Starlet 4E-FE alternator belt

carveone

Hi all,

I have a 1997 1.3 Starlet (4E-FE engine) with no power steering or air. So the auxiliary belt is just alternator and water pump (I assume that's the water pump anyway). I have a replacement belt from Consort.

I thought this would be an easy job but it's a curse - there's no space! The alternator top bolt is on a slider arrangement and is easy to get to. I assume the other bolt that I can't get a spanner on is the pivot bolt. I don't see a tensioner bolt like on other larger Toyotas. The belt is in the way of the pivot bolt and when I finally managed to get a round spanner on it, it slipped.

I don't fancy a rounded bolt in a hideous position. So how much could it cost to just get it done or am I giving up too soon

Edit: The belt has a split in it at the edge which is why I'm changing it out. It isn't squealing...

Thanks.

visual

bring it to a mechanic he will replace the bolt for you.

if pivot bolt wasn't loosen then you could safely leave it as.

loosen the tension (adjuster) bolt push the alternator you might need to us a bit of force or use a pry bar when slack enough remove belt and fit new belt

you may need to use pry bar push alternator back into position and take up the slack on new belt while tightening the tension bolt

if you check how much the old belt deflects when pressed down with one finger before removing it you will know when new belt is at correct tension.

carveone

Yes, the pivot bolt had been rounded a bit by someone previously. Which made it hard to turn. Given the awkward position you needed to get at it from underneath. So I brought it to a mechanic and got an oil change at the same time. The extra 40 euro to get him to do the belt was worth it!