Ugh.. Still problems with my belt!! Pulley Problem?

[Frank Necrosis]

Over the years, I have learned to go OEM with belts. I suffered too many failures with aftermarket belts, especially right after changing the belts. They would shred, break, stretch, etc. My problems were confirmed with by a friend that works in the auto parts business. He said it is very common for aftermarket belts to fail very soon after installing them. Some brands are notorious for failing.

Go OEM, there is typically very little cost difference between junk aftermarket and OEM.

[esse10]

I just did mine two weekends ago and so far so good. NOt saying anybody here is wrong but I went with aftermarket brand on the belt. I did learn that you need to put anti-sieze on that bottom bolt holding the alternator. I believe that a belts life span is shortened when folks overtighten or leave it too loose, I've seen it happen first hand experience. This type of belt adjustment is old school skill of the craft way and if you have never done one before your gonna go through a learning experience before you get it right. I don't understand why Toyota didn't put an auto tension pulley like most modern cars, Maybe cost anyhow good luck folks and don't overtighten the belt or you'll create more problems.