Weird noise after timing belt replacement

Hi,

Certainly, something could have come loose or failed. There is actually a timing belt tensioner under the cover. It may have failed or started to fail allowing slack in the belt.

This tensioner is an automatic tensioner, so it would need to be replaced and not physically adjusted. I attached a pic below so you can see what it looks like.

Here is my biggest concern. If in fact the belt is becoming loose or something is failing, it can cause major internal engine damage if the belt jumps timing, breaks, or falls off. This is an interference engine and if the timing is off, there isn't enough clearance between the tops of the pistons and the valves in the open position. If it fails, usually the result is bent valves and cylinder head and or piston damage. Because of that, I would recommend taking it back and having it checked.

Let me know if this helps, what I can do to help, or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

If that is where the noise is coming from, something needs attention. We have two ways to attack this. First, have them listen to confirm that is where the noise is coming from before taking things apart.

Or I attached a pic below. It shows the two upper timing belt covers and the bolts holding them in place. You could remove those and check belt tension by hand and with a flashlight, look down into the bottom cover to see if anything appears loose or damaged.

This should be all that is required of them to do for confirmation. You will likely need to remove the serpentine belt and a few covers, but it really isn't that difficult to do.

Let me know if you have questions or if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Hi,

It's interesting that it didn't start until after the work was done.

Regardless, the worst part of replacing this is room to work. You will need to remove the belt and then the plastic splash shield under the front. It is held in by several different plastic clips.

If you look below, I included a pic of the tensioner (pic 1) showing which way to move the tensioner to loosen the belt. Remove the belt first. Next, pics 2 and 3 explain how to remove the splash panel. If you find access without removing the entire thing, that is fine.

The last pic shows the tensioner and directions. There are two bolts that need to be removed for the removal of the tensioner. The installation is the opposite of removal.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

The tensioner serves two functions. First, it keeps the belt tight to prevent slipping. Second, it houses (in this case) two pullies that the belt rides on. Each one of the pullies has a bearing that can fail.

If the belt seems tight, it may just require one or both of the pullies to be replaced. The only way to check is to remove the belt. Once it is off, spin the pullies to see if they make noise and wiggle them side to side and up and down to check for play.

If you could record the sound and upload it for me to hear, I should be able to direct you better.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

I hear something but as you said, it's hard to notice. If it was my vehicle, I think I would drive it like that because nothing sounds like it is ready to fail. Once it gets a little louder, then you can pinpoint exactly where the sound is coming from.

If you would feel more comfortable checking, then I would suggest removing the belt and spinning one pulley at a time to see if you hear the sound.

Let me know what you find or if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

If the tensioner would lose its strength, you are correct. The belt will likely start to squeal. If it is one of the bearings failing, it will just get louder until it ultimately locks up, but you will likely hear that happening long before total failure.

If possible, let me know how it is after a week or two. If it does get louder, upload a recording so I can hear it.

Take care of yourself and let me know if I can help in any way.

Joe

Hi,

If it is the tensioner, you should be able to tell in one of two ways. With the engine off, grab the belt and see if it has any play. It should be tight. Or open the hood and turn on the engine and A/C. Use a flashlight to see if the tensioner is jumping around which would indicate it is likely bad.

If you can, record it and upload it for me to hear. Hopefully, I recognize the sound,

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

Sounds good. If it happens again, try to inspect the tensioner before turning it off.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

joe

Hi,

In most cases, a motor mount will last the life of the vehicle. Which one moved? How far did it move? Does it move in drive and reverse?

Here is a link that explains in general how one is replaced. Take a look through it and let me know if it helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-motor-mounts

Take care,

Joe