Just picked up with beautiful 08 with 160,000 miles. Belts squeaking so I’ll be replacing it but should I replace the tensioner while I’m at it? If so should I opt for a Toyota specific part or has anyone installed Amazon “kits” with no issues? I ask because I saw a YouTube video on a guy that decided to install his high mileage Toyota tensioner because the new replacement had visual play on the tensioner pulley and the Toyota high mileage part spun freely with no play. On the same note I’ve also seen complaints about non-Toyota oil filters getting “stuck” and their solution was to use Toyota filters to avoid issues? Apparently it uses the filament oil filter up by the engine bay and not the metal canister filters towards the bottom of the engine.
Dayco made the original belts and pulleys for these trucks, so I’d just go with them. Never had issues. Also, I’ve never had a K&N filter get stuck, for what it’s worth.
Kumi said:
Dayco made the original belts and pulleys for these trucks, so I’d just go with them. Never had issues. Also, I’ve never had a K&N filter get stuck, for what it’s worth.
Didn’t know that, thank you!
I just replaced the belt, tensioner, and top idler on my 5.7 with 70k miles. Totally worth it—runs way smoother now. Paid under $300 for all OEM parts and installed it myself.
Heads up—take the fan and shroud off first before messing with that 6mm Allen bolt on the tensioner. You’ll strip it if you don’t have room to work.
I’d just replace the belt and inspect the tensioner while you’re in there. I used a Continental belt from AutoZone and it’s been holding up great.
I did mine on a 2008 with 158k. Picked up the full Dayco kit from Advance—belt, tensioner, idler—for around $150. Took me 30 minutes and fixed the annoying squeak!
Just FYI, the canister filter housing is up front under the water pump, near the driver’s side. I stick with Toyota OEM filters—they last. Walmart has them, or you can find deals on eBay (like 3 for $22). As for the belt and tensioner, I didn’t need to remove the fan—just used a slim belt wrench bar.
Go with OEM filters and check RockAuto for the belt kit. Dayco is a solid choice. Gates also makes quality stuff—never had issues with their parts back when I was working in a shop.
Ramirez said:
Go with OEM filters and check RockAuto for the belt kit. Dayco is a solid choice. Gates also makes quality stuff—never had issues with their parts back when I was working in a shop.
Gates belts are solid. Been using them for over 10 years without problems other than basic wear. Mitsuboshi belts are another solid option too.