How hard is it to change alternator belt?

[raerae28]

I have a friend who has a 2002 Solara and says she hears sqealing now. Was wondering if it would be something I could change myself, once I have a mechanic verify that its the prob.

[Gadgetjq]

Originally Posted by raerae28

I have a friend who has a 2002 Solara and says she hears sqealing now. Was wondering if it would be something I could change myself

You don't mention mileage on the car or the engine. If she has the 2AZ engine and if it hasn't reached a recommended replacement interval for the alternator/AC/power steering drive belt your friend 'might' want to see if the following TSB covers the issue (cut paste below):

Some 2001 – 2004 model year Camry, Highlander, Solara and 2004 model year RAV4
vehicles with the 2AZ–FE engine may exhibit squealing and/or rattling noises coming
from the engine compartment during vehicle operation especially after a cold soak.
The belt tensioner assembly has been improved to correct this condition.

��

2001 – 2004 model year Camry, Highlander and Solara vehicles equipped
with 2AZ–FE engines produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs
shown below.

Obviously I didn't copy the whole thing. Rather than try to write out the entire belt change procedure (which isn't complicated, you can do it with normal hand tools) I'd suggest you pick up a Haynes or Chilton repair manual for the car. Another alternative, log onto Toyota Information Services. Pay the $10 for a 24 hour membership and download the entire factory service manual along with every TSB ever issued for the car.

Cheers

[shadetree_mec]

I looked briefly at the drivebelt and it doesn't seem to have an adjustable belt tensioner. Do you have to compress the belt tensioner, or pry the alternator out or something?