1. Gather tools and materials:
- New serpentine belt (Verify the correct size by checking your vehicle's owner's manual or spare parts catalog.)
- Combination wrench or socket wrench set
- A ratchet or breaker bar might be helpful, but isn't necessary
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
2. Locate the serpentine belt:
- Open the hood of your vehicle and locate the serpentine belt.
- It will wrap around several pulleys on the front of the engine, including the crankshaft, water pump, power steering pump, and alternator.
3. Loosen the belt tensioner:
- Look for the tensioner pulley, which is usually near the top of the engine and has a spring or lever mechanism attached to it.
- Depending on your vehicle, it might be labeled as "TENSIONER" or similar.
- Insert the proper size wrench or socket onto the tensioner pulley's adjusting bolt.
- Turn the bolt counterclockwise to loosen the tension on the belt.
- This might require a bit of force, so be careful not to slip.
4. Remove the old belt:
- Once the tension is released, you should be able to remove the old belt by slipping it off the pulleys.
- You might need to wiggle or pry it off.
- Set aside the old belt for proper disposal.
5. Install the new belt:
- Position the new belt around the pulleys in the same sequence as the previous one.
- Make sure it fits properly and is in alignment with all the pulleys.
6. Tighten the belt tensioner:
- Once the new belt is in place, tighten the tensioner pulley's adjusting bolt.
- Turn the bolt clockwise until the belt has an appropriate amount of tension.
- The belt should be snug without being overly tight.
- It should be able to flex about half an inch when you press on it with your thumb.
7. Verify belt alignment:
- Check the alignment of the belt to make sure it is properly seated on all pulleys.
- If it is misaligned, adjust the position of the belt or the tensioner pulley.
8. Test the belt tension:
- Make sure the belt tension is correct by lightly pressing on it in the middle of two pulleys with a moderate force (about 10 pounds or 4.5 kilograms).
- The belt should move about half to three quarters of an inch up and down when pressed, but not more than that.
9. Double-check everything:
- Make sure all the bolts and fasteners are properly tightened and secure.
- Visually inspect the belt and make sure it is correctly aligned.
10. Start your vehicle
- Once you have completed all these steps, start your vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
- Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations that could indicate a problem.
11. Road test:
- Take your vehicle for a brief road test to further ensure the belt is functioning correctly. If everything is in order, close the hood and you're good to go.
Remember that the steps might slightly differ depending on the exact engine and model of your 1998 Toyota Corolla. If you're not comfortable performing this task yourself, it's best to consult with a professional mechanic.
