2004 Echo - How tight is the serpentine supposed to be? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

birchy · 12-12-2011, 11:00 PM

I recently replaced my serpentine because it was squealing like crazy when it got cold outside. Was okay for 2 days.. but tonight it's down to -14C and I just went for a quick spin to the store and it's squealing at idle again.

So my question is, how tight is the belt supposed to be? Should it be completely tight, or should it have a bit of play when you push it with your finger (this is how I have it now)?

birchy · 12-14-2011, 04:01 PM

Bueller?

Mentaluproar · 12-16-2011, 05:50 PM

Mine did this too. Tighten it until it is tense (finger test). If you really push, there should still be deflection, but nit hat much. You will probably have to tighten it a few times to find the fit. We don't have tensioners.

birchy · 12-19-2011, 02:51 PM

Tightened it up even more the other day and it's been good since.

I was nervous about tightening it too much because I read how if it's too tight it can damage the bearings in the alternator..