Sorry .... very basic question

The belt that operates the alternator from the engine (crankshaft?). What else is it connected to.

My battery is failing to charge, the belt is squealing.

Might I damage something else by driving in this state.

Sourced a new alternator FIVE HUNDRED BIG ONES !... So I've found somewhere that will refurb my current one.

Anybody know the Toyota part number ?

Best to refurb if needed, can you wiggle the belt to see if it's tight enough?

GPW wrote:

Best to refurb if needed, can you wiggle the belt to see if it's tight enough?

Had a look and it's not as simple as I had hoped.



(Cooling fan to the left and engine block to the right)

4 belts and I can't figure out precisely what goes where.

Number 3 does feel a little slack though. It's not tort.

Be grateful if anybody could enlighten me.

This is from a LH100G, the upper right (2L engine) is the one that you have.
So the alternator belts also drive the waterpump.

Maybe your alternator is just not charging because the belt is slipping?

If the waterpump is not getting enough revs, it will overheat the engine. You would get to see it on your dashboard. If temperatures are normal, I guess it should be okay to continue. Just keep an eye on the temperature gauge until you fix it.

Also, behind the alternator is the vacuum pump. This is for the vacuum booster to help power the brakes. Probably it still builds up enough vacuum over time, but if it does not, you should have a light on the dashboard (with exclemation mark). Anyway, try how it feels when braking a bit harder.

So does no.3 operate the water pump and alternator ?

(I don't appear to have any issues with overheating)

Yes number 3 and 4. Two belts for backup.

#3 and 4 belts look pretty loose. there is an adjuster slider screw thing under the alt that you can use to adjust the tension on the belt. you have to loosen the large bolt directly under the alt to do this , it can be pretty hard to get at unless you remove the driver's seat and engine covers.

Both belts replaced and now all is well.

Just relieved the alternator appears to be in fine fettle.

Kippax wrote:

Both belts replaced and now all is well.

Just relieved the alternator appears to be in fine fettle.

Alternators last a good while and then usually only need a new brush pack, it's rare anyone ever really _needs_ a brand new one as they can be repaired quite easily.