I have a 98 Tacoma with the 2.7L... I have a horrendous squeal on start up only. Very rarely does it last longer than a second or two. I replaced the belts, and it's still there.

It kind of sounds like it's coming from the alternator, but it never lasts long enough to pin point it.

If it were an alternator bearing, don't you think the noise would be consistent??

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

 

Alternator belt slipping on the pulley? Maybe the bearing is just stiff and makes it slip initially?

Is the power steering close to the alternator?

 

Had the same problem. Cold start it would never do it, but on warm starts it would always squeal for a second or two and then I'm pretty sure it would disappear when the fan clutch kicked in.

I had changed belts around the time it started doing it so though it was my fault and that I had the belt tension wrong (I just do them by feel not a proper gauge or anything).

Now the curious thing is that I went to drive out one day and there was a pool of coolant on the ground. Coolant all over the bottom radiator tank. Turned out the radiator had developed a pin hole leak about where the fan was. New rad and thermostat put in by the mechanic and the problem is gone.

 

I'm having the EXACT same problem as hilux3rz on my 3.4L... First start of the day- no squeal, every time after that- LOUD annoying/embarrassing squeal!

As soon as it stops squealing, the rpm jumps up ~250, as if whatever is squealing is also putting load on the engine.

Mine also started when I changed belts, and I was also wondering if I put too much tension on the alt belt or something.

How would a new rad and thermostat fix your issue?? I ask, because I also have a coolant leak at my lower rad hose...

*light bulb- ding* Ohhhhh, the fan was tossing coolant onto your belts from your leak being in front of your fan?! Makes complete sense...

I wonder if mine could be getting tossed up from all the way at the bottom of the rad.

 

as said before with the alternator bearing going bad i think that may be something to look at because if the bearing is seizing up until it is forced to get going again that could cause the issue.

 

Sometimes it's the simplest thing... This is my first Toyota (and I love it), but I hadn't realized there was a tensioner bolt on the alternator too... Tightened it up, and my squeal is gone!! THANKS 4X4CLIMBER!!

 

Hmm so tightening the belts got rid of all your squealing? might have to try this. Can submerging belts in water loosen them? lol