Any help greatly appreciated...

I've searched forum and could not find an exact answer to my problem... When I crank up my 4Runner after a rain, snow, morning dew (basically anything where the air is damp), or car wash I get a squeeling sound for a few seconds (probably no more than 10-20 sec). It doesn't happen in dry weather, just when its wet.

I don't think its the power steering because turning the steering wheel does not make the problem worse or better. Giving it a little gas after when it starts to make the noise makes it get louder, but goes away quicker (like its drying off the water).

I've looked at the belts and they seem pretty good, not dry rotting or anything. I'm wondering if the belt(s) are slipping...like there's not enough tension (Is there a way I can test this?). Others have mentioned to use/ not to use belt dressing...any pros or cons to this?

The car is still cover under the extended warrenty, so if its anything more than the belts I'm covered there. What is the normal mileage to put new belts on? I'm currently at ~65K. Any ideas?

Chris

 

were the 02's equiped with a serpentine belt or the three belt system, if its three belts id put money on one of them being worn, or loose, and the moisture just makes it worse

 

x2. One of your belts is probably a little worn and the moisture is just making it worse.

 

i have the same issue man. yours has 3 belts if i am not mistaken. you could replace them or tighten them. me, i leave them alone till it gets worse. i am trying to hold out for 100k miles so i can just replace them when i get my timing belt and waterpump and thermostat replaced. how often do you change these things?? lol

 

Changing belts isn't all that bad. You should change them every 50k or so.

I haven't changed them on my truck but I know my PS squeels once in a while.

Usually all you need to do is to loosen the tensioning pulley, pull off the belt and retighten the pulley.

 

does the engines with 3 belts have tension pulleys on all 3?? never changed one out on a yota.. only had jeeps with serpentine belts

 

I also was going to vote for Belts, but sounds like you got the answer already. As far as changing the belts, I dont know, I havent changed mine either...they are just barely strating to complain, I guess its about time...

 

That's kinda what I was leaning towards myself. Do you guys know of a good write up on changing the accessory belts?

Thanks again,

Chris

 

Not to throw a hammer into the works so to speak but I have read on other sites where the squeling was caused from an idler pully going bad, Mike

 

Oh, way to complicate things Bear!!

I figure belts a preobably the cheaper easier swap, I would swap them first, then start to look at your pulleys...Thats just me though.

 

Mine does the same thing.
When I fire it up on some wet mornings it will squeak for 5-10 seconds, or when I go through enough water to slosh it over the front of the motor it does it too. I just call it wet belt noise, once they start squeaking more often replace them.

 

i've had this problem twice before. once was just the fan belt was crapping out. the other was the pulley bearings were crapping out. either one or the other.....