'03 V6 4Runner Belt Noise

S

smooth22

New member
I'm having a intermittent problem on my '03 V6 (8K miles).

At times the belt(s) make a squeaking noise when I start up in the morning. It is very noticeable in the garage (due to smaller area I suppose) versus outside. By the time I arrive at work (20 miles) I can't hear the noise any longer.

It seems as it does this for 3-4 days then goes away for a few weeks then returns a few weeks later. At first I suspected it had something to do with parking it in the garage after driving it in the rain. It seems to happen the morning following a rain, maybe just a coincidence or I'm crazy. Don't know. It doesn't happen everytime it rains. Anyone else have this problem.

Anyways, the dealer told me to bring it by the next time it makes the noise.
 
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As a matter of fact, I do too!!! I have an '03 Sport V6. It is off and on. When I park mine in the garage at the airport (I travel a lot! Its' very damp in there) When I return it makes a god aweful squeel noise that goes away after 5 minutes or so. This happens very frequently. So, no you aren't crazy. I just can't give my vehicle up for a few days for the dealer to "check it out" Feel free to let me know if you get it resolved. Also, have you had any problems with your drivers seat rocking??? Thanks...
 
sounds like a loose belt that is slipping until it warms up enough to create some "traction".
 
I have a 2003 V6 Sport 4WD. Mine had the same problem. Onset last week at 4500 miles.... I brought it to the dealer, and they added some bracket to the A/C unit, and replaced the serpentine belt. It solved the problem. I guess this a common problem, and they had a fix kit for it...It is covered under warranty!
Mark
 
Thanks for the info. Likewise, it's off and on...haven't had the time to take it to the dealer yet.

4Runnah:

I haven't had a problem with seat rattle, but you're not the only one you might want to check a few of the other discussions regarding the seat rattle.
 
There is a TSB on this problem with the V6. I had the same problem with mine, and it took 5 trips to dealer before they found the TSB and ordered the parts to 'fix' it. It started after about 4K. Basicaly, the problem is with improper alignment of the tensioner pulley for the belt. Because the tensioner pulley is offset from the crank and fan pulleys, the belt has to shift over as it transitions from one to the other and back again. What you are hearing is the belt rubbing against the tensioner pulley as it goes around it. For a short term 'fix' try spraying a belt dressing on the back side of the belt as it is running, the noise will go away almost instantly. But it will come back after a while. The TSB calls for the dealer to install a new tensioner pulley, and a new mounting bolt along with a shim, and a new belt. They did mine in July, and it was OK until early in December, when I think I noticed it again. But now that it has gotten really cold it has gone away again. I will wait until it warms up to see if it returns again. I don't recall the number of the TSB right now, but if you check the NTSB site, they have it listed.

Good luck.
 
I finally took it to the dealer to have it fixed (I had wait for the weather to warm up for it to start making the nosie again).

Dealer replaced the serpentine(sp?) belt and tensioner (TSB EG012-03, JUL 03 , Engine - Drive Belt Squealing/Chirping Noise). Hopefully this fixes it.

I'll keep you posted.
 
Hi all,

I think I got the same problem. Couple days ago, I heard small squeaking noise at the front engine when I start the engine ( my 4runner was parked in the garrage). I didn't hear that noise when I bought the SUV. I guess I was in the hurry and as soon as I shift to reverse mode the noise is gone away. That is why I didn't pay attention to it...Today, it happened again, but this time it was very noticable. And again it went away when I shift it out from the Park mode....My 4runner is only 200 miles....I will take it to the dealer this afternoon...

Thanks for the info....
 
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Hi All, Thanks so much for the info!

I do not know of how many of thiese items I have to Toyota with and all of them were "Not an issue." So, now I can bring the list in and show them what to look for!

By the way, still waiting for the seat cover. For those who don't know, they replaced both of my 03 seats, but the cover now looks like crap. They ordered new covers over three weeks ago, and they never showed up. However, they did "Mail them" last week. And we're waiting . . . . .

I'm bring this list in and showing them what's up!

Thanks!

Craig in Ca! :p
 
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So I showed them the TSB and . . .

Check this out . . . . . This AM I had to have Toyota finish the job they started back in January. (Window trim) I told them about the sunroof and the grind that it makes. Naturally, it was "Normal."

They wanted to keep the 4Runner to start it cold. Which was OK, but I live thhirty miles from the dealer, and they would not drive me home & they wanted to charge me for a rental. Screw that!

When they finished working on the trim, I drove out of the service bay, pushed the sunroof button and the whole f-ing thing broke! Not the glass, but the opening mechanism stuck. now it takes an act of the almighty and several attempts to open it; if at all.
It will take an estamated 2-3 weeks to get the parts in. We are still waiting for the new seat covers.

According to Toyota, all the items that are on the ALLDATA list, are just to be used for a fix "IN THE EVENT OF A PROBLEM." Since they are not actual recalls by Toyota, they will not fix any of them.

I HATE THIS CAR!

C-

:50cal:
 
Craig - try a different dealer (if you haven't already), sounds like the one you're going to is an a**hole.

You might want to consider the lemon law if you're having this many problems with it :(
 
What is the lemon Law?

Hi Smooth22,

What is the Lemon Law?...I heard about it a lot but really don't know what it is.

I left my 4runner at the dealer last night, They will take the look at it this morning and let me know what's up....

Problem: Harmonic noise (either came from the engine belt or radiator fan....no vibration involved) when I start the engine especially in the morning.


To all, how quietly are your 4th generation engines when they are running. Mine is making a humming noise(loud enough to irritate me while driving w/out music on) which usually gets when the vehicle is getting old...Mine is 04 only 200 miles. What do you guys think? is it normal for the 4th generation engine. Since, this is my first SUV.


Thanks!
 
Just want to update info on my 4Runner:

I just received a call from the dealer service said that my problem has been fixed. My Drive belt was seated improperly. They just take it off, and reinstall it back again...


It's Cool:p :p :p
 
linhsy - generally speaking, lemon law is where you have the right to return the vehicle within the first year of ownership due to continuous problem(s)...I believe each state varies, so you may want to check it out in your state.

Humming noise - I don't have any humming noise on my 03 v6, just ticking noise (valves) when accelerating. Apparently, this normal.

ANyways, the damn belt is making noise again :mad:

Gotta take it back in!
 
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