Thanks, the way the engine sits in there it was really tough to turn it counterclockwise anyway. I guess I need someone a bit stronger than me to get it undone.

 

Actually you do not want to take the bolt off. You apply pressure to the bolt to get the tensioner pulley to pivot. Once it pivots, it will provide enough slack for you to slide the belt off. And I believe you turn it CW (it's been awhile).

If the bearing on the pulley feels bad when you get the belt off, you may want to consider going a little farther to remove the tensioner to replace the bearing. A new bearing cost less than $20. Toyota wants $170 for a new tensioner. You will need to remove the upper timing belt cover, remove the tensioner (3 bolts). Then remove the pulley from the tensioner and pound the old bearing out and carefully pound a new one back in. For my 2001 GS300 the bearing number was 6203DUL1.

 

Does anyone know the part number for the gatorback belt for a gs300. Also does anyone think I should pay a little extra and get an oem? Also is there any specific torque setting on the bolt when I retighten it. Sorry, Ive never done this before and I want to know what im getting into before my car is sitting dead in the driveway ))))

 

So you don't actually turn it, you just apply pressure in the clockwise direction? Because my dad couldn't even get it to budge, but if you are supposed to put pressure on it then move the pulley that would work here.

 

I just replaced my belt. I bought one from pep boys for ~$30. Took 2 minutes to install.

I took one screw out and the air dam pulled right off, then with a 14MM socket, I pulled UP on the belt tensioner. The belt pulled right off, and the diagram on the box was accurate.

I just saved myself ~$100.

This is the easist DIY i've ever seen!!! Just do it.

If you are in San Diego... I'll do yours for $25.

 

yeah its a good easy DIY....

JW, why would they pay you when they can DIY as the thread title says?

 

Just did mine and Im a total noob!

 

Man I swapped mine with a new oem one and it still semi squeak. Was it cause I didn't clean the pulleys?

 

For the record, on the 2002 GS430 you need to turn the bolt to Counter Clockwise to remove the belt

 

where did you find this diagram?

 

^^Check out page 13/post #17 of this thread.

 

great DIY! i'll be doing this sometime this week

 

Worked great for my 2000 GS300. Thanks!!!