Serpentine belt

[Lube]

It’s time to replace the Serpentine belt on my 2003 Toyota Corolla, I looked at a couple of videos and my car.
My question is not how to get the belt off, that seems easy enough, but does this job get done entirely from
on top of the car leaning in. I have a hard time seeing all the belts now and didn’t know if anyone attacks this project
from above and under the car. I will make a diagram before I remove the belt, that’s for sure. Any tips would be appreciated.

thanks in advance

Topic

[Joe]

Make a diagram or take a picture, I always find it easier to snap a few photos on my phone before I begin a project where I’m disassembling something. As far as from above or below, just get in there and see what it takes. It might be that getting underneath, maybe even jacking it up and taking the wheel off, will make it much simpler.

[Rob]

When installing a new belt I have good success starting at the crankshaft pulley and working my way to the highest point.

On the Corolla, I’d start removing the belt from the alternator and work my way down.

Don’t forget to spin each of the pulleys (except the crank, of course) and listen for an odd noises.

[Lube]

Great advise, theraymondguy
when you do this type of project, is it all done from the top of the car looking in ??
because at first glance I’m not sure I see all the pulleys. Also do you take off the engine cover to get more room ?? or anything else ??

thanks in advance. 🙂

[Lube]

thanks

[Rob]

First thing you need to know, I’m incredibly lazy.

I had a Matrix (same engine), not a Corolla so your mileage may vary.

Jack and block (jack stand) the passenger side front, remove the passenger front wheel. Then remove the inner fender (plastic phillips head screws – inner fender fasteners – back out the phillips head fastener, then give it a pull to remove the fastener lock with the phillips screw. You may damage a few of these in the process, its par for the course) working from the front to rear – you don’t have to remove all of them, just enough to gain access.

[Author]

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