How to Replace a Toyota Alternator Belt

The Toyota engine is designed with a three-belt system that operates the motor. Because of age or usage, these belts can become brittle and break, requiring them to be replaced. In order to replace the alternator belt, you have to also remove the power steering and air conditioning belts as well. You can do this yourself with just a little effort in about one or two hours and save the expense and time involved in having someone else do it for you.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Open-end wrench set
• Pliers
• Socket wrench set

1. • 1

     Disconnect the battery cables from your Toyota battery with an open-end wrench and pliers and remove the battery from the engine for easier access to the power steering pump.

   • 2

     Locate the belt tensioner bolt that is underneath the power steering pump of your Toyota engine. Use an open-end wrench to turn the tensioner bolt until the power steering pump is loose.

   • 3

     Note how the belt is looped around the power steering pump and other pulleys so that you can put it back on exactly as it came off. Remove the belt from the power steering pump and set it aside for now.

   • 4

     Locate the engine cover that sits over the A/C compressor and remove it using a socket wrench, then loosen the adjustment screw on the air conditoner with a socket wrench until the belt is loose. Then remove it from the pulleys.

   • 5

     Find the alternator mounting bolt and use an open-end wrench to loosen the bolt, then loosen the tensioner bolt that is also connected to the alternator.

   • 6

     Remove the alternator belt when the tensioner bolt has been loosened enough that you can take the belt off easily. Note how the belt was positioned around the pulleys so you can replace it easily.

   • 7

     Place the new alternator belt around the pulleys and tighten the alternator tensioner bolt with an open-end wrench until the belt is tight.

   • 8

     Tighten up the alternator mounting bolt with the open-end wrench and check the belt to verify it is still tight. If necessary, tighten the tensioner bolt again until the belt is properly adjusted.

   • 9

     Place the A/C belt back around the pulleys and tighten the adjustment bolt with a socket wrench until the belt is adjusted properly. Reattach the engine cover that sits over the A/C compressor with a socket wrench.

   • 10

     Reattach the power steering belt of your Toyota engine by looping it back around each of the pulleys and then tightening the power steering pump tensioner bolt with the open end wrench until the belt is tight.

   • 11

     Place the battery back into the Toyota vehicle and reattach the battery cables. Turn on the engine and verify that the belts are operating properly and then shut the engine off when you are satisfied.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent burn injuries, always allow the Toyota engine to cool down before beginning any belt replacement.