- Replacement serpentine belt
-10 mm socket wrench
-12 mm socket wrench
-Ratchet
-Breaker bar
-Flat-head screwdriver
Step 1: Park the vehicle and engage the parking brake
Park your Corolla on level ground and apply the parking brake to ensure it stays stationary while you work.
Step 2: Locate the Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt is located in the engine compartment, usually at the front of the engine. It's a long belt that wraps around multiple pulleys, including the crankshaft pulley, alternator pulley, power steering pump pulley, and air conditioning compressor pulley.
Step 3: Relieve Tension on the Serpentine Belt
To loosen the tension on the belt, you'll need to disengage the belt tensioner. Find the tensioner, which is usually a pulley with a spring-loaded arm. Use the 12 mm socket wrench to loosen the bolt that holds the tensioner in place. This will release the tension on the belt.
Step 4: Remove the Serpentine Belt
Once the tension is relieved, you can slide the serpentine belt off the pulleys. Start by removing it from the crankshaft pulley, then work your way around the other pulleys until the belt is completely off.
Step 5: Install the New Serpentine Belt
Start by wrapping the new serpentine belt around the crankshaft pulley. Then, work your way around the other pulleys, making sure to align the belt properly. Be careful not to twist the belt or allow it to jump out of place.
Step 6: Reapply Tension to the Serpentine Belt
Once the new belt is in place, you need to reapply tension to the belt. Use the 12 mm socket wrench to tighten the bolt on the belt tensioner. This will tighten the belt and ensure that it's properly tensioned.
Step 7: Double-Check the Installation
Ensure that the serpentine belt is properly seated on all the pulleys and that the belt tension is correct. If the belt is too tight, it could cause damage to the pulleys or bearings. If it's too loose, it could slip off the pulleys and cause the engine to overheat.
Step 8: Start the Engine and Test
Start your Corolla and let it run for a few minutes. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations that might indicate a problem with the serpentine belt. If everything sounds and looks normal, you've successfully replaced the serpentine belt.
Important Note:
The procedure for changing the serpentine belt may vary slightly depending on the specific year and model of your Toyota Corolla. If you have any doubts or concerns, refer to the vehicle's owner's manual or consult a professional mechanic.
