How to change the serpentine belt

[OmarR]

Originally Posted by LoneReefer2005

Is it SPRING LOADED? So I don't have to LOOSEN anything...Just rotate that bolt????

Correct.

[Spectre]

I have a quick question.

My wife has a 1998 rolla and I need to change out the Serpentine Belt. This forum is very helpful.

When I loosen the bolt to get the belt off how tight does it need to be when back on? Make the belt as tight as possible or a little slack or is there only one way it will go on? Thanks in advance.

[OmarR]

The bolt is spring loaded, so it provides the automatic tension for the belt. You are not loosening the bolt. You turn the bolt, HOLD IT THERE, and slip the belt off with the other hand. Carefully release the ratchet/breaker bar/whatever you are using to turn the bolt, and it will return to it's original position.

[LoneReefer2005]

Thanx for advise. I changed my serpentine today. It took about 10 minutes.

I had to remove the splash guard under the motor, to access the belt.

It was a 1 man job.



Thanx forum for the advise on that mysterious NUT that is NOT a NUT! Really a clever, easy system to service. Well done Toyota.

[cashcrazy]

Funny this topic was at the top of the list. I bought a new belt and plug wires to put on the 99 corolla in the morning.

[GuJu MaN 89]

is it the same way on a 97 toyota corolla? do i have to take engine out? do i have to remove those 4 top sparkplugs and take engine cover off? thx...

[LoneReefer2005]

Originally Posted by cashcrazy

Funny this topic was at the top of the list. I bought a new belt and plug wires to put on the 99 corolla in the morning.

This is a great forum for advise. Usually I can SEARCH and find my problem.(If search is working)


How 'bout that guy who took a pic of the toyota motor on a stand, showing how to de-tension the belt tensioner. That pic is worth a thousand words. Untill I saw it, I was completely baffled on how to swap out the serpintine.


The spark plugs are even easier to change...They are right on TOP of the motor, as God has always intended. Took me 5 minutes to change, and I used Copper plugs from walmart which cost about a dollar each. Why use 100,000 mile Iridiums when its so easy to change the plugs. Its easier than an oil change!!


P.S. WHat do you mean "Plug Wires?" My 2000 Prizm doesn't use high tension wiring for plugs...wierd.

[cashcrazy]

Originally Posted by LoneReefer2005

P.S. WHat do you mean "Plug Wires?" My 2000 Prizm doesn't use high tension wiring for plugs...wierd.

I mean the spark plug wires. The old ones were still doing fine, but I usually replace the same list of things at 100k I am at 106k. It took me about 5 minutes to change my belt BTW. Thanks for the picture whoever posted it. My little car should be good for another 100k.

[rated_w]

Originally Posted by GuJu MaN 89

is it the same way on a 97 toyota corolla? do i have to take engine out? do i have to remove those 4 top sparkplugs and take engine cover off? thx...

To change the serpentine belt?

I can guarintee you that you do not need to take the engine out.... but I'm unsure about how it differs compared to the 1zz motor. simply basically turn something and pull it out.. then put the new one in.

I'd have to say though... if you sound this confused.. I'd take it into the dealer

[byronkarl]

Any luck with the echo......my daughter's is down and assuming they sold me the right belt...it's not looking good. can relieve tension by sliding alternator but still too short.

[Highway_maniac]

Sorry for using an old topic - I need to picture to explain myself.

In the pic, you see a kind of schock absorber (metal thing with rubber on top, connecting to the tensioner arm and the engine block). Mine is starting to act up (dealer told me so). Got another one, how do I replace it? Can I just unbolt it and bolt on the other one, or do I need to remove the belt first.

Second - the new one has some fluid inside (remove the rubber, you can see it). What is this fluid (oil, special mix of something, glycol?), and how much should be in here?

[Allen8R]

Does anyone have a picture waith the belt on? mine broke and came off last night and I can't figure out how to put it back on - the belt I got has a different set of pulleys that my motor and the one in this pic...

[crypticlineage]

Allen8R: This reply is about a month late, and I am sure you have figured it out by now. But just in case, this is how the serpentine belt travels on a 1ZZFE engine:

[crypticlineage]

Originally Posted by LoneReefer2005

The spark plugs are even easier to change...They are right on TOP of the motor, as God has always intended.

haha! That really made my day. The Gods at Toyota you mean?