3.5L Toyota Tensioner Pulley and Serpentine Belt Replacement

[@promognome]

2008 V6 Camry here... I wish I had watched this video before I bought the entire tensioner 😂 I watched a few videos on replacing the full tensioner and did not want to go that extensive of a repair. Then I found this one which only replaces the pulley. Easy enough, but it was a tad tougher for me because I only have a small vice for doing the pressing of the spacer. All in, about a 2 hour job (but I work slow and have a long walk to get more tools) While I was in there, I replaced the lower idler pulley on the left. It was dry and rusty and you could see the bearings. So I'm not sure if my issue was on the tensioner or idler, but my car is quiet now. Been years since the 08 Camry was in stealth mode. On to another 233k miles! Thanks, man 🤘

[@ijfim]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@davidbreiner2682]

I actually used FEBEST Idler/Tensioner Pulley 0187-GSU45 on my 2007 Toyota Sienna 3.5L which was an exact fit. Also replaced 2 Idler Pulleys with 2 FEBEST Idler Pulley 0188-2GRFE. Also replaced the Belt with BANDO brand.

[@ijfim]

Thank you for the added part numbers for reference.

[@andrewlockerbie6484]

did you have to swap over the center sleeve also as well, like in the video? Or did it work without?

[@ijfim]

Are you asking the previous poster or me? I did what is shown in the video, but I am unsure of the listed part numbers of @davidbreiner2682 above

[@bradshupe7844]

Love it, just replace the wheel! Another video showed removing the AC compressor and many other things. probably 8 hours in labor. You are a smart guy, thanks

[@ijfim]

Hope this video helps you fix your issue in some way. Look through all the comments…the way I ultimately fixed it was to force oil into the tensioner spring housing.

[@Doc832]

Well it probably took me longer than most since I had a hard time getting enough leverage to get the tensioner locked into place. Pressed out the bushing without issue. Put in new pulley and then just had to deal with getting the belt on, too much crap in the way. THANK you for the replacement video, I should be good for another 80,000 miles. There was nothing wrong with either pulley, but I wanted to replace the belt before a trip. Thanks Again.

[@krisc1243]

Great video. Looks like the noise is from the belt slip due to weak tensioner

[@johnlira3316]

How do u know u have a weak tensioner

[@ijfim]

@johnlira3316 usually noisy, squealing when A/C compressor kicks on. You can usually see a little belt slap on one side of the tensioner.

[@illussioncm]

Thanks brother for this video is very helpful 👌 👍

[@True__North]

You probably need to replace idle pulley.

[@johnlira3316]

I have a similar sound but doesn't seem to be coming from where the tensioner is at. It's mild and intermittent with AC on and Off I think it might be the belt. What do u think?

[@ijfim]

Yes, just replied to your other comment. I would definitely change the belt to see if that helps since it’s way less work and way less money to change.

[@inhocsigno9151]

Excellent info. Thank you!

[@leoli4089]

I have the same problem. Most ppl say it's water pump. After detailed check beneath the car, it turns out to be the tensioner itself. it vibrates, moves back and forth and makes squeaking noise while on load. I will try the lube method to see if it's gonna be quiet. i think it's a common issue for similar models. Don't go for water pump first!

[@ijfim]

If it wobbles and is moving back and forth, try changing the pulley. I wouldn’t lube if it is already broken.

[@leoli4089]

any potential harm from lube?how is your tensioner doing after 1 year? No more noise? I do hear noise directly from the tensioner itself when it wobbles. thanks!

[@ijfim]

@leoli4089 no noise since I lubed it. Feel free to lube away! Make sure your tensioner pulley is not the issue though.

[@leoli4089]

@@ijfim got it. Thanks!

[@originalsh4rpie372]

I am experiencing the exact some problem. Did you fix it? If so could you tell me what you did? I was going to try to just tighten the tensioner bolt but wasn't sure how.

[@robertoibarra4690]

Good info

[@pettyphoto]

“I fix it my self” but it didn’t fix it. 😂

[@ijfim]

The oil that I squirted into the access hole ended up fixing it over the next few drives. Yeah, not all things we try fix the problems we have.

[@carld6965]

​@@ijfim Initially felt the same as @pettyphoto 😂 but I'd love to hear more about his access hole you're referencing. Seems like a solid way to confirm it's my tensioner pulley before getting my hands dirty. Can you share that info?

[@carld6965]

Nevermind! I fixed my question myself by continuing to read the comments until I got to @tonywang7219...thanks!

[@All-about-everything]

@@ijfimwait what ? What access hole. This is important

[@All-about-everything]

@@carld6965ya. What are you talking about

[@srwven]

Duralast 231158 is the correct pulley with sleeve for it

[@darkcorner82]

Did you change the whole tensioner pulley assembly?

