Service & Repair Manual

How can I replace the Serpentine  Belt on my 1997 Toyota Camry 2.2 L 4 Cylinder?

Answer: Toyota Camry equipped with power steering has two belts. One that operates between the crankshaft pulley and power steering pump. The other is drive belt that operates from the crankshaft pulley to the alternator and air conditioning compressor. To replace the large diameter belt that drives the alternator, you have to remove the plastic shield in front of the crankshaft pulley (held in place by two 10mm bolts). The pivot bolt on top of the alternator is loosened (14mm), the bolt that secures the front ear of the alternator (12mm) is slackened and then a long threaded adjusting bolt (12mm) is turned to loosen the drive belt so it can be removed and replaced. It is more difficult to replace the power steering belt since it is accessed from the bottom of the car so the car must be jacked up and supported by axle stands. A bolt on the power steering pump adjusting bracket and the pivot bolt for the power steering pump must be slackened to enable the power steering belt to be replaced. After replacing the fan belts assemble in reverse order. Ensure fan belts are properly tensioned and aligned. Start the engine and allow to run for a minute. Re check alignment and drivebelt tension. Turn on air conditioning, headlights, heated rear windscreen and start the engine, turn the steering wheel form side to side, if belts are properly tensioned the belts should not “squeal”. If belt “squeal” is heard the fan belts are improperly tensioned or aligned.