
Replacing a serpentine belt is a straightforward process. Your Rav4 uses a tensioner to keep the serpentine belt tight. The first thing you are going to need to do is find the tensioner and apply force to it in order to loosen the serpentine belt.
Where is the serpentine belt on a Toyota RAV4?
3. Open the hood of the RAV4 and locate the serpentine belt on the left hand side of the vehicle's engine compartmenet. It is the only belt visible (assuming it hasn't broken off and disappeared) and wraps around six pulleys, the easiest of which to spot is the alternator in the front of the car, next to the fan and its shroud.
Where is the serpentine belt tensioner pulley located?
The tensioner pulley is used to tighten the belt, but it's mounted on a frame of metal that's sort of triangle-shaped and has a small shock-absorber looking device on the lower left side of the wheel well. If this frame seems wobbly and loose already, you've got a bigger problem on your hands than replacing the serpentine belt.
Where is the alternator belt?
It is the only belt visible (assuming it hasn't broken off and disappeared) and wraps around six pulleys, the easiest of which to spot is the alternator in the front of the car, next to the fan and its shroud.

Can I change my serpentine belt myself?
Automatic belt tensioners, standard in most cars now, make changing a serpentine belt a simple DIY repair. Follow the clear photos and step-by-step instructions and you'll be done in 15 minutes.
How do you change a serpentine belt on a 2008 Toyota RAV4?
1:385:45How to Replace Serpentine Belt 05-16 Toyota RAV4 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then I'm just gonna slide the belt off the water pump. And then we'll slip on the tensioner. AndMoreAnd then I'm just gonna slide the belt off the water pump. And then we'll slip on the tensioner. And slide the tool out now I can slide the belt off the alternator. It's kind of hard to see. There.
How often should Toyota serpentine belt be replaced?
around 50,000-100,000 milesBeing made of durable rubber, a serpentine belt can last anywhere from around 50,000-100,000 miles. Learn when to replace a serpentine belt and more with the service center at Westbrook Toyota.
Does RAV4 have serpentine belt?
The average cost for a Toyota RAV4 serpentine belt replacement is between $92 and $110. Labor costs are estimated between $57 and $71 while parts are priced between $35 and $39. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.
When should a serpentine belt be changed on a RAV4?
Typically, belt manufacturers recommend belt replacement at 90,000 miles.
How expensive is it to replace a serpentine belt?
But what does a serpentine belt replacement cost? Of course, it depends on your make and model as well as labor costs, but in general a replacement serpentine belt costs around $70-$200 (plus taxes and fees), including around $50 for the belt and around $150 for the labor.
What are the signs of a failing serpentine belt?
Common signs include a squealing noise from the front of the vehicle, power steering and AC not working, engine overheating, and cracks on the belt.
How long does it take to change serpentine belt?
It can take anything from 15 minutes to an hour (two at the most) to repair or replace a bad serpentine belt with a new belt.
How do you know serpentine belt is bad?
Bad Serpentine Belt SymptomsWarning Lights on dashboard. ... Heavy steering. ... Cracked serpentine belt. ... Squealing sounds. ... Air condition not working. ... Overheating Cooling system. ... Car Engine Stops Completely.
How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt on a RAV4?
The serpentine belt replacement service is fairly inexpensive, ranging from $75 to $190, depending on your vehicle model and location. Here's what you need to account for: The estimated cost for new parts is roughly $25-$70. The approximate labor costs range from $50–$120.
How many belts does a RAV4 have?
Most Toyota RAV4's have 1 or 2 drive belts and in some instances, it may be called a serpentine belt.
How do you change a serpentine belt on a 2003 Toyota RAV4?
2:2511:002003 Toyota RAV4 Serpentine Belt Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you're looking at is the tensioner. And that belt is attached to the tensioner. Right thereMoreSo what you're looking at is the tensioner. And that belt is attached to the tensioner. Right there I'll make sure to put an arrow there so you can see it that takes a 19 millimeter socket.
How many belts does a RAV4 have?
Most Toyota RAV4's have 1 or 2 drive belts and in some instances, it may be called a serpentine belt.
What does the serpentine belt do?
What does a serpentine belt do? The serpentine belt plays an essential role in running your car's systems, explains TheDrive.com. It powers the alternator, the power steering pump, the air conditioning compressor and, in some vehicles, the water pump. The serpentine belt rotates constantly when the car is running.
How do you change a serpentine belt on a 2003 Toyota RAV4?
2:2511:002003 Toyota RAV4 Serpentine Belt Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you're looking at is the tensioner. And that belt is attached to the tensioner. Right thereMoreSo what you're looking at is the tensioner. And that belt is attached to the tensioner. Right there I'll make sure to put an arrow there so you can see it that takes a 19 millimeter socket.
What to do if your belt turns smoothly?
If the belt turns smoothly and in line with the pulleys, with no sign of engine problems, turn off the car in order to replace the plastic sheathing in the passenger wheel well. In doing so, you may need to use new plastic pop rivets if the old ones will not seat. 11.
Can you slip a belt around a pulley?
9. The other person, from the wheel well, can now slip the belt around the tensioner pulley and into place . After you let off the tool again, slowly, the belt will tighten around all of the pulleys when the tensioner pulley moves back in place. It's a good idea to check the fit to be sure the belt has entirely slipped on properly, as starting the engine without it in place could result in a damaged belt fairly quickly.
Serpentine Belt: How to Check for Wear
Use a special gauge to measure wear on newer EPDM serpentine belts. EPDM belts are superior than older types.
Belt Wear Tester - (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)
Find out if a belt needs replacing - don't wait for them to crack or fail!
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What is a Serpentine Belt?
Don’t worry, it’s just a name for a car part. Though I'm sure there have been cases of snakes popping out from under the hood. A serpentine belt is a modern drive belt or fan belt. It’s responsible for transferring rotational force from the engine to different components in the car.
Symptoms of a broken Serpentine Belt
Look, I know the check engine light seems so insignificant. Well, it isn't. The check engine warning light is actually pretty important. If your car’s serpentine belt is failing, then systems will stop working, your car’s computers will be alerted, and the check engine light is likely to come on.
How urgent is a Serpentine Belt replacement?
Depends. Do you want an engine that overheats, a battery that dies, and a lack of power steering?