How to Replace the Serpentine Belt in a Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has a main drive belt, or a serpentine belt, for running multiple accessories off of the engine. The power steering on the Toyota Camry has its own belt. Toyota recommends checking the belts for wear every 6,000 miles or 6 months. On the Toyota Camry, adjusting or replacing the serpentine belt or power steering belt means working with several bolts that keep the system in place.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Nippondenso or Burroughs belt tensioner gauge
• Wrench set
• Replacement belt

1. • 1

     Measure the tension on the serpentine belt to see if it needs adjusting. The manufacturer recommends using a Nippondenso or Burroughs belt tension gauge tool that applies to the belt.

   • 2

     Use your wrench to loosen the pivot bolt on the front left corner of the engine block--bolt size may vary by model.

   • 3

     Find the adjustment locking bolt slightly below the belt tensioner pulley and loosen it.

   • 4

     Loosen the adjusting bolt to change tension on the belt.

   • 5

     Remove the serpentine belt.

   • 6

     Use a belt routing diagram to install the new belt, either from the owner's manual, or from a decal near the engine. If you cannot find a belt routing diagram, try the Dayco belt routing site to get a Toyota Camry belt routing diagram by model year.

   • 7

     Seat the new belt on all pulleys.

   • 8

     Tighten the adjustment bolt to replace tension on the belt and measure with the belt tensioner gauge, adjusting as needed.

   • 9

     Tighten up the adjustment lock bolt and pivot bolt.

Tips & Warnings

• This guide covers a limited model year range from 1997-2001, and methods may vary by model year or engine type. Consult your owner's manual and documentation for specific models.