Serpentine Belt

Tiny
ROUNDINGTHIRD
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 45,000 MILES
The serpentine belt is making a constant squeaking noise. It has small cracks all over the belt, no chunks are missing and no threads are visible.

Should I replace it? If it needs replacement then how do I do so? Do you have pictures?
Monday, January 4th, 2010 AT 8:47 AM

26 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
Hello,

Here is a guide to help walk you through the steps with diagrams below to show you how the belt goes on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

Use a long socket and ratchet to rotate tensioner to get belt on. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
DORADODELSOL
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  • 1 POST
  • 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 112,354 MILES
Im looking to change the serpentine belt, but I heard about a tensioner that they have, where is located in the engine, and if I have to tight againg have the new belt is installed?
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
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Tensioner is hydraulic and is self adjusting.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/108325_toyota_belt_tensioner_1.jpg

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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
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After further research have the dealer look up TSB EG021-07. The belt tensioner was updated with a new assy. Because of noise. TSB dated 4-17-07.
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GRAMPYLARRY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA
Engine Mechanical problem
2003 Toyota Corolla Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I want to remove the plastic cover on the top of the engine of my 03 Corolla. There are two acorn nuts, and two plastic fasteners. To avoid braking the plastic fasteners, I want to know if there is a correct method of removal? The reason for remomoval of the cover is to give myself some extra room to replace the serpentine belt.
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
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They are flimsy at best, I took mine off and replaced with M6 x 1 studs and nuts, available at most hardware stores.
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HIPPIECK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA
2003 Toyota Corolla 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

I am needing a diagram to replace the serpentine belt in my car
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
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https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/108325_corolla_belt_1.jpg

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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JWINKLES2400
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  • 1 POST
  • 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Time to replace the drive belt (it is showing wear). I have a manuel on how and am a retired mechanic so should be no issue. The pboblem is the tool to loosen then retighten the belt. It is a unfamiliar size and shape. Looks like a torx. Tried a e16 and e18 but neither will fit. Talked to a mechanic at toyota that said use a 19 but unable to locate.

Can you help
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
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Is it an E torx (female) or T torx (male)?

Toyota does use a lot of 12pt bolts, which do look like an e torx.

There is no E19, he may be referring to a 19mm 12 pt.
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHESS0BC
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • TOYOTA COROLLA
Toyota Corolla 2003, 64k

A Toyota dealer recently changed my serpentine belt. They got my authorization by claiming the belt was cracked. It was not. But now they claim that the belt was 'glazed, slipping and wearing unevenly'.

Some questions.
-- Can a belt be slipping given I never heard a sound?
-- If it is slipping, are there any other 'signs' other than noise?
-- What does a glazed belt look like (a pointer to where I might find a picture of a glazed belt would be nice)? This belt flexes well and no part looks different to the rest.
-- What would 'wearing unevenly' mean? The only wear I can see is minor wear (normal : ) on the side of the belt. By this I mean that on some parts you can see stiching as though it's new, in some areas you see the rubber (stitching has faded or been worn).
-- what makes belt replacement 'necessary'?

P.S. The belt was just under 8000 miles on it. When I examined the belt they had left in my car, I assumed that they had misinterpreted my instructions and left a new belt :
Belt was replaced at 57k after intermittent noise that disappeared after a couple of minutes - belt was diagnosed as glazed back then.
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LOSONE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,616 POSTS
Serpentine belt wear is one of the most misunderstood problems on a vehicle. Everything depends on temperature, engine performance (smooth running) and condition of the pulleys. A belt can look new and still have thick and thin spots.

A good rule of thumb is to replace the tensioner and the belt. The spring loaded action of the tensioner causes thick and thin places.

Flip the belt over at various locations and if there are more than 3 cracks per inch replace it. The last rule is ALWAYS replace the belt between 45,000 and 60,000 miles. It will save a lot of problems.

Lastly DON"T buy a belt from discount supply houses. Get a quality belt and replace the tensioner at the same time. It is a small expense to save a very expensive repair.

Good luck
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JAMESMETAIRIE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
That series 03 on up thru at least 05 have a reputation for noise when starting cold. Usiually it, s related to the tensioner malfunctioning. Sometimes it, s just the belt. Alot of discusssion how to replace the tensioner all over the web.
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KK56
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 TOYOTA COROLLA
Four cylinder front wheel drive automatic.

Released the tension-er by turning the tension-er clockwise. What shall I pay attention to avoid any potential mess up?

After that, how to put back the tension-er? Just turn the tension-er nut counter-clockwise, to the original position?

Where is the forum the answers will be posted?

Thanks,

kk
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
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Both on and off pull clockwise. See diagram.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Graphic_468.jpg

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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GEMINIE PROCTOR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 TOYOTA COROLLA
2002 Toyota Corolla 4 cyl Automatic 100000 miles

I am replacing the Serpentine Belt in my 2002 Corolla. The Auto place that is doing this for me will charge me the same labor for multiple belts if I need to have more than 1 put on. What other belts are in my car that I may need to have replaced?
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Only have one belt


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Graphic_396.jpg

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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi MALAKIYA,

Here are the procedures.

FAN AND GENERATOR V BELT (1ZZ-FE)
REPLACEMENT

1. REMOVE ENGINE UNDER COVER RH

2. REMOVE FAN AND GENERATOR V BELT

a. Turn the drive belt tensioner clockwise to relieve tension on the belt, and then remove the belt.

b. Carefully return the tensioner to the unloaded position.

NOTE:
Be sure to connect SST and the tools so that they are
inline when using.
When retracting the tensioner, turn it clockwise slowly in 3 sec. or more. Be sure to not apply force rapidly.
After the tensioner is retracted all the way, do not apply force any more than necessary.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_SerpentineBelt1ZZ05CorollaFig05_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_SerpentineBelt2ZZ05CorollaFig440_1.jpg



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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JANGTEX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 137,000 MILES
Hello,
I am very new to car repairs and have found your website extremely helpful. I saw the video about changing the drive belt on your website. My toyota is different, it doesn't have a spring loaded tensioner that I can see; should I change the belt trhu the alternator?
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi jangtex,

For some models you need to unloosen the adjusting bolt at the alternator to remove/replace the belt.
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 AT 4:18 PM (Merged)

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