2015 Toyota RAV4 Serpentine Belt Routing & Replacement Guide

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: 69.5 inches (1765 mm)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: Toyota 90916-A2002
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060695
  • Dayco 5060695
  • Continental Elite 4060695
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Toyota 16620-0V010
• Idler Pulley PN: Toyota 16603-0V010

Note: This information is generally applicable to 2015 Toyota RAV4 models with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. Always verify part numbers with your VIN for exact fitment.

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, always take a clear photograph of the current serpentine belt routing diagram. This will be an invaluable reference when installing the new belt.

For the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine in the 2015 Toyota RAV4, the serpentine belt typically follows this path:

1. Starting from the crankshaft pulley (the lowest and largest pulley, directly connected to the engine).
2. The belt goes up and over the A/C compressor pulley (located on the lower passenger side).
3. From the A/C compressor, it then routes to the idler pulley (a smooth pulley, often centrally located, that helps guide the belt).
4. After the idler pulley, it goes to the alternator pulley (usually on the upper driver's side, generating electrical power).
5. Next, it wraps around the power steering pump pulley (though in some RAV4 models, power steering is electric and doesn't use a belt-driven pump).
6. The belt then goes to the water pump pulley (circulates coolant).
7. Finally, it completes its path by going around the automatic tensioner pulley (a spring-loaded pulley that maintains proper belt tension).

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing a serpentine belt is a job that can be done at home with the right tools and a bit of patience. Here's a general overview:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for added safety.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square opening, typically 3/8-inch, where you can insert a serpentine belt tool or a breaker bar.
3. Release Tension: Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square opening on the tensioner. Rotate the tool/bar to relieve tension on the belt. This will allow you to slip the belt off one of the pulleys.
4. Remove the Old Belt: Once slack, carefully remove the old belt from all the pulleys, noting its routing (refer back to your photograph!).
5. Inspect Pulleys: While the belt is off, inspect all pulleys for any signs of wear, damage, or excessive play. Spin them by hand to check for smooth operation andlisten for any grinding noises.
6. Install the New Belt: Route the new belt according to your photographic reference and the diagram above. Leave the tensioner pulley for last, as it's the easiest to slip the belt onto once most of the belt is in place.
7. Re-apply Tension: With the new belt properly routed, use your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar to again rotate the tensioner, creating slack. Slip the belt over the final pulley (the tensioner).
8. Verify Routing: Slowly release the tensioner and double-check that the belt is correctly seated in all pulley grooves. Ensure no part of the belt is hanging off any pulley.
9. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
10. Test: Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises. Let the engine run for a few minutes to ensure the belt is properly settled.

Replacement Interval

Serpentine belts on the 2015 Toyota RAV4 (and most modern vehicles) are designed for longevity. Generally, it's recommended to inspect the belt every 30,000 to 50,000 miles and consider replacement between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, or if signs of wear are present. However, always refer to your RAV4's owner's manual for the manufacturer's specific recommendations.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

It's crucial to pay attention to your vehicle for signs of a worn or failing serpentine belt or tensioner. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more significant problems, including loss of power steering, A/C, alternator function, and even engine overheating.

Signs of a Failing Serpentine Belt:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common indicators, often heard during startup, acceleration, or when the engine is cold. It can indicate a worn, glazed, or misaligned belt.
• Cracks or Fraying: Visually inspect the belt for cracks, splits, fraying, or missing ribs. These are clear signs of degradation.
• Glazed or Shiny Appearance: A belt that looks shiny or glazed on the ribbed side may be slipping.
• Loss of Ribs/Material: Any missing sections or chunks of the belt material.
• Accessory Malfunctions: If your power steering suddenly becomes heavy, your A/C stops blowing cold, or your battery warning light comes on (indicating the alternator isn't charging), it could be due to a broken or slipping serpentine belt.

Signs of a Failing Automatic Tensioner:

• Belt Squeal Even After Belt Replacement: If you replace the belt and the squealing persists, the tensioner might be the culprit.
• Excessive Vibrations: A failing tensioner might cause the belt to vibrate excessively.
• Play in the Pulley: With the engine off, try to wiggle the tensioner pulley. Any significant play indicates a worn bearing.
• Misalignment: Sometimes a tensioner can wear in a way that causes the pulley to become misaligned, leading to premature belt wear.
• Loss of Tension: If the tensioner spring weakens, it won't apply enough pressure to the belt, leading to slippage and accessory malfunctions.

Address these symptoms promptly to avoid being stranded or causing further damage to your vehicle.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.