Anyone replaced an I4 idler (dealer wants $400!)?

[kyle morley]

Just back from the dealer having some recalls done, and they tell me the car needs a new idler, and while they are at it, a new belt, for a total of $400. Car has 72K and is making a tic tic tic sound at idle, very much like what badly adjusted valve or bad hydraulic lifter would make.

$400 seems a bit high though I haven't priced the parts yet. I see there is an SB on the idler, looks fairly straightforward but requires a special tool. Oh and gives time for the job as 1-1/2 hour.

Anyone done one yet? Any advice?

[focus123]

Originally Posted by kyle morley

Just back from the dealer having some recalls done, and they tell me the car needs a new idler, and while they are at it, a new belt, for a total of $400. Car has 72K and is making a tic tic tic sound at idle, very much like what badly adjusted valve or bad hydraulic lifter would make.

$400 seems a bit high though I haven't priced the parts yet. I see there is an SB on the idler, looks fairly straightforward but requires a special tool. Oh and gives time for the job as 1-1/2 hour.

Anyone done one yet? Any advice?

Belts & pulleys, Idler pulley
RAV4, 2.4L
MAINTENANCE & LUBRICATION »Engine service
Toyota › Rav4 › 2006-2008
List Price : $79.99
Your Price : $57.71

https://parts.tituswilltoyota.com/oempartscat.html

[SuperT]

Although I never like paying the dealership for something like this, my advice it to have them do it. I tried changing the idler pulley assembly on my wife's '01 Corolla and with all of my might I could not get the bolt to move, and that was with a breaker bar. It looks simple enough but there's so little room to get to it. Now IDK maybe it's different on the newer I4s, but that was my experience with it.