Serpentine belt etc. Too soon?

I changed my drive belt, along with idler pulley and belt tensioner…truck at 100,000 miles. No problems at all, just did it cuz I thought that’s what you do at 100K. Belt looked fine, pulleys looked fine …cost me $250…,if no problems, I wonder if you should wait longer…150K or 200K?

 

I’m at 144k and tried to do last weekend, belt showing wear. How did you get the H6/6mm hex out of the tensioner? And which way should it turn when working from below? Going to buy a replacement bolt for next time I try.

 

Did mine around 165k along with an idler pulley after having a belt failure.

 

That's why it's called "preventive maintenance". I think it was worth it. Now you are good to go for another 100k.

 

Yeah trying to prevent issues by doing it early. Which bolt of the three is left hand thread (ie righty loosey)? Thought it was the hex bolt on tensioner - but it wouldn’t budge either direction.

 

All loosen normally (except center bolt tensioner, which you won’t undo) counterclockwise…idler pulley was on tight…whole job < 20”


Recommend torque as per Toyota for the idler pulley: 32 ft lbs and for both bolts for the tensioner assembly: 17 ft lbs and with a touch of anti-seize.

 

I'd rather do mine early in my garage than have to do it on the side of the road...lol.

 

Totally worth the investment, especially if you got parts from those 25% off sales. I do my maintenance early too and never regretted it.