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Toyota Camry 2002-2006: How to Replace Serpentine Belt, Idler and Tensioner Pulley

Most engine squeals are the results of a worn out belt, idler, or tensioner pulley. Due to hundreds of heat cycles and wear on the rubber belt as well as bearings in the pulleys, the annoying noises you hear arise.

By AJ Mawley - August 25, 2015

This article applies to the 5th generation Toyota Camry (2002-2006).

Your serpentine drive belt is extremely important to the function of your Camry. It basically transfers the rotational energy created by the engine to your accessories and water pump. Without this part, your Camry will not run at all, and a malfunctioning belt could lead to engine failure. Another essential part of your drive system is your idler and tensioner pulley. This pulley makes sure that proper tension is maintained on the serpentine belt throughout its service life. Due to the intrinsic qualities of a serpentine belt, it can stretch or shrink from age, which makes it important for the tension to be adjusted accordingly. If you suspect an issue with your serpentine belt or tensioner, follow the easy steps below to get back on the road safely!

Materials Needed

  • 10mm and 14mm sockets
  • Ratchet and extensions
  • 10mm wrench
  • 19mm socket and torque wrench
  • Jack stand

Step 1 – Remove front passenger's side wheel and lift vehicle

Remove the lug nuts using a 19mm socket and a torque wrench. Lift the front of the Camry on its frame and remove the wheels. This will give you access to the belt tensioner pulley.

Figure 1. Lift and secure front of vehicle.

Pro Tip

Use a jack stand to make it safer when you are working in the fender well.

(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Car - CamryForums.com)

Step 2 – Remove inner fender liner panel

Remove the inner fender liner panel (shown in Figure 2) to gain access to the engine drive system, so you can replace the tensioner and serpentine belt. There are two 10mm bolts that need to be removed.

Figure 2. Inner fender liner removal.

Pro Tip

Label and save your bolts so you know where they go during re-installation.

Step 3 – Remove serpentine belt

Remove the serpentine belt by turning the 19mm bolt on the tensioner clockwise. It is easiest to access this bolt from the engine bay as shown in Figure 3. After the tension is released, you can maneuver the belt out of the engine bay.

  • Figure 3. Turn tensioner bolt clockwise.
  • Figure 4. Belt removal.

Pro Tip

Take pictures of the routing of the belt so you know how to route the belt during re-installation.

Step 4 – Remove tensioner bracket

Remove the 14mm tensioner bracket bolts as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Tensioner bracket bolts.

Step 5 – Remove "dog bone" bracket

Remove the "dog bone" bracket as shown in Figure 6. This requires you to remove two 14mm bolts and maneuvering the bracket off.

Figure 6. Dog bone removal.

Step 6 – Remove last tensioner bolt

You are almost done! There is one tensioner bolt that needs to be removed carefully to allow the whole assembly to come out. This bolt connects the tensioner strut to the tensioner itself.

  • Figure 7. Tensioner bolt location.
  • Figure 8. Bolt removed.

Pro Tip

Be careful removing this bolt, as it is under tension and needs to be handled with care.

Step 7 – Remove tensioner assembly and install new parts

There is nothing holding the tensioner assembly on to the engine anymore, so it can be pulled out of the engine bay. That's it! You have removed everything necessary to install your new tensioner pulley and serpentine belt. The installation of the new parts is the exact reversal of the above steps.

  • Install new tensioner and mount.
  • Install new idler and dog bone.
  • Re-route new serpentine belt around all tensioners, and set belt tension with just a little bit of slack.
  • Button up fender liner.
  • Re-install wheels.
Figure 9. Tensioner removal.

Featured Video: How to Replace Drive Belt Tensioner

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