How to Replace Toyota Echo Belts

The accessory belts, or V-belts, are an essential part of the proper operation of the engine and overall performance of the Toyota Echo's accessories. These belts are located in the front of the engine compartment, and are prone to fatigue and failure after prolonged use. Due to various conditions, such as engine heat, weather conditions, and oil and grease exposure, the belts should be inspected and adjusted to prolong service life and guard against premature failure.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Box end wrench set
• Adjustable and needle-nose pliers
• Ruler
• Straight edge

1. • 1

     Turn the engine off and determine which accessories have separate drive belts on your vehicle. Normal accessories are the water pump, power steering pump, alternator and air conditioning compressor.

   • 2

     Inspect both sides of all the accessory drive belts to determine if any are cracked, glazed, frayed, oil soaked, separated or broken in any manner.

   • 3

     Check all pulleys for cracks, dents, nicks and corrosion.

   • 4

     Inspect the belts for the proper tension. Place your thumb or finger in the middle of the belt between the pulleys to see how much the belt deflects. The distance between the belt pulleys determines proper deflection. A center to center pulley distance of seven to 11 inches should have a deflection of approximately a quarter of an inch, and a pulley distance of 12 to 16 inches should have a deflection of approximately half an inch.

   • 5

     Loosen the pivot bolt on the accessory and the adjustment bolt at the same time to release belt tension.

   • 6

     Slide the new belt is in place. Move the accessory away from the engine and hold in position while checking the belt tension. Tighten the pivot bolt and the adjuster bolt.

   • 7

     Recheck the tension. If all is correct, tighten both bolts to the recommended torque as per the manual's specification.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes it is necessary to use a pry bar to get the proper leverage to obtain the specified tension for the accessory. Be extremely careful not to damage any components while prying the belt into proper tension.