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Does anyone have suggestions on how I can get to the screw to release the tension on the alternator?
Is there a tool/tools I that would work well in this situation? I'm a weekend mechanic using regular ratchets and sockets (no air tools).
It's very tight down there plus it's on an angle facing towards the front bumper.
I have searched the internet and this forum - unfortunately, all "alternator belt replacement/removal and timing belt replacement" videos and write ups I see are for toyota's V6 (siena/highlander) and RX300 which shows significantly (does not have the metal piping as shown in picture below) more room so one can reach down and use a regular 12mm wrench.
Thank you in advance.
-Jojo
BTW - Painfully, I was able to reach down an loosen the locking screw on the bottom left side.
Picture taken standing in from of bumper looking down.
Not sure if it's the same as my 2008 RX350, but when I changed the belt, I jacked up the front right wheel, removed it, and opened an access panel flap which gives you direct access from the side to the nuts you need for replacing the belt. I just used sockets with a short extension. Bob
Not sure if it's the same as my 2008 RX350, but when I changed the belt, I jacked up the front right wheel, removed it, and opened an access panel flap which gives you direct access from the side to the nuts you need for replacing the belt. I just used sockets with a short extension. Bob
It is not the same, 2008 3.5L has a single serpentine belt, OP has 2 belts..
As mentioned by ukrkoz, I was not able reach it from the wheelwell. However, when I removed the front under cover - I had a bit more room/access.
Still tight but better angle than from top.
Thank you for the suggestions.
-Jojo
Yep. been there. Unless you are masochistic and have lots of time and patience and wicked shaped extensions and tools - it is not worth doing it from the top. Also, you can move engine up and down on engine mounts quite a bit, if you need to, with jackstand and piece of 2x4 under some sturdy engine part.
11-02-18, 12:04 PM
Alternator Belt replacement
