Engine Squeaking issue with one of the belts or pulleys

2004 TOYOTA AVALON
190,379 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ZAC SERHUS
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Hey there! This thread caught my attention and I thought someone on this site could help with a similar issue I am having. https://www.2carpros.com/questions/ac.

When the car starts, there is a light to moderate squeaking noise that progressively gets louder and will drop off if you let the vehicle sit long enough. This has been going on for about three years now. While driving the squeaking returns when we decelerate. When we turn on the AC, the squeaking is much more 'constant.'

I willl provide a video as well since that seems to be an option.

Let me know if there is any other information I can provide.

Best,
Zac
Jul 18, 2018 at 6:10 PM
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STRAILER
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Hi Zac,

Yes, a video would be great so we can tell for sure what the noise is, which sounds like it will be a serpentine belt or a belt tension-er pulley.

To be sure please remove the belt and start the engine to see if the noise is still there. Do not drive the car without the belt on BTW.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Jul 20, 2018 at 11:03 AM
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ZAC SERHUS
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Ken!

So sorry for leaving you hanging! There seem to be issues uploading videos via my mobile, so I will try from the computer when I get a chance.

I will also try your suggestion in the mean time.

Best,
Zac
Jul 24, 2018 at 7:05 AM
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STRAILER
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Hmm, we have made it so the video upload works on mobile can you tell us which device you have?
Jul 24, 2018 at 11:08 AM
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ZAC SERHUS
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MotoX4
Android Version 8.1.0.
Jul 24, 2018 at 12:47 PM
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STEVE W.
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Do you know what format the video is in? .mp4, .flv or ?
Jul 25, 2018 at 1:39 AM
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STRAILER
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I have sent a note to our admin, I will let you know.
Jul 25, 2018 at 2:08 PM
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ZAC SERHUS
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Steve and Ken,

.Mp4

Here are the videos, uploaded from laptop.

Have yet to follow through on your initial suggestion Ken.

I will update you as soon as I get the tools to remove the belt. I think I just need a ratchet wrench, it might be awhile.

In the meantime, if these videos provide better insight, please let me know any other suggestions you might have.

Best,
Zac
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Jul 30, 2018 at 10:40 PM
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ZAC SERHUS
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It looks like only one video can be uploaded at a time. This is the second video with the AC being turned on.
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Jul 30, 2018 at 10:47 PM
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STEVE W.
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In the words of the Grinch, Make it stop! God I hate that sound.
That is belt squeal, What happens is that the belt ridges will wear into wedge shapes and no longer grip the pulleys properly and you get squeal. It gets worse with the AC on because that increases the load on the belt, plus it raises the electrical power used so the alternator also increases its load.
New belts and cleaning the pulleys with a wire brush to remove any belt debris on them should quiet it down. There are two versions of the front drive on that car, it looks like you have the earlier two belt system with a wide serpentine belt in the front and a narrower belt in the rear. As you will have the front belt off, replacing both is a good idea.
The tensioner bolt will either be on top or down to the side. The pivot bolt needs to be loosened first though. The power steering will be similar but on the back side.
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Jul 31, 2018 at 1:23 AM