How to Change a Toyota Camry Belt

The belt on the Toyota Camry model vehicles operates all of the accessories on the front of the engine. The belt is routed around each pulley so that each accessory can function at the same time. When the Camry engine is running, the belt is driven around each accessory pulley by the crankshaft component. This process enables each accessory to function. If the belt is damaged or has an excessive amount of cracks, replace it immediately.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• 3/8-inch drive breaker bar
• Metric socket set
• New belt

1. • 1

     Park the Toyota Camry on a level surface and open the hood.

   • 2

     Locate the routing diagram that details the routing instructions for the belt. The diagram on the Toyota Camry model vehicles is stamped to the top of the plastic fan shroud near the hood latch. This routing diagram will be needed when routing the new belt around the accessory pulleys.

   • 3

     Locate the spring-loaded belt tensioner on the front of the engine. The tensioner for the Toyota Camry is located near the front center of the engine, generally between the power steering pump and the water pump. The tensioner has a small pulley on one end with a bolt head in the center of the pulley. Use the pulley to relieve the tension from the belt.

   • 4

     Pivot the tensioner pulley from the bolt head counter clockwise with the breaker bar and a socket. Then, remove the belt from the tensioner pulley. Release the tensioner and let it retract until it stops. Then, remove the breaker bar and socket from the tensioner pulley.

   • 5

     Slide the belt out of each accessory pulley. Then, pull the belt out of the engine bay and place it on the ground.

   • 6

     Route the new belt around the bottom crankshaft pulley first. Then, follow the belt routing diagram to finish routing the new belt around the remaining accessory pulleys.

   • 7

     Pivot the tensioner counter clockwise once more with the breaker bar and socket. Once the tensioner is far enough over, slide the belt around the bottom of the tensioner pulley. Then, release the tensioner and it will retract until it stops. As the tensioner is retracting, it will pull the slack out of the belt and bring the belt to the proper tension. Remove the breaker bar and socket from the tensioner pulley.

   • 8

     Look over the new belt to ensure it is secure inside each accessory pulley. Then, turn on the engine and let it run for about fifteen seconds. Turn the engine off and reinspect the belt to make sure it is still secured in place. If it is secure, close the hood. If not, repeat steps six through eight.

Tips & Warnings

• The belt replacement process for the Toyota Camry model vehicles is the same for each model.

• There is also a belt removal and installation tool that can be used to rotate the tensioner. This tool can be bought at most auto parts stores.

• Always keep hands and fingers away from the moving pulleys on the front of the engine while it is running.