Question: A/C Belt Tensioner with sparks

[WK15]

I just completed a Timing Belt & Water Pump Kit on a 2002, 3.4L. I replaced everything on the motor with everything from the kit. I’ve started to hear as of late a squealing noise from under the right side. I double just fluid level in the P/S. No issues. I did notice that it appeared the belts seemed a little loose. I removed the slack from the A/C belt and P/S belt. I started vehicle and noticed sparks coming from the A/C Belt Tensioner on the A/C Bracket. I would say that this is not good at all.

I’ve searched on the forum and have not found anything relating to this device going bad. I’ve looked in the FSMs and on the forum but can’t find anywhere that you can purchase the A/C Belt Tensioner by itself or do you have to buy a complete A/C Bracket?

Could there be a way to fix the A/C Belt Tensioner?

 

[TheDurk]

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - COMPRESSOR. Fits: 4Runner | Village Toyota Parts

You certainly can replace just the idler.(See link). I would make double sure the bracket/tensioner were reassembled correctly if this just started after the TB job. Leaving off little part 88443 would generate a few sparks.

You could also take the idler to a bearing specialist and see if someone can replace the bearing, if that is where the problem is.

 

[WK15]

Thank You for your response.

I will look into replacing the Idler Pulley Assembly.