me if I'm wrong but the timing system in most of the toyotas are a non-inference. Meaning if it snaps the pistons won't hit the valves. I know the 3sFE on my 91 camry was like that.

Anyway no it's not the timing belt. That belt has teeth and if it were slipping your engine wouldn't start. Most likely either your accessory belt is going bad or your tensioner is going bad.

 

[overst33r]

It's your serpentine belt that is squealing. Also, I believe you have a timing chain... Those don't have to be replaced for the life of the vehicle. I used to have a '00 Corolla with the 1ZZ-FE that had a timing chain, which I think was the first year they implemented the timing chain.

 

[exdeath]

Doubt it's the belt, ribbed serpentine belts have a lot of grip and aren't prone to squeal the way the old V groove belts were when they slip. However some Toyota engines use a separate V drive belt just for the power steering pump while the alternator and A/C are on a ribbed serpentine belt. Also belts usually only slip and squeal during changes rapid changes in engine speed, ie: revving or accelerating, not constantly at idle.

Does it sound more like a high pitched resonating metal on metal screech than a rubber belt sound?

My money is on an idler pulley bearing or accessory like the alternator, power steering pump, or A/C compressor.

99/100 of the time when the noise starts only when first starting in the morning when the weather gets colds. The lube inside the bearings, if there is anything left, is thick and viscous and resting at the bottom of the bearing until it starts to flow and the noise goes away. But over time the damage from these cold starts adds up and next thing you know it's squealing all the time, not just on start up.

Replacement pulley assemblies will range up to $40 per pulley, but if someone can press in new bearings it should be cheaper, a few dollars per bearing.

Best way to be sure is to remove the belt and turn all the pulleys by hand when the engine is cold and feel and listen for anything that sounds or feels gritty. You can also hold a large screw driver to the bolts that go into each pulley hub or the brackets they are attached to, and hold the other end to your ear to help pin point the source of the noise. Also check for rocking or out of plane movement. They should only rotate, not wobble, etc.

Could also check for glazing on either side of the belt or black dust in the event that it is the belt slipping or rubbing against a seized pulley.

 

[Erock]

So my findings bring me to my alternator. Woohoo time to buy a new alternator. Thanks guys. Anyone know of reliable alternators?