This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the serpentine belt (alternator belt) on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including belt routing verification and tensioner operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Serpentine belt (alternator belt) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Gates K060882

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Locate the belt routing diagram on the radiator support or underside of hood (take a photo for reference if diagram is missing)
5. Inspect the existing belt for proper routing before removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Document belt routing
   Before removing the belt, take a clear photo of the belt routing pattern around all pulleys, or verify against the belt routing diagram on the radiator support. The 2.5L I4 uses a single serpentine belt that routes around the crankshaft pulley, water pump, alternator, A/C compressor, and automatic tensioner. Note the direction of rotation indicated on the belt if visible.
2. 2

   Locate the automatic belt tensioner
   Identify the automatic spring-loaded belt tensioner on the passenger side of the engine. The tensioner has a 14mm hex drive socket in the center of the tensioner arm that accepts a 3/8" drive ratchet or breaker bar. Confirm clear access to this point before proceeding.
3. 3

   Release belt tension
   Insert a 3/8" drive ratchet or breaker bar into the 14mm square opening on the tensioner arm. Rotate the tensioner clockwise (toward the passenger side of the vehicle) to release tension on the belt. The tensioner will move approximately 1-2 inches. Hold tension in the released position.
4. 4

   Remove the serpentine belt
   While holding the tensioner in the released position, slip the belt off the nearest pulley (typically the alternator or A/C compressor pulley). Slowly release the tensioner back to its rest position. Once tension is released, remove the belt completely from all pulleys and extract it from the engine bay. Inspect the removed belt for glazing, cracking, chunking, or rib separation.
5. 5

   Inspect pulleys and tensioner
   With the belt removed, spin each pulley by hand to check for roughness, noise, or excessive play. Inspect the tensioner for smooth operation and verify the tensioner arm moves freely and returns to its rest position with strong spring pressure. Check all pulley surfaces for wear grooves, debris, or oil contamination. Clean any contamination with brake cleaner before installing the new belt.
6. 6

   Route the new belt
   Following your photo or the belt routing diagram, route the new serpentine belt around all pulleys EXCEPT the alternator or one pulley closest to the tensioner. Ensure the ribbed side of the belt contacts all grooved pulleys and the smooth back side contacts any flat/smooth idler pulleys. Verify the belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves before proceeding.
7. 7

   Install belt onto final pulley
   Using the 3/8" drive ratchet or breaker bar, rotate the tensioner clockwise again to release tension. While holding the tensioner in the released position, slip the belt onto the final pulley (alternator or pulley nearest tensioner). Verify the belt is properly seated in all grooves, then slowly release the tensioner to apply proper tension to the belt. Remove the tool from the tensioner.
8. 8

   Verify belt alignment and seating
   Visually inspect the entire belt path to confirm the belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves and aligned correctly on each pulley. The belt should sit centered in each grooved pulley with no visible misalignment. Check that the belt is not twisted anywhere along its path. Ensure the tensioner arm is in its normal operating position (not at full extension or compression).

Reassembly

1. No disassembly was required for this procedure

Verification

• Start the engine and observe belt operation for 30 seconds, listening for any squealing, chirping, or unusual noises
• Verify the belt tracks properly on all pulleys without slipping off or walking to one side
• Check that the automatic tensioner maintains proper tension and the belt does not flutter or slip during idle
• Turn on the A/C and verify belt continues to operate normally under increased load
• Shut off engine and perform a final visual inspection to confirm belt remains properly seated on all pulleys
• Test all accessories (alternator charging, A/C operation) to confirm proper function

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