There may come a time when your serpentine belt comes off or needs to be replaced. This can be a difficult job so make sure you have some experience with vehicle repair for attempting this one. Of course, the service experts at Peruzzi Toyota are always here to help you make the replacement. We can also advise you on when to make the replacement and can check if your vehicle needs other vital service adjustments or repairs.
The serpentine belt, also known as the s-belt is one of the most important aspects of your vehicle as is vital for making your engine work correctly. This long belt runs every important engine function including the water pump, alternator, a/c compressor, and power steering. Since it’s used by so many different systems, it’s important that you check it periodically for signs of wear and tear, fraying, or cracking. You’ll want to replace it about every 50,000 miles but a service experts like those at Peruzzi Toyota can check it for you and let you know when it needs replacing. Follow the steps below to replace your s-belt:
- Check out your vehicle’s belt routing diagram and repair manual before you begin. If needed, the belt schematics for most vehicles can be found online.
- Practice matching the routine of the belt wrapping around the pulleys with your new belt in hand.
- Locate the self-adjusting tensioner and remember to be careful when releasing the tension of the belt. Position your wrench or belt removal tool on the tensioner, and make sure you have enough room to remove the tool once the tensioner is released. Finally, release the tension. Since the tensioner tool is a flat bar you will be able to get into the tight space for the tensioner’s roller.
- Remove the old belt. Check the tensioner for wear by spinning it with your hand before you install the new belt. If the tensioner is noisy, loose, or overly tight, it will have to be replaced along with the belt. Check all the pumps and idler pulleys to make sure they are able to move freely. Check the pulleys for the water pump, alternator, smog pump, and a/c compressor to make sure they do not wobble.
- Install the new belt. Line up the ribs in the new belt with the grooves in the pulleys. You should also make sure the belt isn’t twisted.
- Tighten the tensioner and double check everything before starting your engine again.
This is one of our tougher service guides to follow and perform, so if you have any issue at all or feel uncomfortable, contact the service professionals at Peruzzi Toyota. We’d be more than happy to look at your serpentine belt or any other part of your vehicle to see if you need anything repaired or replaced. We also handle everything from tires, brakes and batteries, to oil changes and everything in between. Give us a call at 877-523-2999 or visit us at 2601 Bethlehem Pike in Hatfield, PA. Make an appointment with your Allentown, PA and Bethlehem, PA area Toyota service and parts center.
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