We're trying to replace a serpentine belt on a Toyota Rav4. The belt is on but not tight enough. We can drive the car but it has no power steering and it is overheating quickly. Please Help! Any advice is appreciated. How do you tighten the belt? Are there any tools required? Also any diagrams you know of would be GREAT! Thanks!!
bob
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Did you compare the new belt size to the old? I ordered some belts for my truck and one of them was the wrong size.
You didn't say what year it is! Maybe these links will help! you can change the year if needed. My best guess is that it is not routed corectly!
Good luck!
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/04/ed/43/0900823d8004ed43/repairInfoPages.htm
http://www.autozone.com/addVehicleId,2594801/initialAction,repairGuide/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528019c35b
Eddie W
Let's assume the belt is replaced correctly. The belt should be tight enough because the tightness is controlled by the tensioner. Even if the belt is loose, it would be serious enough to cause the car to overheat and the power steering to become imoperable. Please check 2 things, 1) The correct configuration of the belt direction, and 2) The belt tensioner.
CARL G H
there may be a belt routing diagram under the hood on a sticker. you either dont have the belt routed correct or you broke the auto tensioner (it happens)
mc
check your belt routing sounds like the belts not on right. sould be a sticker showing the belt routing in the engine compartment. if not autozone can print one out for you.
sk820
You should be able to pivot the alternator if you loosen the fastening bolts, adjust tension and re-tighten. If that doesn't work, check your belt tensioner, or "idler pulley" it may need adjusting or replacing.