Mk1 Alternator Belt Replacement

[Jemmo]

Am I right in thinking I can simply slacken off the alternator, remove the belt, and replace?

No need for lining anything up right - just a quick 15 minute job?

[Konrad C]

There are two bolts that need to unlock/lock and adjust the tension. The on the side of the block is the unlock, and the longer bolt is the adjustment. If you have air-con and need to adjust that belt, the idle pulley has a lock nut in the centre, and the adjustment bolt between the block and alternator.

[Jemmo]

Thanks.

Doesn't sound as simple as on the old Triumph Toledo.

I'll leave it to the garage to sort out.

[Jemmo]

Turned out to be a broken crank pulley. So I now have 3 new belts, a new pully and and am £205 lighter.

Broken pulleys are quite common apparently. First time I have heard of it - on a Toyota or any other motor.

[Konrad C]

Happened to me a few years ago. Most cars now seem to use these vibration damped pulleys. I replaced mine and the belts too!

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/138128-7a-fe-crankshaft-pulley-buying-from-ebay/

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/157605-avensis-18-19978-7a-fe-belts/

I had bought spare belts and when the pulley destroyed the belts, I was only a short distance from home. I replaced the alternator belt and drove home. The rest is explained in the links.

Seventeen years is good going.

[Konrad C]

For those who might have a failed pulley the replacement is a Febi 27231 for 7A-FE & 4A-FE leanburn engines.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FEBI-27231-Belt-Pulley-crankshaft-/400785724132?hash=item5d50b0d2e4:g:1RsAAOSwU9xUNSNO