sciontc_mich

When removing the accessory drivebelt tensioner on the 05-06 tc (yeah 07+ is different from what I hear) is it required that the left engine mount be loosened and the engine pushed up by a floor jack to get one of the tensioner mounting bolts out?!? I thought that was crazy when I heard that. let me know..

Jon

I'd assume so. I had to do that to change my water pump.

sciontc_mich

really? *sigh* bummer.. I know when my water pump went bad all I had to do was remove the alternator to get to the water pump.

Jon

Hmmm I could have saved some time and effort then. I need to replace my tensioner I think. I'm getting some pulley rattle, especially under load.

etoomey3

I got to the tensioner & water pump by taking the wheel off and the plastic shield in the wheel well. But I was on a lift so it was a lot easier. But you can get to it from the wheel well

sciontc_mich

ok so you were able to remove the nut and the big long bolt holding the tensioner to the engine WITHOUT having to remove or loosen the left side engine mount and jacking up the engine?

I know I'm repeating just making sure I'm reading your comment correctly.

etoomey3

Sorry. Yes. You still have to take the mount loose but you can get to it from the bottom as well as from the top

sciontc_mich

ahh ok.. so i would have to loosen that mount up and still jackup the underside of the engine to remove that bolt. thanks for clearing that up. I'm probably going to replace the belt first (instead of the tensioner) seeing as the belt looks really worn. But..Yeah I'd probably take the plastic shield off and work from there.. thanks for the info!

etoomey3

Honestly if you're pulling the plastics and taking the belt off anyway you might as well just replace the tensioner if you're concerned about it. LMK if you have anymore Q's

tCDan

I don't understand why they put people through all that hell just to do something relatively easy 😐

62Fender

Yeah, it's one of the biggest pains. Two others are the rear engine mount and the steering rack.

tCDan

I've found that a belt tensioner tool is really helpful. It's long and skinny so it gets right in there. Was just about to begin replacing a belt for my 09 tC then it started raining, ugh. So gonna wait till it lets up.

62Fender

When removing the belt, it's easier to slip the belt off the flangeless water pump pully. Prying the belt over the flaged alternator pulley risks breaking the hex on the tensioner. Re-install the same way in reverse, ie belt goes on the water pump pulley last.

Toyota also recommences removing two fender screws that secure the power steering fluid (PSF) lines to the passenger-side fender. These PSF lines curve over the same motor mount that has to be removed to lift the engine. Raising the motor without removing the two fender screws risks breaking the metal PSF lines.