How do you properly tension your serpentine belt?

[jessesYaris]

Replaced mine a few months ago as the original was squealing so loud it was waking the neighbours... :mad:

Tried my damnedest to apply tension to it while tightening the bolt on the generator and it still squeals a bit from time to time when I start it up.

I assume I didn't apply enough tension?

How do you do it properly?

[bronsin]

It’s a little tricky as there’s no tension adjuster. I just keep trying until it doesn’t squeal. But there’s a caveat. Put too much tension on it and it might damage the water pump. That’s one thing Yaris Suffers from one and 100 have bad water pump prematurely.

So maybe a little squeal is OK?

[bronsin]

One thing I forgot to mention. I would only use a dealer supplied belt. They might be expensive but they last a long time.

[bronsin]

Careful when tightening and loosening the alternator bolt. A camshaft sensor is near one of them. It’s plastic and easily damaged!

[jessesYaris]

Thanks again, Bronsin!

I think I'll leave it as is then as there is hardly any squeal at all now.

[Leegamer]

I usually adjusted mine during the spring and fall. Otherwise it seems like the change in temperature and/or humidity would cause it to start squealing. Not sure if it was making the belt stretch/shrink/etc...but the first time I did it my bolts were almost impossible to break free.