How do you change the drive belt on a 2003 Toyota Echo?

Answer 1

Replacing (or tightening) this belt is very easy, you will need a 12mm socket wrench and a 14mm open end wrench. Loosen (do not remove) the two bolts above the alternator that are attached to the metal bracket that allow the alternator to slide (the alternator is attached to the topmost pulley that the drive belt touches, it is at the top front passenger side of the engine compartment). There is a 3rd bolt below the alternator, slightly difficult to see, loosen it using the 14mm wrench, it is often difficult to turn, I recommend penetrating oil and a breaker bar, you only need to turn it a little bit to allow the alternator to pivot.

Once all three bolts are loose, you can easily rock the alternator back and forth (same procedure is used to replace the drive belt).

To reinstall or tighten the belt you need to pull the alternator toward the front of the car as far as possible. The best way to do this is by putting a pry bar on top of and slightly behind the alternator and pushing up toward the windshield while using the engine as a pivot - this gives you plenty of leverage and allows you to pull the alternator forward. While you are prying, you can tighten the bolt that holds the alternator to the bracket using your left hand as you brace the pry bar with your right hand, to hold it all in place.