How do I change serpentine belt?

wnugent · #1 (**permalink**) 07-25-2007, 03:45 PM

2002 Camry 4 cyl:

I haven't been able to figure out how to loosen the tension on my serpentine belt. I have a new one and I'd like to replace it myself.

Thanks for any help. Diagrams are great if you can provide.

Will

wnugent · #2 (**permalink**) 07-26-2007, 02:34 PM

I'm just trying to find out how to release the tension on the belt. Anyone with advice will be appreciated?

Will

ppuckett · #3 (**permalink**) 08-07-2007, 09:59 PM

I'm in the same situation - see nobody has responded to your question. Have you figured it out?

wnugent · #4 (**permalink**) 08-09-2007, 10:57 AM

I asked the question again in another thread...and a couple of people answered with help. Search for other posts by "wnugent".

Hope you can find the info.

Another thing I found out later. Many of the parts stores have loaner tools as you may already know. My local parts store (Advance Auto) has the belt tension tool as a loaner tool. You may be able to find the same in your town. Otherwise, you will need a 19mm, 6 pt socket and 1/2" breaker bar. I suggest an 18 or 24" breaker bar.

We found it easiest making this a two person job. One person to hold the tension off and another person to get the new belt on track.

Will

mustang67408 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-09-2007, 03:33 PM

Removal.

Slowly turn the drive belt tensioner clockwise in more than
3 seconds

A 19mm socket and a breaker bar works well

ppuckett · #6 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007, 09:40 AM

Was able to replace the belt yesterday - thanks for your help!

hobbyman · #7 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 02:19 AM

Below is a reply from a friend of mine who has looked at my daughter's Camry to see if he can replace the timing belt. What do you guys think?
I am very much aware of how to change a serpentine belt, however, I do not have the proper tool. -Like a lot of info found on the internet, that post is wrong... I have all of those tools mentioned in that thread. Kathryn's car is slightly different. instead of a 6-point bolt or the standard square 1/2" drive drive, Kathryn's car has an inverted TORX socket and needs that specific tool to relieve the belt tensioner. -I have a TORX bit that is the right size, however, when mated to the ratchet, the depth of the TORX socket + that of the ratchet and/or breaker bar interfere with the strut tower and there is just simply no way that my tools will fit on the tensioner. The only way I see doing this job would be to either: A) drop the forward motor mount and allow the motor to tilt slightly forward and down in order to grant my existing tools enough clearance to relieve the tensioner. Or, B) purchase a shallow, almost 90* right angled TORX tensioner tool. -Option B usually can only be purchased from the dealer.

I hope someone has an answer! Thanks

njerald · #8 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 08:33 AM

What does your Service manual say?

I continue to be amazed at the owners who will ask a question on these forums, get wrong or incomplete answers, rather than read a manual section.

mustang67408 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobbyman

Below is a reply from a friend of mine who has looked at my daughter's Camry to see if he can replace the timing belt. What do you guys think?
I am very much aware of how to change a serpentine belt, however, I do not have the proper tool. -Like a lot of info found on the internet, that post is wrong... I have all of those tools mentioned in that thread. Kathryn's car is slightly different. instead of a 6-point bolt or the standard square 1/2" drive drive, Kathryn's car has an inverted TORX socket and needs that specific tool to relieve the belt tensioner. -I have a TORX bit that is the right size, however, when mated to the ratchet, the depth of the TORX socket + that of the ratchet and/or breaker bar interfere with the strut tower and there is just simply no way that my tools will fit on the tensioner. The only way I see doing this job would be to either: A) drop the forward motor mount and allow the motor to tilt slightly forward and down in order to grant my existing tools enough clearance to relieve the tensioner. Or, B) purchase a shallow, almost 90* right angled TORX tensioner tool. -Option B usually can only be purchased from the dealer.

I hope someone has an answer! Thanks

What year Camry?
4cyl or V6?
I have never used an inverted torx on any Toyota T-belt.I know it is there, but thats has never been an issue. That torx should have a 12or 14mm head on it that can be accessed with a wrench. But i need to know if it is a V6 or 4 cyl and what year to be able to know which tensioner you have for sure.

hobbyman · #10 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 04:31 PM

I tried to post this reply once, and it didn't work. First for the guy who is amazed about those who don't have a manual. This is my daughter's car, not mine. I have a Dodge Ram 1500 with a manual, which by the way does not tell you much about what tool to use to change this belt, but it's so easy in this vehicle perhaps it's not necessary. The 2002 Toyota Camry is a 4 cylinder. Thanks.

mustang67408 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobbyman

I tried to post this reply once, and it didn't work. First for the guy who is amazed about those who don't have a manual. This is my daughter's car, not mine. I have a Dodge Ram 1500 with a manual, which by the way does not tell you much about what tool to use to change this belt, but it's so easy in this vehicle perhaps it's not necessary. The 2002 Toyota Camry is a 4 cylinder. Thanks.

2002 camry 4 cylinder has a timing chain

Here is a PDF to change the serp belt.
The SST it refers to can be a BREAKER BAR and a 19mm shallow socket
or wrench.

hobbyman · #12 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 08:55 PM

Thanks a lot. I'll pass it on.