Question on Engine belt - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

RICO8458 · 03-29-2007, 12:39 PM

My 2005 with 40K miles, I have noticed that the belt has one area with some fraying on the top of the belt, the bottom looks o.k. When should you replace this belt? normally how long do they last before you need to replace the belt?

JSM1284 · 03-29-2007, 12:44 PM

Time to replace, the average lifespan is around 50k

RICO8458 · 03-29-2007, 02:41 PM

Thanks Captain, one last thing: how long does this job take? what is the average charge for this job? thanks mate. is this a do it yourself job or better to take to the shop?

JustAnotherAsian · 04-02-2007, 03:07 AM

^bump. i'm wondering about the average charge (toyota dealer cost, average auto shop cost, and mechanic neighbor cost) or whether i should/could do it myself as well.

also, what are the better brands out there? goodyear gatorback is one of them i assume? or do i stick with toyota's stuff.

we're talking about the serpentine belt i assume...

w203 · 04-02-2007, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LextasyOverdose

^bump. i'm wondering about the average charge (toyota dealer cost, average auto shop cost, and mechanic neighbor cost) or whether i should/could do it myself as well.

also, what are the better brands out there? goodyear gatorback is one of them i assume? or do i stick with toyota's stuff.

we're talking about the serpentine belt i assume...

http://autorepair.about.com/library/.../aa071205a.htm

Install looks pretty straightforward.

My mom got her changed at 80k (when it started squeeling) for $650 (with OEM replacement). She also got the timing belt and water pump.

I've used Gatotback belts and...lol dunno how to compare against OEM or other brands but they haven't broken yet.

Dunno if that helps.

RICO8458 · 04-02-2007, 10:00 AM

Thank you brothers, great help. yes, it is the serpentine belt, i noticed fraying on the top of the belt at only one point and area where the belt is messed together. now i have a better idea and appreciate your great feedback on this one. take care and keeping pimping those Camry's...

white3ch0c0late · 04-02-2007, 10:11 AM

Its easy. Just do it yourself. Get a Haynes Manual and an OEM Toyota belt. Takes 20 minutes with a friend. And no matter what anyone tells you, you don't need an SST tool for the job. All you need is a 19mm socket, hopefully some sort of long breaker bar, and some patience.

JustAnotherAsian · 09-13-2007, 11:59 AM

^bump. which pulley is the tensioner and which way do i pull it towards? i'm about ready to change the belt myself.

JustAnotherAsian · 09-13-2007, 12:04 PM

Quote:

7. REMOVE FAN AND GENERATOR V BELT
(a) Slowly turn the drive belt tensioner clockwise in more than
3 seconds, and remove the drive bolt by using SST.
SST 09249–63010
8. INSTALL FAN AND GENERATOR V BELT
(a) Slowly turn the drive belt tensioner clockwise in more than
3 seconds, and install the drive bolt by using SST.
SST 09249–63010

that's what it said in the manual... i just need a bit more clarification on "in more than 3 seconds"...

JustAnotherAsian · 09-13-2007, 12:06 PM

nvm. page 22 manual shows the tensioner assembly.

all that in 5 minutes. i crack myself up... haha

Mike Murrell · 09-13-2007, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LextasyOverdose

also, what are the better brands out there? goodyear gatorback is one of them i assume? or do i stick with toyota's stuff.

No one makes better replacement parts for a car than that cars mfg. I'm talking about belts, hoses, filters, etc. and not "add-on" items.

Just my opinion.

TRD VVTi · 09-13-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Murrell

No one makes better replacement parts for a car than that cars mfg. I'm talking about belts, hoses, filters, etc. and not "add-on" items.

Just my opinion.

In most cases that's true.

GoodYear belts are probably the best out there. The have amazing grip, are long lasting, and actually take less power to turn.

Gates also makes great products and is a supplier for many OE's.

When it's time for me to replace my serpentine belt on the Camry I will use a GoodYear belt as I've always done. If one isn't available at the time I will get a Toyota belt.

JustAnotherAsian · 09-13-2007, 01:15 PM

^i'll probably get the gatorback just for the brandwhore in me at the moment. lol.

JustAnotherAsian · 09-13-2007, 05:54 PM

k. after some serious muscle put into my poor 6" long socket wrench (i was putting most of my weight on it), i got it done. i could've used a breaker bar or a foot-long wrench, but i didn't wanna go back to autozone.

anyways, my belt was seriously slipping, and after inspection of the cracks of the belt, it looks like it was gonna rip soon.

here's a diy i quickly made with the gatorback part number for the 2az-fe camry.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...82#post1947682

major thanks to whitechocholate on the tips.