[@ijfim]

No, this video shows you how to swap the pulleys themselves. If your tensioner mechanism is noisy, you can shoot aerosol oil into the access hole to quiet it down.

[@tonywang7219]

Where is it hole on the tensioner? What kind of oil do you spray?

[@ijfim]

I sprayed “Liquid Wrench” inside the hole. It is a penetrant. The hole is on the tire side of the tensioner. Jack the vehicle and remove the passenger wheel. Take your belt off to see it better, you don’t want oil on the belt anyway.

[@tonywang7219]

@@ijfim Thanks, at 9:25 in the video, I can see the tensioner. Are you saying oil was spraying out from the gaps around the tensioner?

[@ijfim]

No, just spritz some inside the hole. You don’t want to spray so much it comes out everywhere. Mine took a few days to quiet down as the oil penetrated throughout.

[@tonywang7219]

@@ijfim Are you referring to the hole used to pin the tensioner pulley for easy belt removal? Besides that hole, I can't find any other holes, thanks.

[@ijfim]

I think there is a spot you can get the lube in between the moving parts of the tensioner somehow. I know I was successful getting it in there to quiet it down. I remember there was a hole for sure, but maybe mine is slightly different design?

[@jonathanrivera283]

Hey buddy why you dont only change the bearing with a oem bearing and used oem pulley?? Did you know what is the oem bearing brand to purchase

[@ijfim]

No idea what brand was OEM. The dealer does not sell the tensioner pulley by itself, you must purchase the $200 unit to acquire that pulley I am told.

[@johnchiu5438]

2(Pack) 6203 2RS C3 / DDUC3 NSK 2 RUBBER SHIELDED BALL BEARING 17X40X12CM

[@inhocsigno9151]

@@ijfimAnd on 2005 Avalon (+ others) you have to remove the alternator AND AC Compressor to change the tensioner pulley with bracket.

[@darrelphillips7534]

ooooweee time to take that whole tensioner out... staying tuned

[@ijfim]

Lol! I have to take half the engine out for that. Stay tuned indeed, might be a while.

[@Peterbenjamin29]

Replace the two idler pulleys Gates PN 36173 for both. The bottom one close to power steering pulley is common to go bad.

[@ijfim]

I replaced both, but not the actual tensioner. I shot some oil inside an access hole for the tensioner and used CRC belt dressing spray. All is quiet now.

[@handymandev03]

@@ijfim yep we have a toyota aurion 3.5ltr v6. Or know as a camery. Went to change out the belt tensioner and Install the new belt. Well your not wrong dam it's a huge job. Dam stupid design to be honest. It's beyond my experience level, considering ac needs to be removed, and half the darn engine. My mechanic will get that job 🤣

[@ijfim]

This is an easy job if you just change the pulleys. After that, I was able to quiet mine down by shooting some lubricant inside the tensioner hole and some belt dressing. It hasn’t made a sound since I posted the original video.

[@ramjos21]

What year of the van your working on ? I have a 2013 Toyota Sienna and I wonder if it’s the same size pulley

[@ijfim]

2008 Toyota Highlander was the vehicle I was working on. Not sure if the parts are the same.

[@Az56818]

I will say if u don't have a bolt u can use an Allen wrench in that hole

[@ijfim]

Exactly!

[@ChefS.Keller]

I laughed so hard at the end

[@ijfim]

Glad my pain contributed to your joy lol! In the end it worked out…the squeak was fixed by squirting oil inside the tensioner mechanism.

[@ChefS.Keller]

@@ijfim I meant no Ill will by it , I’ve been there before

[@ijfim]

@ChefS.Keller I know you didn’t have I’ll will. All in good fun. Some “fixes” don’t end up working out in the end.

[@All-about-everything]

lol fixed the wrong thing. Kinda funny just use a screwdriver to listen or a stethoscope. It’s prolly the other idle pulley

[@ijfim]

You are right! Good advice. I tried the cheapest and easiest fix first before the expensive and time-sucking tensioner assembly. A little lube shot in the spring hole of the tensioner quieted it down. I haven’t had to re-address the situation since that action.

[@All-about-everything]

@@ijfimI’m not sure where that is that’s news To me. Do you have a photo or link to show this area ?

[@ijfim]

@All-about-everything I have updated the description with a link to the tensioner. Please look at the photos on that website. I used a spray lubricant called “Pro Lube” to spray into the void of the tensioner assembly. It has been fine since I published this video. I don’t know why Toyota insisted on designing a tensioner this hard to access!

[@davidfrankel9267]

Righty loosy on this one...

[@ijfim]

Yep!