Please help, can't get A/C belt on! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

lagvoid · 09-29-2007, 02:29 AM

I've been following guides on replacing my timing belt. Been slowly working my way through it all but now I'm at the point of putting everything back together. How am I supposed to get the A/C belt on? Are there any tips/tricks to doing this? It just doesnt seem possible to stretch it out that far?! I may be calling it the wrong belt, but its the smallest one. From the crank to the left (firewall side). Please help me if you can.

dc_98_cam · 09-29-2007, 02:40 AM

Something's not right. Either you don't have all the bolts on the power steering pump loosened, or you have the wrong belt. You will have to take another look at it. There is one bolt that is near to, and beneath, the pump pivot point, which takes some stretching to get to.

.... From your description, it is the p/s belt that is located to the left of the crank. The belt going to the right is for the alternator.

Maybe you could edit your profile signature, including relevant information about your vehicle ... year, model, engine, miles, color, etc.

95PimpingCamry · 09-29-2007, 02:56 AM

That belt is a pain in the ass! Just keep trying.

lagvoid · 09-29-2007, 03:33 AM

Sorry,

2001 camry 4cyl 99k miles

In the picture below, the belt goes around the larger circle to the left and the smaller circle to the right.

Thats power steering? I clearly saw 3 bolts behind that pulley that were a PAIN to get to. And when I got to them, they were extremely tight. To make matters worse, they seemed to be held on by bolts BEHIND the pulley. I had to hold that while removing the visible bolt.

So you are saying that those are the only 3 bolts that need to be removed to allow enough slack? Or was there an additional 'hidden' one on the bottom side?

I compared the belt with my old one and its the same, so I don't think thats the problem.

I appreciate your support at 3:30 am..!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dc_98_cam

Something's not right. Either you don't have all the bolts on the power steering pump loosened, or you have the wrong belt. You will have to take another look at it. There is one bolt that is near to, and beneath, the pump pivot point, which takes some stretching to get to.

.... From your description, it is the p/s belt that is located to the left of the crank. The belt going to the right is for the alternator.

Maybe you could edit your profile signature, including relevant information about your vehicle ... year, model, engine, miles, color, etc.

lagvoid · 09-29-2007, 03:57 AM

I started searching for power steering threads now that you told me that its not an a/c belt.

I came across this thread that mentions how it can be adjusted.
Aaargh! Installing PS Belt

From what I remember, if I was looking at the pulley from the passenger side tire well. I saw 3 bolts like a triangle pointing up. Can anyone please clarify which of these are supposed to be loosened? I struggled for a long time and managed to loosen the top and right screws. After losing some skin and gaining new bruises, the thing did not budge.

dc_98_cam · 09-29-2007, 05:24 AM

As I recall, you need to install the lower timing cover, the crank pulley, put the belt completely around the crank pulley, and then start the remainder of the belt on the power steering pulley. If you get it partially started around the p/s pulley ... red circle to the left, you can probably rotate the crank pulley, which should draw the rest of the belt into place. However, only rotate the crankshaft pulley in a clockwise direction as you look at it.
... If you have time, post a picture looking through the wheel well access panel.
... Seems like p/s belt goes on first, then alternator/AC belt. You might check to make sure this is the correct sequence.

Fredrick2003 · 09-29-2007, 11:08 AM

There is nothing wrong with paying somebody to do it.

There is a mechanic shop here who only charges $5 for putting belts on and changing lights.

lagvoid · 10-01-2007, 03:11 PM

Thanks for the help. I was able to get the power steering belt on after finding the hidden pivot bolt you mentioned! Wish I had looked closer the first time around!

wiccanferret · 10-01-2007, 04:39 PM

God I hate that belt. I've never been able to get it on or off easily. Getting it partially on and rotating the engine by the crank is the only way I've ever been able to get it.