Clicking Noise Near The Timing Belt, Camshaft For Es300.

[pasadenaman]

Dear Lexus Friends,

I bought my Lexus ES300 new in 2000 and I have 175,500 miles on it.

It's been trouble free, except now I hear a clicking, chugging noise coming from what I thought was the timing belt.

I had a mechanic open the timing belt cover and we saw the timing belt looked good.

He then said it might be the seal or the bearings of the camshaft that might need replacing.

Can anyone lend any advice?

At the very least it's not the timing belt so I should be able to drive another 10,000 miles. Or am I wrong?

Many thanks again to all!

[GDixon]

Is the clicking new or has it always done it?

My Porsche 944 had the same issue. It sounded like valve tap but it turns out that it was the normal sound that the fuel injectors make when functioning properly.

It is just an idea worth exploring.

[Cory]

A steady clicking sound is often a sign that your timing belt tensioners are wearing out, but that sound would be coming from down closer to the block.

[pasadenaman]

A steady clicking sound is often a sign that your timing belt tensioners are wearing out, but that sound would be coming from down closer to the block.

Thanks so much for your answers.

The noise is new - I haven't ever heard it. It's got a chick-a-chick-a-chick-a-chick-a sound (sorry, it's the best I could do).

If it is the timing belt tensioner, and it breaks, is it bad?

I know if the timing belt breaks, it's bad. But the tensioner?

Many thanks again for your thoughts!

Tim