2AZ-FE Serpentine Belt Life

[the critic]

My friend owns an '04 Camry with the 2AZ-FE engine. It has about 60k miles on it and the serpentine belt is in need of replacement. The belt squeals constantly, especially with the colder weather lately.

I find 60k to be a short life for a serpentine belt, especially for one that is automatically tensioned. This isn't the first time that I have seen a Toyota serpentine belt require replacement before 100k. Is this a common problem with Toyotas?

What would be a good replacement belt? I told him to order a Gates serpentine belt from Amazon for $27. Hopefully it will last longer than the OE one.

How many miles did you get out of the serpentine belt on your 2AZ-FE?

[dave0919]

I would remove the belt and check all the pulleys, pumps and idler. The OEM belt should have lasted longer, cracks on the ribbed side are usual signs of aging.

[AloRock]

Hi,
Here in Holland the dealer recommends not to replace the belt. Only when there is a crack in it. On my Camry 2002 vvti, the belt runs now for 140000 miles. If you go to replace, just use an original one !
Good luck
AloRock

[CharmCityES]

i replaced my belt at 60k on my 2003 due to dry rot and cracking in the vanes

[warpedrotor]

I replaced mine at 100,000 km with a Goodyear Gatorback. The old one was starting to crack on the inside and was noisy in the morning. I don't find having to replace a $20-$30 belt after this mileage a problem, after all, they run everything and can pick up debris that inbeds itself on the ribs, causing noise and wear. Popular Mechanics has a good guide on when to change your belt.

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by warpedrotor

I don't find having to replace a $20-$30 belt after this mileage a problem, after all, they run everything and can pick up debris that inbeds itself on the ribs, causing noise and wear.

+1

It's hard to believe that with all the extended service intervals today (coolant, transmission fluid, spark plugs, oil and filter changes, etc.) that someone would complain about any maintenance items.

I guess that some people just need something to complain about...

[warpedrotor]

I'm going to have to find an old beater to fix up so I can start getting my hands dirty again!

[ascott46]

How are these replaced? I can't find an aftermarket manual like Haynes. Is there a tensioner that needs to be released or is this a dealer replacement?

[JustAnotherAsian]

^^^herevvv

[njerald]

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

+1

It's hard to believe that with all the extended service intervals today (coolant, transmission fluid, spark plugs, oil and filter changes, etc.) that someone would complain about any maintenance items.

I guess that some people just need something to complain about...

+2, the whining threads are in now..........

[JustAnotherAsian]

Originally Posted by njerald

+2, the whining threads are in now..........

^no pun intended eh? (whining belts har har )