99 Camry ac/alt belt replacement

[robbywest2k]

My 99 Camry squeals a little after start up when the ac is on. When the ac is turned off, there is no squeal. I believe that it is the belt and needs to be replaced. I have a Haynes manual but it is somewhat lacking. It doesn''t explain what kind of wrench or tool is needed to loosen the belt. Also, I need to know if there are any tips or tricks in taking on this job. Greatly appreciate!

[71Corolla]

12mm and 14mm spanner and/or socket/ratchet is all you need. Loosen the 14mm bolt near the engine mount, and the 12mm at the front of the alternator. Then slack the belt using the 12mm bolt at the top. It is best to clean the pulleys with alcohol, acetone (be careful with this stuff don't get it on anything else) or brake cleaner.

To get the correct belt tightness, snug up the belt until you have about 1/2" deflection with moderate pressure. Run the car with the A/C on and off and watch the belt as you rev the engine. The belt should vibrate a little, but not flap around. If it does, tighten it. Don't put too much tension on the belt, it is hard on the bearings.

Also, do yourself a favour and get the belt from Toyota, or an OEM equivalent. They cost more but they last far longer.

[robbywest2k]

I will definitely use a toyota belt. I am going to work on this tonight. Its a 100 degrees in Dallas. Will let you know how it turns out.

[Mike Gerber]

Which engine; I4 or V6?

Mike

[fenixus]

in this fresh thread pics with diagrams were published for both engines:
1MZ-FE Serpentine Belt Removal???

[robbywest2k]

Thank you for your reply. It is a 4 cylinder.

[camryelaine]

From my exprience, the squeak is the the failing of AC compressor bearings. The squeaks will get louder and longer and bearings will eventually stop spin. My drive belt burn off and snaped due to fricition, just for your information

[Mike Gerber]

I would first just check the belt tension. If it is loose, try tightening it a bit. Use the link fenixus gave you. Look at the diagram for the 5SFE engine. Loosen the lock bolt (the horizontal 12MM hex head one) and then tighten the adjustment/tension bolt (also 12MM hex head) until you feel the belt is tight enough. Then retighten the lock bolt. If this solves you problem, you are good. If not, I would try a new belt. Sometimes they just get so glazed that they slip. Replacing the belt is basically the same procedure; you just have to loosen thea tension bolt so you have enough slack to remove the old belt and install the new one. Then tighten the adjustment/tension bolt and then retighten the lock bolt.

Mike