For Those Who Want To Change Their Own 2GR-FE Serpentine Belt

[Mike Murrell]

Please contact Mike via private message for more information. Thanks!

[givemeabreak01]

Mike,

Thanks for this info. Just turned 100K on my '06 Limited and think this will come in handy soon. I have one other question. Do you by chance have any info on how to remove and replace the Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir (Jug) on my car? Mine has, for whatever reason, come up with a crack / break in it and anything put into it immediately flows out onto the ground. Happened 1500 miles after my extended warranty ran out - AND, the Toyota Dealer said "....sorry, but we can't help you. You'll need to pay the going shop rate and buy a new jar." So be it, but I'd like to change it out myself. My email address is: edv40026@yahoo.com. Thanks for any help you can provide. Ed Voorhis, '06 Limited, 101.5K miles

[Mike Murrell]

I have an '06 Avalon XL. My wife drives the car. I get to park it in the garage at night.

Will eye-ball the washer unit and post my 2 cents.

She's working night shift this week so it might be a day or so B4 I can review it.

[coontai]

I just changed mine yesterday. Boy did it suck. Anyways I have noticed a burnt rubber smell. Is this normal? My old belt was in excellent condition. The belt seams to be tracking fine, but the smell has me worried.


thanks

[TrailDust]

Sorry, folks, but Mike's posting had slipped by us earlier when he first posted it. FSM and/or other copyrighted material is not allowed to be posted as outlined in the Forum Rules. This is a legal issue and our hands are tied. Please contact Mike via PM if you would like more information about the serpentine belt change. Thanks!

[Mike Murrell]

google will turn up what was removed....play with the search wording 'til you get there.

[coontai]

Originally Posted by coontai

I just changed mine yesterday. Boy did it suck. Anyways I have noticed a burnt rubber smell. Is this normal? My old belt was in excellent condition. The belt seams to be tracking fine, but the smell has me worried.


thanks

i just rechecked my belt and I had routed it wrong:head bang::disa ppoin. anyways I was wondering if it was okay to use. I mean it was running a little hot but still looks good. How much heat can these epdm belts handle? It was hot to touch.

[Mike Murrell]

If it were my car - I'd change it again - the smell of rubber ain't good. You've done it once - so you likely have it down pat.

[coontai]

I spent another 20 at napa and replaced it again today. The misrouted belt still looked great though (threw it in the trunk). Anyways I have a few recommendations:

1. The tensioner really must be withdrawn from underneath the car. I have a fancy gearwrench serpentine tool and it just will not work for this setup. Underneath I used two combination wrenches to get enough leverage. An offset box end wrench might work, but there are obstrustions that the two wrench combo can navigate around.

2. I bought a $10 serpentine belt placement tool from rockauto.com. The tool was incredible (the copyright date was 1995 and it was made in the USA!). It really heped getting the old belt out and the new belt on. Really it is a must. I also used a 2-3 foot flat blade screwdriver that also helpted.

I changed my belt at ~110k but it was in great shape. The idlers also had no play, but are cheap to replace if necessary. The tensioner is not easy to replace even for the most avid diyer. The dealer wanted $44 for a new belt but the gates I bought from rockauto & napa should be just as good. I really just changed mine, because I do a lot of city driving in some real crummy areas and do not want to be stranded.

[CorwinO]

Google image search: "Accessory drive belt routing-3.5L (2GR-FE) engine"

Life: Saved