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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Serpentine belt × 1 — Use OEM specification - Toyota 90916-02678 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely
3. Open hood and secure in upright position
4. Photograph or diagram the serpentine belt routing around all pulleys before removal
5. Optional: Remove passenger side splash shield for better access from below if needed

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate tensioner and belt routing
   From the engine bay, identify the automatic belt tensioner on the right side of the engine. Verify the belt routing: crankshaft pulley (bottom) → idler pulley → A/C compressor → alternator → water pump → tensioner. The 2.5L I4 uses a spring-loaded automatic tensioner with a 14mm hex in the center.
2. 2

   Relieve belt tension
   Insert a 3/8" breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the square 3/8" drive socket on the tensioner arm (located between the center bolt and the pulley). Rotate the tensioner clockwise (toward the firewall) to release tension on the belt. The tensioner will move approximately 30-40 degrees.
3. 3

   Remove old belt
   While holding the tensioner in the released position, slip the serpentine belt off the alternator pulley (easiest access point). Slowly release tensioner pressure, then remove the belt from all remaining pulleys. Inspect the belt for cracks, glazing, or rib damage to confirm replacement is needed.
4. 4

   Inspect pulleys and tensioner
   With the belt removed, manually rotate each pulley to check for roughness, noise, or excessive play. Inspect the tensioner pulley for smooth rotation and verify the tensioner arm moves freely through its range of motion. Check for coolant or oil contamination on pulleys that would indicate leaks requiring repair before belt installation.
5. 5

   Route new belt onto pulleys
   Beginning at the crankshaft pulley (bottom), route the new belt around all pulleys following the documented routing diagram, leaving the alternator pulley for last. Ensure the belt ribs are properly seated in each pulley groove. The smooth backside of the belt should contact only the tensioner and water pump pulleys on this engine.
6. 6

   Install belt onto final pulley
   Rotate the tensioner clockwise again with the breaker bar to create slack. Guide the belt onto the alternator pulley while maintaining tensioner position. Verify the belt is fully seated in all pulley grooves, then slowly release the tensioner to apply proper tension to the belt.
7. 7

   Verify belt alignment and tension
   Visually inspect that the belt is centered on all pulleys with ribs fully engaged in grooves. Check that the tensioner indicator mark (if visible) is within the normal operating range on the tensioner body. The belt should have minimal deflection when pressed between pulleys - approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch maximum with firm thumb pressure.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall passenger side splash shield if it was removed
2. Remove all tools from engine compartment
3. Close hood securely

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle. Listen for squealing, chirping, or unusual noises that would indicate misalignment or improper tension
• Observe the belt operation for 30-60 seconds to ensure smooth, quiet operation across all pulleys
• Rev the engine briefly to 2000 RPM and verify the belt tracks properly without slipping or jumping off pulleys
• Shut off the engine and perform a final visual inspection confirming the belt remains properly seated on all pulleys
• Test all belt-driven accessories: alternator (electrical system), A/C compressor (air conditioning), and water pump (coolant circulation) for proper operation

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