Noises coming from the timing belt cover area

1997 TOYOTA CAMRY

100,000 MILES • 4 CYL

MANUEL ACEVES

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Every morning when I start up my car for ten minutes of the car warming up sounds like the timing belt has some slack in it and it is popping up against timing belt cover. now I know that they have a tension-er in there is it possible to turn that tension-er to take that slack out of that timing belt just a little bit or should I just change the timing belt all together? The strange thing about it is that for the first ten minutes you can hear it sounds like the timing belts smacking up against the the timing belt cover but after ten minutes on the car warms up the sound goes away all together. so what do you think?

Feb 1, 2018 at 10:27 PM

ASEMASTER6371

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
52,796 POSTS

Good morning,

yes, change the belt. it is worn out if it is slacked. replace all the components such as idler pulley and tension-er as well.

Roy

Feb 2, 2018 at 12:22 AM

MHPAUTOS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
31,937 POSTS

It would be a good idea to inspect the belt just to make sure all is okay, if in doubt replace it just to be sure. with the covers off, look on the inside for and signs or wear marks. i doubt that the belt is touching, and if it was this slack the engine would not run, but make sure that the bearing in the idler/tension-er is okay and not the source of the noise as well.

Feb 2, 2018 at 12:24 AM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.