It has hit 80K miles and so I'm pretty used to what the engine sounds like, but it has developed an extra noise. Maybe like a bearing on an alternator or water pump, etc. The noise sounds metallic and is definitely connected to the engine RPM.

I was going to take it in to have Scion service look at it, but they wanted $105 to do a "diagnostic". I was hoping they would take a look at it and give me a free estimate.

Any ideas? I've changed parts on cars before no sweat, but I'm wondering where to start to try to figure out where the noise is coming from.

 

Get one of those automotive stethoscopes and start listening. If you don't want to buy one of those you can also use a long screw driver with the end of the handle pressed against your ear. Just be careful around spinning parts. Either way works great for pin pointing noises.

 

Very likely the idler pulley. There was a TSB on it, but basically there is a replacement pulley and bracket that prevents this from happening. My '09 has the issue but I haven't gotten around to fixing it yet.

 

Thanks everyone, that gives me something to start with!

 

I tried the stethoscope, but I can't really hear where it is coming from.

My local dealer wants $105 for a diagnostic to just look at it...

 

Take it to an independent mechanic, they will usually check it out for less or free. Where are you at? Someone may know of a good one in your area.

 

Thnaks Greg, I 've got a list of good mechanics in my area and am going to give that a shot.

 

Hi k1114 - can you tell me more about the TSB? Would that be something that the dealer should fix even if out of warranty? Or is that something different.

 

It's not something they would fix out of warranty. Here's the details:

Abnormal Scion idler pulley noise - Automotive Service Professional

 

Thanks k1114. Is this belt something that is easily removed? Is it tensioned by a spring? Could I take off the belt and then rotate each thing manually to find out which one is causing the noise?

 

That particular idler pulley isn't too horrible to get to. It is located on the back lower passenger side of the engine, where the power steering pump would be if we didn't have electric power steering.

If you look at the picture I've attached you can see the power steering pump on this Camry engine. That is where the idler pulley and bracket are located looking up from under the vehicle. Right above the intermediate shaft for the passenger side drive axle.

 

I just didn't have any time to attack it so I ended up taking it in. They replaced the pulley assembly and put a new belt on it at the same time for $500.

This 08 xB has 81K miles on it now and it has has nothing but oil changes so far. They recommend:

coolant flush $142
brake flush $109
total efi $185
trans flash $210

I'm don't want to spend money, but are any of these important to do for vehicle longevity given its age/miles?

Thanks everyone,

Alan

 

My 2013 xB is still relatively new (14,900 miles) but your answer depends on how much you still plan on using the car...

If the car has treated you well so far, and you plan on using it for several more years (up to 150,000 miles or more), then I definitely see the value in having the dealer do these 4 recommended services. You have made it all the way to 81k miles so I am sure the fluids are in need of change now or close to now.

Of course, as others will suggest, you can do all of these on your own to save money but to me, time is more valuable than money so spending $1k on services (in my eyes) is cheaper than spending hours figuring out how to do all of these *CORRECTLY*. I'm not a mechanic so the learning curve is steep. You pay for the services but you are also paying for peace of mind.

If you don't plan on keeping the car for longer, then you can forgo these, save your money and just trade in the car for your future car.

If I was in your shoes, and I plan on using the car for several more years, I would - without a doubt - let the dealer perform these services. If anything, ask (or look online) if there are any applicable coupons that you can apply to all of these services. I would even be straight forward and ask for a discount on all of these services since you are giving them so much business. Alternately, you can go to another scion dealer and ask for a price on these for services too if you have the time to shop around.

Just my two cents.

PS - I am actually taking my car to the dealer today for an oil change and found a coupon online for a $19.95 oil change. The regular service is $51 and includes tire rotation but I had my tires rotated 5k miles ago so I'll do that another time.

 

-Coolant is good until 100k
-Brake flush would be a good thing to do
-Total EFI? If you mean fuel injection cleaning, then no. That is a crazy amount of money.
-Trans flush, are you auto or manual? If auto I'd do it right away if you've never done it. If manual, I'd change it at 100k along with the coolant.

 

He said fuel line, throttle body, plugs would be cleaned. Is that more reasonable? I am having some rough idle issues.

 

Add some Gumout Regane in a few tanks, clean the MAF, and replace the spark plugs. About $50 worth of items and should fix the idle problem and very easy to do.

 

Thank you.

 

If your a "SAMS" or "COSTCO" Club member you could get your tires rotated and Flat repaired very cheap !,even if you didn't buy your tires there.

 

My 2008 Scion XB with 170K miles started to sound like a diesel engine.It runs fine,my Mechanic said it was the Catalytic Converter now $400.00 later I still have the same problem !

CAN ANY MASTER MECHANIC HELP PLEASE ???

 

Check this out !
Abnormal Scion idler pulley noise - Automotive Service Professional