Can anyone tell me where exactly the tensioner on a 99 Taco is located? I had the belts replaced recently and once the cold weather came I got a high squeel on ingition for a few minutes until the engine warmed up, then it went away. Assuming the mechanic didn't tighten enough.....

 

It depends which belt is squeaking. On a 3.4L the PS belt tensioner is on the passenger side under the pump. Taking the air box out makes it easy to get to.

The AC tensioner is in the center but on the bottom side. Take the skid plate off and look up.

The alternator tensioner if I remember correctly can be seen if you look through the flap on the front drivers side tire.

 

Found answe to my own question on another site:

Surprises are one thing most automotive techs would rather not deal with. Like when you discover only after spending time removing the front cover on a Toyota 3.4-liter V6 that it's going to take another couple of hours to replace the timing belt. You see, this engine, the 5VZ-FE found in Toyota's 1995 and later trucks (T-100, Tacoma and 4Runner), uses a hydraulic belt tensioner piston, as do many other engines.

But this one requires that the tensioner piston be pushed back into its bore and locked in place with a pin in order to get the new timing belt positioned over all the pulleys and sprockets. What sounds like a fairly simple task, though, can actually be quite a bear. One method used in the field is to remove the entire tensioner assembly from the engine, compress the piston in a bench vise and lock it down with a paper clip. Then, the works need to be carefully bolted back in place, the belt routed and, finally, the paper clip removed.

 

Uhhhh, if your are having a problem with your timing belt due to inadequate tensioning - chances are your truck would not be running right now. If your problem is squealing belts, the advice given above is correct.....the timing belt will not squeal because it is toothed.....

 

Check each of the belts for tightness, they shouldn't flex more than 1/4" when pushed on.
Then tell us which belt is loose and we can tell you how to tighten it.

 

Yeah, timing belts dont squeal...