2003 Toyota Corolla Timing belt tensioner oil leak and serp

Tiny
CRICKETISLIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 79,000 MILES
I have a 2003 Toyota Corolla CE 4cyl car with 79k miles on it. I went to the Toyota dealer to get the inspection sticker and regular oil changed. The dealer told me that they noticed a minor engine oil leak in the "timing belt tensioner". He mentioned something about "o-ring". They also noticed that the serpentine belt was dry and cracking. They were asking for $180 and $118 for each respectively.

I tried to research this issue online but have not come across much information regarding "timing belt tensioner engine oil leaks". All I found was the tensioner itself failing for several people.

How can I make sure that there is actually an engine leak in the car. I don't notice any oil in the driveway. I tried to look at the engine but I don't see anything besides minor oily debris. I had asked the dealer if the engine oil they drained was significantly less than usual but they couldn't comment on the quantity of oil drained.

Also, how much work is involved in fixing this issue if it is actually an issue. I have done some repairs in the past so I would really appreciate it if I can get some tips on how to do the repair myself and what tool would be needed.

Thank you in advance
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 AT 3:05 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
They are talking about the tensioner inside the chain cover.

If you don't see any oil and level is good, I would not worry about it.

But get the belt changed if it is cracked.
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 8:26 AM
Tiny
CRICKETISLIFE
  • MEMBER
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Thanks for the reply. I am wondering if they would have spent time to open the chain cover to diagnose the problem when I came in just for the routine oil change. I am guessing, unless there was some oil leak visible on the outside, they wouldn't have bothered to look inside the chain cover. This is what is worrying me. I just looked from the top of the engine for any signs of oil leaks. I also checked the driveway to see oil leaks. I didn't notice anything significant. I will take a closer look again. But can you point me to the exact location as to where I should look.
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 9:04 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Chain is on front of engine (assy. Side) and has an aluminum cover. These are sealed and oil is pumped in to lube chain.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2010 AT 7:40 AM

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