Toyota 4Runner Serpentine Belt Replacement Guide
How to change the serpentine accessory belt on the 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 engine in a 5th generation 2010-2016 4Runner.
ByPaul B. Michaels
Author & Photographer
Auto Mechanic Since 1989
Owners of other Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicles such as the Yaris, Corolla, Matrix, Prius, Camry, RAV4, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, FJ Cruiser, Venza, Highlander, Avalon, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, IS 250, ES 350, GS 350, tC, xB, xD, iQ and FR-S may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.
The tools needed to complete this procedure include a 14mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench.
If you need the extra leverage, you may prefer to use a large 24 inch breaker bar with a 1/2" drive.
A few compatible replacement belts with their part numbers are as follows: Toyota 90916-A2015, Bando 7PK2145, Continental 4070846, Gates K070846 and ACDelco 7K846.
Then gently lift the front edge of the plastic engine cover and pull it forward to disengage the "C" shaped sockets on the rear edge from the mounting bar.
Set the plastic engine cover aside in a safe place.
Take a moment to study how the OEM serpentine belt is routed around the various pulleys before you remove it.
There is a picture of the routing diagram further down this page.
Attach the 14mm socket to the 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench.
Place the socket over the hex head bolt on the tensioner assembly's pulley.
Rotate the tensioner in the counterclockwise direction to release the tension from the old belt.
Hold the tensioner with one hand and carefully slip old belt off one of the pulleys such as the power steering pump or the alternator.
Carefully pull the old belt forward and route it around the front of the fan blades.
Check all of the pulleys to see if they are in good condition. If the upper or lower idler pulleys don't spin easily, wobble or squeak when you they are spun, you should consider replacing them.
A few compatible replacement idler pulleys with their part numbers are as follows: Toyota 16604-31030, Gates 36173,ACDelco 36173 andDayco 89158.
If the old belt tensioner assembly seemed loose and it was very easy to remove the old belt, you may want to replace it.
Two compatible replacement tensionser assemblies are as follows: Gates 38410 and ACDelco 38410.
Lower the new belt down in front of the engine and past the fan blades.
Start by wrapping the new belt around the power steering pump on the left side of the engine.
Or you can begin routing the belt on the right side of the engine over the A/C compressor and the alternator.
Attach the 14mm socket and the 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench to the tensioner pulley.
Rotate the tensioner assembly in the counterclockwise direction until the new belt can be slipped over the pulley.
The ribbed side of the new belt should be wrapped around ribbed pulleys and the smooth side of the belt should be over or under the smooth pulleys.
Line up the two "C" shaped sockets at the rear edge of the plastic engine cover with the mounting bar.
Push the plastic engine cover down in to place.
Start the engine and listen closely for any strange sounds that might indicate a loose tensioner assembly or a mis-routed belt.
If you hear any odd noises, turn off the engine immediately and double check everything.
Be sure to record the belt change in your SUV's service records.
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