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I have failed to remove the belt tensioner

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by ljburns, Jan 13, 2021.

  1. Jan 13, 2021 at 10:05 AM
    #1
    ljburns

    ljburns [OP] New Member

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    I have a new Gates belt tensioner so I can replace the original. I replaced the idle pulley with no issue. New belt on. But I can't remove the original tensioner. I can't get that damn bolt out that has the allen head. I don't think I can even get the 6mm socket in there deep enough to even attempt to remove it.

    So...I have a new belt and new idle pulley installed. I have a new belt tensioner on the work bench. So disappointed in myself. Anyone have any recommendations besides have the dealer do it?
     
  2. Jan 13, 2021 at 10:08 AM
    #2
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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  3. Jan 13, 2021 at 10:25 AM
    #3
    ljburns

    ljburns [OP] New Member

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  4. Jan 13, 2021 at 10:30 AM
    #4
    Cruzer

    Cruzer Wheeling Full Size

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  5. Jan 13, 2021 at 10:34 AM
    #5
    Steve0624

    Steve0624 New Member

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    Pretty sure the bolt that runs through the center of the tensioner pulley is Left handed
     
  6. Jan 13, 2021 at 11:05 AM
    #6
    PurpleTech

    PurpleTech Toyota Master Technician

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    The allen bolt that holds the belt tensioner is not left hand thread. Both the 12mm and 6mm allen head are normal lefty loosy threads. The 14mm for the belt tensioner bearing is left hand thread but not necessary to remove.
     
    Johnmatrix and bulldog93 like this.
  7. Jan 13, 2021 at 11:08 AM
    #7
    ljburns

    ljburns [OP] New Member

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    I got it. It is now replaced. What a pain. The part that helped from the link was the "hammer" in the 6mm allen socket. LOL. Not a fan of that, but it worked. Thanks for all the help everyone. So thankful for the Forum.
     
  8. May 4, 2023 at 10:09 AM
    #8
    RockWarrior88

    RockWarrior88 New Member

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    I am glad you got it fixed. I'm away from home, just purchased my 2010 Tundra, and was doing this exact job. However, as I learned, a screw/bolt extractor from Lowes will NOT work on old, rusted, stripped Allen hex heads. My extractor BROKE while stuck in the hex. I tried and tried and couldn't get the piece out to no avail, so now my truck has been towed to the dealership. Lesson learned, DO NOT USE screw/bolt removers for this job. :(
     
  9. May 4, 2023 at 11:06 AM
    #9
    blackdemon_tt

    blackdemon_tt Battery Slayer

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    There are now Hex drive rounded bolt removal bits. I think they go by RBRT. They're probably expensive since they appear to be new.
     
  10. May 4, 2023 at 5:00 PM
    #10
    LJOHNS

    LJOHNS New Member

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    I remember this issue on my last Tundra - 2007. I was doing a bunch of preventive mx and I couldn't get that damn idler pulley off. I let it go and forgot about it. I think I still have that part sitting on a shelf in my garage!
     

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