Hi all. My 2007 Camry has been been making intermittent ticking noises when idling. It also sometimes makes small chirps when turning. Took it to the dealer who recommended a diagnostic check. I was hoping for just a new drive belt. I already put in a new battery.
They said it needs a new alternator (there was some rust-colored dust on the side of the bearing near the belt), new belt tensioner and of course a new belt (he said that costs $200!). The total is about $1600. The Toyota alternator is about $500 (maybe can get a non-Toyota for a little less). Are they asking too much? My long-time family car repair shop closed up for good the end of last year. 🙁
Carmax gave me an online offer of $5200; I even said it needs 4 tires. Who knows what they would actually give me.
They asked too much for it. Find an independent mechanic for a diagnose and quote for the job. You should have a low mileage car that Camax offers you that much money.
Forgot to mention the mileage is about 85,000.
Thanks.
Some new info that may or may not mean anything, in case anyone reads this.
I checked the oil and realized that the dealer overfilled it a couple months ago. The oil is almost 3/8 inch above the upper mark (cold engine). The marks are about 1 1/16 inches apart, so that is a little less than 3/8 quart extra. I noticed a small oil spot under the car, wonder if that's from the overfill. At 57,000 miles the oil pan gasket was replaced so that should still be good. The ticking noise does seem to be coming from somewhere near the alternator (tensioner is below). Is there anything to worry about the oil overfill? Again, it is nearing 85K miles.
Thanks again and have a great day.