How do you change a surpentine belt on a 2004 Toyota solara?

Answer 1

I'm going to make an assumption you have the 6 cylinder engine. If it's a 4 cylinder the procedure is pretty much the same except you have to remove the right front wheel and fender apron to reach the belt.

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I'll also suggest you pick up a Chilton, Haynes or factory service manual for your car. They're inexpensive and can offer instant answers (and procedures with pictures) for your questions.

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So, changing the belt is simple but you really have to pay attention to the routing. If you can take several pictures from different angles before starting the work the shots might come in handy later.

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1. Loosen the alternator pivot bolt. It's on the front left corner of the block. With the locking bolt loosened, turn the adjusting bolt until the belt is loose enough to slip off the pulley.

2. Slip the belt off the crankshaft pulley and remove. If you're replacing the Power Steering pump belt you'll have to remove the AC compressor belt first. It's always a good idea to replace both at the same time anyway. The pump belt is removed by loosening the adjustment bolt holding the pump to a slotted bracket. Pivot the pump toward the engine to loosen the belt.

3. As you remove them, mark each of the belts and its appropriate pulley groove so replacement belts will go back in the proper place.

4. Take the old belts to your favorite parts store so you can directly compare the length, width and rib design. Don't trust the parts book or you could find yourself making a second trip to the store.

5. Put the new belts on in the reverse order you removed them and check to make sure the grooves in the belts match up with grooves in the pulleys. The belts 'must' be centered correctly.

6. With the belts on, tighten the adjusting bolts on the alternator and PS pump and tighten to specification.

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There's a special tool used to measure belt deflection to make sure it's not too tight or too loose. Too tight is hard on bearings, too lose and you could lose the belt or it will slip and squeal. If you can't rent/borrow the tool from your auto supply use the 'shadetree' method. Find a length of belt that's between 7 and 11 inches long between pullies. The belt should deflect about 1/2 inch over a 12 to 16 inch span. Adjust the deflection appropriate to the span your measuring.

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Or, take the car to your local Toyota dealer or a trusted mechanic. You might have to pay for 1/2 hour of shop time plus parts.

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Cheers