How do you install the belt on a 2001 Toyota Corolla?

Answer 1

I assume you mean the serpentine belt that drives the various accessories (i.e., water/Power Steering pumps etc.) and not the timing chain (which some may mistakenly call a belt). If so:

1) Working from back to front, loop the belt over the power steering pump, tensioner and crankshaft pulleys first followed by the a/c compressor and water pump pulleys. This leaves the alternator pulley (the easiest one to access) to be the last one to have the belt installed.

2) Place a socket (19 mm hex) and extension bar/ratchet on the belt tensioner arm's hex shaped projection and rotate it clockwise (looking at the pulley end of the engine)as far as it will go. This will loosen the belt sufficiently so that the last bit can be placed on the alternator.

3) Gently release the tensioner arm so that the belt is tensioned.

4) Inspect the belt to ensure that it correctly positioned on each pulley.

5) If available, use a tension guage (e.g., Burroughs Tool BT 3373-F or similar from Kent-Moore, Snap-On tools etc.) to verify that the tensioner is working properly. Unfortunately, the only place to position this tool is that portion of the belt between the crankshaft and a/c compressor pulleys which means removing the right hand engine under cover and getting underneath the car.

6) Run car, check for unusual noises/proper operation.