Squealing Noise

IBPRALINE

MEMBER
2005 TOYOTA SIENNA
AUTOMATIC

I have a 2005 Toyota Sienna minivan. When I first start the engine and have the Air Conditioner on, I get a squealing sound that lasts for about 15 - 20 seconds. It kinda sounds like a loose fan belt noise, but it only happens when the air conditioning is on and the engine is first started. Could it just be a hose problem or loose belt problem?

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Dribble a little water on the smooth back side of the belt while the noise is occurring. If the noise changes, check the spring-loaded tensioner to see if it is sticking and not putting enough tension on the belt, and check for pulley misalignment. Typically that will also be caused by a worn pivot for the tensioner pulley. If the belt is off-center by as little as 1/8" on any pulley, that will cause it to slide sideways across it as it goes around it.

Based on your observation that the noise stops in short order, it's more likely to be a tension-related problem. Some engines use a separate belt for the AC compressor. Be sure to check that one for proper tension too.

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Monday, June 20th, 2011 AT 9:10 PM

IBPRALINE

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3 POSTS

Thanks for the quick response caradiodoc. This gives me a good idea of what I'm looking for.

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Monday, June 20th, 2011 AT 9:28 PM

SUMAC0401

MEMBER
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Just a FYI. Lots of early to mid 2000s OEM Toyota factory serpentine or drive belts that comes with the car new has a defective design that causes squeal noise during cold start up. I have replaced 2 Toyotas I own with the Goodyear Gatorback belts and the squeal noise is no longer there during cold startups.

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 AT 3:52 AM