Expert: Mike Evans - 9/23/2009

Question
I basically want to know how to change the serpentine belt on a 2000 Toyota 4runner? It has 150,000 miles and I've already changed the spark plugs in the past.

Answer
    As near as I can tell, the 4runner doesn't have a serpentine belt.  It has three individual belts of the same type as most serpentine belts, i.e. grooved.  Each belt has a tension device, sometimes the actual mounting of the accessory itself.  If you look real good you should be able to see all of the bolts and which ones allow for adjustment.  Since there are three belts you should change all of them.  At 150K miles they're way overdue for relief.  If you can change spark plugs you can do this with no problems, it's really pretty simple.  Buy good quality belts at the dealer or an independent parts store (DO NOT go to Pep Boys or one of the other discounters--their belts have the same name on them but are not of the same quality).