Timing belt idler noise

[lilwill]

Good morning, approximately one year ago I replace my timing belt and the associated components. Over the past couple weeks I’ve noticed I have a strange whining noise coming from that area. In my research I found that it may be the idler pulley for the timing belt. Is it possible to replace this without pulling off the entire timing set?

Thanks!

Will

 

[mtbtim]

I don't know if I fully understand your question, but if you need to replace either your #1 or #2 idler pulleys, you'll have to tear everything off the front of the engine just like you would for a timing belt job, to get to the pulleys. Once you're in there, you'll have to take tension off the belt so you can get the bad pulley off. You could just back off the timing belt tensioner bolts until you have some slack in the belt.

 

[lilwill]

Thanks, and I should have a little more clear on my needs.

I think my upper pulley in the timing set (the highest one that sits just below the crankshafts) is making noise that sounds like a whine or whirring noise.

Could I take off the upper timing cover, loosen the tensioner bolts like you described and take the old pulley off and replace with out completely disassembling the front of the engine?

Thanks for the reply.

Will

 

[mtbtim]

Thanks, and I should have a little more clear on my needs.

I think my upper pulley in the timing set (the highest one that sits just below the crankshafts) is making noise that sounds like a whine or whirring noise.

Could I take off the upper timing cover, loosen the tensioner bolts like you described and take the old pulley off and replace with out completely disassembling the front of the engine?

Thanks for the reply.

Will

The highest one sit below the "camshafts". Yeah, you just need to get enough access you can loosen the tensioner bolts to take tension off the belt. In the video we made, we show how you can access the rear tensioner bolt without removing the AC compressor. I actually was able to make a 3/8" drive extension, swivel and socket work but most find they need to use a 1/4" drive extension, swivel and socket to get in there.

Good luck!

Here's the video:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vHC46ypHxWc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[lilwill]

Thank you for the video, it’s very well done. After watching it, and looking back at the last time I did my timing belt I have determined it’s time to do it again. Yesterday I ordered all the necessary parts and will tackle it next week.

Thank you for the replies, and merry Christmas!

Will

 

[mtbtim]

Thank you for the video, it’s very well done. After watching it, and looking back at the last time I did my timing belt I have determined it’s time to do it again. Yesterday I ordered all the necessary parts and will tackle it next week.

Thank you for the replies, and merry Christmas!

Will

You're welcome Will. Be sure to watch Part 2 as well because we show some helpful information not covered in Part 1. Merry Christmas back at you.

 

[lilwill]

Reporting back on this problem:

Unfortunately I was not able to get rid of the noise I hear (maybe I hearing things). It sounds to me more like a vibration coming from the top front of the engine, almost like a piece of hard plastic is rubbing something. It’s not noticeable unless you are listening for it.

On a good note, I did replace all the timing components without any issues thanks to video and other resources in this site.

Now on to the brake job!

Thanks again.

Will

 

[lilwill]

Update for research purposes:

The noise I was hearing became louder and more consistent a few days ago. So loud in fact that I had to stop and find it then fix it.

As it turns out it, my alternator had a bearing going bad. I never really suspected it because I had just replaced it with a new (not rebuilt) one from Napa very recently.

To diagnose it I took the belt off and started it up and listened for the noise.

At any rate, it’s fixed, and to those looking to find a similar problem don’t rule out any part you just replaced. It’s rare but it does happen.

Thanks to everyone who helped, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Will