As stated previously my 2002 190 has squealed almost from new. The tensioner was replaced under warranty and I replaced the belt more recently when the noise returned. Recently I have discovered that the air conditioner compressor bearing is the culprit. A liberal spray of WD40 on the gap between the pulley and the unit (not on the belt!) stops the noise but it soon returns as I would suppose its too thin to do any long term good. It is a pig to get to as well! Answer I guess is a new aircon compressor unless the bearing can be greased or replaced.
Paul, January 2009
Try changing the toothed belts (2), solved the problem with mine, use only Toyota spares.
IanP, December 2008
Mine does the same. Its worse when its damp but its there all the time. I have been told its the tensioner but that was replaced under warranty...so they said! I changed the belt and it was ok for a while but its back to squealing again. I have yet to try anti squeal spray but will do so before spending £150 on another belt replacement.
Paul, December 2008
check the alternator for bearing failure and the tensioner
nigel, September 2008
well was the noise there before you done the timing belt, if the answer is nooooo then im afraid its covers off again to see whats touching what.
