Need to install new alternator belt

Day after a very minor collision, my alternator belt came off. I have a new belt (which looks too short), and cannot find a belt diagram for installing the new one. I have a 2.4 liter engine in 97 Tacoma. Any ideas?

 

This sounds like something might have broken for allowed that belt to come off unless it was really loose to begin with. If everything looks good, you have to do a few things first to get the new belt on.

I have faith you can figure this out without a diagram. With any drive belt, there's a pivot bolt for whatever component you're trying to replace the belt for, there's an adjuster lock nut and then finally an adjuster bolt. You first have to loosen the pivot bolt for the alternator (basically the bolt that holds the alternator to the engine) so the alternator can move freely. Next, you loosen the adjuster lock nut which locks the adjuster in place after you get your belt on and tensioned properly. Next you turn the adjuster bolt so the alternator pivots inward towards the center of the engine so you can get the new belt onto the pulleys it runs on. Once the new belt is on, tighten the adjuster bolt until the belt has 1/2"-3/4" of deflection. Deflection means how much you can move the belt up or down by pushing and pulling on it. You want the belt tight enough so it doesn't slip on the pulleys and squeal but not too tight that it puts excessive strain on the pulley bearings. With the proper tension, tighten the lock nut for the adjuster and finally tighten the pivot bolt for the alternator. Congratulations, you just replaced your belt.

This drive belt replacement video done on a 3.4 liter engine will demonstrate the technique I outlined above. Good Luck!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zi1XfFUOjKc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

Very informative this will make the job I need to do much easier.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video and post it.

 

You're welcome Jerald. Hope the job goes smooth for you.

 

2003 Taco, 2.4l, with 87k miles.
Just replaced all three belts. Mostly due to the 15.5 years of age since I bought the truck.
Here is what I used:
Dayco 5040343 for the AC belt. 14 mm socket required for the pulley and tension nuts.
Dayco 5040425 for the Power Steering belt. 14 mm socket required for the pulley and tension nuts.
Dayco 5050340 for the Fan and Alternator belt. 12 mm socket required for lock nut and tension nut.
NOTE: I had to break the 'pivot nut' on the bottom of the Alt to get it to rotate. 14 mm socket.

After running the belts for 5 min. and taking them for a 5 mile test drive I tensioned the belts so that the longest length would twist 180 degrees. This seems to be normal recommendation. That or 1/2 inch deflection. As noted above if you are too loose it slips and squeals- no harm done. If too tight it will reduce the life, if not damage the bearings. I may back mine off a bit more just to be safe.

After reading about this on Tacomaworld and watching a few Youtube video, this belt change took 1 Hr 15 min. including the test drive. Pretty simple overall.

Prior to the belt change I was getting a occasional squeal out of the Fan and Alt belt. Otherwise they were in great shape.

To the community: Is there is 'sticky' thread where this type of maintenance notes are generally located?