Help an idiot understand how much lifespan his drive belts have.

I've never replaced my own belts before, and the dealership just let me know I need to. I'm about to leave on a weekend road trip and just want to know if I should be worried about it based on what you can see in these pictures.

And then secondly, as someone who has never changed the 3 belts, is it something straightforward to tackle and do you have any tips or things to do, not do?

Thanks in advance

 

Easy job. Yes yours need replacement. I'd definitely do it before the trip. See video below for how to do so, and part #'s should be in the video description. I'd suggest pulling up the part #'s on Ourisman Toyota of Richmond's website and then going to your local parts counter and asking they price match (get the best price that way, pay no shipping, and get your parts fast). This job is easily doable by a novice in under an hour.

https://youtu.be/Zi1XfFUOjKc?si=UaUxpd4xxxvSli2p

 

Thanks, checking that now! Do I need OEM belts or where should I source these?

And to confirm it's 3 belts correct?

I appreciate your help. Trying to get better at doing things in my own

 

absolutely should change the belts. While you are in there, replace the idler pulleys too.

 

About to start this, and have a dumb question. My AC has been broken for years. I'm going to replace that belt, but just curious what would happen if I didnt... haha

And is this guide still relevant for my 3.4l? https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...your-belts-p-s-a-c-alternator-2-4-2-7l.67346/

I assume I can find a guide on tensioning post-install

Thanks again

 

Not missing any chunks yet... probably got a few more thousand miles, but those are dry/cracked enough to merit replacement when you can

 

Can someone help me understand where the tensioner bolt is on the P/S? I've loosened the others but can't tell what it is

 

Just get some new ones on there. Not hard at all and youll have peace of mind. Just do it

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEViqqFsZMM&list=PL92J3U6HQJuvaDzBtngnFC4lrD48sAPgl&index=2

 

Cheers. That's the video I'm looking at, but when he gets to the adjuster on the power steering I can't tell which it is. Is it one of these?

 

I've got both A and B Bolts loose but nothing will budge and allow the belt to come off. I must be missing something? Can't quite tell if there's a third bolt or not based on that video

 

You have to get in from below and behind on the right of the unit ( on yer back looking up) to see the adjuster bolt.

 

Thanks. That helps. This big one?

I'm so goddamn confused so I appreciate the help so much

 

Never mind. Found it, all the way to tucked in there

 

It's a big PITA to be honest.

 

How much do I have to loosen it? I'm having to use a crescent wrench but I've got it loose but still nothing is moving. Is it worth giving it a whack with something? Just not sure where

 

It sounds like you have the same pain in the ass PS adjuster bolt as me. Disconnect the plastic cowl around the radiator fan, pull it back, and then you can reach around it, through the fan, and blindly get at the PS adjuster with a box end wrench.

 

I was finally able to get it off. Bunch of small amounts with a crescent and then I actually reached my hand all the way around and unthreaded it with my fingers on the threads.

Just got it all off, waiting for the GF to bring an idler pully, then new ones on. Any trick there? Im unsure how to get everything tensioned correctly especially with some of the adjusters so hard to get to.

 

Tight but not too tight!
Ha crappy advice

turn the adjustment bolt(long ass one, easy to turn until belt has tension)
Bolt down the lock bolt that holds the adjuster bolt.
Press on belt with finger
Should move close to 1/4inch when pressed, but less than 1/2inch

How many beers so far?
GL!!!!

 

Great success!

Thanks to all in this thread who said I should replace them asap, because it prompted me to dive in and do it myself where I otherwise would have waited til next and paid someone. Feels good. Key notes: Spent 30 minutes looking for one bolt(P/S adjuster), another 30 figuring out how to actually get at it, somehow lost the alternator locking nut, but thankfully guessed correctly my first trip to the hardware store. Understanding the adjuster bolt and how to loosen it last on removal, and first on install seems to be where folks usually break bolts. Glad that part came intuitively early on or I think this could have ended poorly.

Stubby ratchets are absolutely a lifesaver here. Glad I went and purchased some. They'll live in the truck now.