How to Replace Serpentine Belt Tensioner 2003-09 Toyota 4Runner 

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Just to update as a human who actually tackled this. The guide was indeed helpful, and I thank you - but for the average shade tree mechanic, just take it to a garage. 1. Be skinny - I'm 140lbs soaking wet. There were spaces where I was just going by feel and luck, cut the tar out of my hands and knuckles jamming them into spaces. 2. The wiring loom that bolts to the bottom of the alternator is a PAIN to get the little harness detached from it. 3. Have about 4 different socket wrench sizes / lengths, 2 depths of all sockets (deep, shallow), swivels, a pry bar, at least 6-8 different lengths of extensions in both 1/2 and 3/8, a breaker bar, and/or air tools before you begin. 4. I've done timing belts, valve replacements, intake manifolds, control arms, CVs, transmissions, you name it - and I will say, this is near the top in terms of PITA. 5. The AC compressor, even removed and held up, is ALWAYS in the way, and I mean always. You're constantly shoving it up with one hand with the other hand bent backwards holding a wrench. This is job sucked with a capital S. Good luck punks. Again, if you don't have 5-6k in air tools (even TRQ resorts to them quite a bit in this vid) - I'd just FORGET IT - take it in. Sorry for the long comment, just trying to save pain for someone else. Took me about 6-8 hrs going full speed replacing all idlers, the belt and the tensioner.

Just did this job, took 3.5 hrs. Once the 4 bolts on ac compressor are out I let it drop down and removed tensioner bolts from the top 12 pt sockets with a breaker bar worked good. I did this on my back with no lif or wheel removal

Great video. Looks like that truck was pulled out of the Pacific Ocean.

As someone who just did this replacement. Its not as challenging as people claim to be. With a basic socket set from Harbor freight and some swivel extension its easy enough. Take your time and take it a step at a time.

I just replaced all the pulleys, tensioner and belt. Not only was it a PITA, but with this guide it wasn’t too bad. Just go slow, take breaks, it’s a lot harder without a lift. I’m also fortunate and thankful we do not use De-Icer and salt on our roads during the winter here. This poor Tacoma is badly rusted!

Great video. Details of it being a v6 or v8 should have been shared.

Great Video!! I have a 2005 Tacoma V6, the assembly is identical, actually there's more room to function on the Taco.... Is there a way to test when the tensioner is no longer adequately working or is there a specific time frame, years/mileage, by which you just replace it anyways? Good Job!!!

Any videos on doing this to a 2grfe or 2008 v6?

Is it a good idea, since you cannot precisely torque the Tensioner Mounting Bolts to spec, to put a little thread lock on the bolts??

How long does the job take for the tensioner, 3 pulley, and drive belt? Thank you

Is this the 4.0 or 4.7? When I did my alternator, I had to go out the bottom and remove the sway bar and I’ve got an 05 4.7 SR5.

Love my friends at TRQ perfect for 4runner owners haha

Why not lock the tensioner out once it’s swung loose with an Allen key or a bolt?

Excellent video, thank you for sharing

Nice 👍 good job halpfull video

IMO judging by the looks of it, this particular vehicle should have had the other 3 Idler Pulleys replaced....

what is the total hours for a pro to remove and reinstall the new tensioner? I dont have a lift, so I am going to take it to the shop for a pro to do the job for me.

It took me 6 hours with hand tools. You will need a good amount of extensions, swivels and a breaker bar but it’s possible. Not recommended.

Bolt for tensioner is to hard to remove can anyone help ?

Wait... you have to remove the skid plate, take the alternator AND compressor out - just for a frigging belt tensioner? Lordy. Looks like you need baby hands and stick arms to get in there too. Can't wait to tackle this one. 😅

sheesh what rust belt state has this 4Runner lived it's whole life?

is this for a v6?

Got it! you the man! LOL!

Hurts to see the impact on the skid plate bolts. Had techs break 2 of 4 on my 4runner and 3 of 5 on my Sequoia. What a pain to extract them…eventually started removing the plate before letting anyone get near it.

Safety glasses dude!

This is actually for 2003-2009 V6 4wd 4runners Not the... -2WD -2002MY -V8 models -potentially the V6 limited with full time 4wd If you're not sure, the alternator in a 2uz (v8) is on the pass side and this looks to be on the driver

Please add to the title that this is for V6 only!!! In the heat of the moment searching videos, It's easy to miss that detail and waste a lot of time trying to orient yourself to an engine you aren't working on

👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏

I'm

Way overcomplicating things. You dont have to do all this, makes no sense the way your doing it