Car Fix DIY Videos

In this tutorial video I explain how to replace the serpentine belt tensioner assembly and drivebelt on a 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Toyota Corolla, Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. The 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 and 08 years are the same procedure with the 1.8 Liter I-4 1ZZ FE engine type on those three models and years. I show you where all the bolts are, their sizes and the torque specs of those bolts. Replacing and installation of this belt tensioner assembly part really isn’t very difficult. One side of the engine though has to be tilted up slightly so that the lower and main mounting bolt (very long bolt) on the tensioner can clear the car’s frame when taking the bolt out, since the car’s frame is in the way when the engine is in its native position. You’ll want to exercise extreme caution throughout this procedure, as various things can go wrong if you don’t heed the warnings I talk about in the video. So please, pay close attention to the video and all the onscreen text. It’s also helpful to read the Toyota Nation forum post I reference below in regards to this repair procedure. I posted a few caution bulletins throughout the video that lists things to be careful of when doing this replacement job. Following my do-it-yourself DIY guide will be at your own risk and liability! You have to know what you’re doing and be prepared with all the proper tools.

DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a mechanic. I am only documenting what I did to successfully do my own car repair, and then sharing it with you. I will NOT be held liable for any damage or injury as a result of use of this video, and/or of following the advice and doing the steps shown in this video. Follow the steps and advice in this video at your own risk and your own liability. Only a qualified mechanic should diagnose and repair all vehicles. This video is NOT and should not be used as a substitute for what a qualified mechanic would say about this repair procedure.

So in this video I’m showing my 2004 Toyota Corolla I did this procedure with. I did this repair because the belt tensioner was chattering during accelerations and cold starts. Unfortunately, the stock belt tensioners on these models and years tend to wear and fail after 60K miles. It’s a miracle mine lasted almost twice that mileage. My car has 115K miles it, as of this fix. The problem with leaving a bad and worn tensioner installed is that it fails to exert the proper tension on the drivebelt. It is an automatic tensioner with a piston and arm that automatically applies the correct tension on the belt and compensates for the stretch of the belt as the belt wears. So with improper tension, your belt driven components won’t work properly and may become damaged as a result. Not to mention a chattering tensioner creates a devastating hammering effect on those components, only hastening their demise. So replace it at the first sign of trouble, like improper tension, unusual noise, unusual motion or leaking. Follow proper maintenance.

So, for a text-based tutorial with photographs, here is a very helpful forum post on the Toyota Nation website. This is where I pulled the screen shot of the tools needed for this repair job: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/132-9th-gen-corolla-1st-gen-matrix-2003-2008/1197585-diy-2003-2008-corolla-matrix-pontiac-vibe-drive-belt-tensioner-replacement-w-pics.html

If you ever find yourself in the position of needing to replace the starter on this year and model, here’s a video I shot of me replacing it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzmKnM6VTzI

SOUNDTRACK: I Like Peanuts by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/