How To Replace A Toyota Highlander Serpentine Belt
Serpentine belts tend to last for a long time. Most OEM parts will do up to 100,000 miles before needing changing. Replacing them on your Toyota Highlander may seem difficult. But it’s far easier than you’d think. If you've diagnosed the problem and you're sure it's time to replace the serpentine belt, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.
The Right Tools For The Job
Any work you do on your car is far easier when you have the right tools - and the right parts.
The Tools:
- Breaker bar. This tool is a long metal bar that can reach the tensioner pulley. A long-handled ratchet may also work.
- Ratchet and socket set.
- Small metal bolt (about the diameter of a screwdriver).
- Jack or axle stand.
The Parts:
- OEM-spec serpentine belt
- Tensioner pulley
Your Toyota Highlander’s serpentine belt is powered by the crankshaft. It runs the air-conditioner, alternator, water pump, and power steering. Only an OEM replacement belt will be exactly the right length and width to ensure a perfect fit. These are our two most popular serpentine belts for Toyota models:
- 2006-2015 Toyota serpentine belts
- 2010-2018 Toyota serpentine belts
If your specific model doesn’t fit into these categories, look at our extensive stock here. Keep in mind that if your belt has been making a squeaking or screeching noise, the tensioner may need replacing, too. When the belt is off, check the tensioner to see if it has excessive play or vibration when rotating it manually.
The Step-By-Step Process
Image Credit: LiveAbout
The serpentine belt on your Toyota Highlander is on the side of the engine. The process for both the four-cylinder and V6 Highlander models is similar. However, some nuts may require different size sockets.
The belt can be replaced from above, but removing the front passenger wheel and gaining access from there is easier. The entire job can be done in an hour or two.
- Remove the front passenger-side tire.
- Some models have a plastic cover over the belt that needs to be removed. It is secured via push pins and small bolts (usually 10mm in size).
- Use a long-handled socket wrench to access the tensioner and slowly loosen it. Don’t yank at it. This can strip the bolt.
- Slide a thin metal bolt into the slot next to the tensioner to keep it in its loosened position. You can also hold the socket wrench in place while removing the belt. This is trickier and not recommended.
- Slide the serpentine belt off the various pulleys.
- Put the new belt on in the same order as the old one. There is usually a diagram of how it should fit inside the hood.
- Reattach the socket wrench to the tensioner and remove the small pin holding the pulley in place.
- Ensure that the serpentine belt ribs match up with the grooves of the pulleys and that the belt is tight.
- Start the car to ensure that the belt is rotating correctly. A grinding or squeaking noise may mean that one of the pulleys or the tensioner is worn out.
- Replace the plastic belt cover and front tire.
Order Your Replacement OEM Serpentine Belt Today
Replacing your own serpentine belt can save you hundreds of dollars in labor charges. Using an OEM serpentine belt will ensure that it fits and works perfectly.
Suburban Auto Parts has been delivering high-quality OEM parts for over 70 years. We stock OEM parts and accessories for 19 different vehicle makes. Including your Toyota Highlander.
Order your OEM serpentine belt from us today and get fast shipping, thanks to our numerous locations across the US. Call us at 888-287-6125 or get in touch online. Let us help you find the right OEM serpentine belt part for your Highlander.