When to replace serpentine belt?

It takes like 15 mins and basic mechanical skills. There are lots of write ups but basically find the tensioner, use a 14 mm(I think) socket and pull it left to loosen it. Then take a hex key or small screw driver and shove it in a little hole below the tensioner (just feel with your finger to find the hole near the bottom right of it) to hold it in lose position. Then take out the belt, put new one exactly like it came out and in this diagram. Then use socket to make a little lose and pull out the hex key.

 

OEM is the way to go. 100k is a good time to change it, you’re ready OP.

 

Thanks for all the help and the diagram. It sounds easy to install but maybe worth it to have mechanic do it. 1 hour or $85 to install plus belt.

 

If you feel that you need a mechanic. But I'm being super honest when I tell you "it's so easy a cave man can do it." Lol. I got my belt on Amazon for like 22 bucks (oem bando) and did it. Look up a vid on youtube (Tacoma's 05-current and 4runners 4th gen to current are the same thing) I honestly believe changing a flat tire takes as much, if not more skill than this.

But dont let me stop you from going to a mechanic. If u feel uncomfortable, dont risk it.

 

Ok I will take the metal skid plate off the bottom and take a look in the am. The vid said to take it off. Yes I can change a tire so maybe there is hope. lol

 

No need take off skid plate. Can do it from the top. Just look at the diagram I sent earlier and while looking down at the front of the motor, get familiar with each part (what is the pulley, tensioner ect). Also, when u take the belt off, you need to get it around the fan by putting part of it In the fan and turning the fan. Putting on is the same thing. When u look at it, It will make sense. Again look up a write up here or the youtube. If u need more help, dm me and I'll send u my phone number.

 

Thanks Ahkouchi

 

If you want OEM just buy Bando belt. These are what Toyota are selling you. You can get them on RockAuto for almost the same price as gate without the hassle and upcharge from Toyota.

 

I went 120k. FWIW I will replace every 80k from now on.

 

Change mine every 60k since I drive a lot and live in a state where you can be hours from anywhere.

 

Glad I changed the belt. Had cracks and very dry. I wussed out and had my mechanic change it out $45 plus $35 for the Gates belt I picked up at Orileys. He takes care of my 86 Toyota motor home with a 22re. It’s all good....glad to join this group. Very helpful. Cheers!

 

It's not about wusseing out. Its about doing what makes you feel comfortable. Glad you changed it bro. Hope it last a long time

 

I replaced at 60K. Takes minutes and I think i paid less than $20 from local toyota dealer.

I did save the replaced belt and put it in the back storage space.

 

Lol idk why but I keep my old belts to. Like, when I think about it it's like "it's not good good enough to keep on the truck, but if I keep it in storage, maybe it will magically repair itself

 

I usually keep one old belt in my truck. Just in case there is a failure. Never know when you might get a lemon.

 

Just watch to many tv episodes were people break down in the middle of nowhere and use their pant belt for replacement. I figured it would be good enough to get me back on the road in that event.

But this belt just controls a/c, water pump (i think) and power steering so probably not that important.

 

Get whatever belt and change it yourself. Keep the old belt as a spare, tools needed to change it in the truck. If/when it breaks you only have a few minutes to shut down before it overheats. Yes, it runs the coolant pump. If you can't fix it, it's a tow. For me, that's a $200 minimum.

 

Did a belt at 90K, then belt and all 3 idler pulleys at 160K.

 

On my 2008 4cyl Tacoma, the oem belt started squeaking really loud 2 years into ownership. I put a Gates belt on and it was still quiet when I traded it in on my 14.

 

I've used Gates belts for years on all manner of vehicles without issue. Not replaced the Taco's belt yet. But what's with all the Gates hate? Someone have an actual story or is it one of those urban legends...like don't use a Fram oil filter or Bosch plugs, etc., etc?