2016 Toyota Tacoma Serpentine Belt: Routing, Replacement, and Part Numbers

Quick Answer

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma, equipped with either the 2.7L 2TR-FE or the 3.5L 2GR-FKS engine, utilizes a serpentine belt system that is critical for powering various accessories. While the specific belt length and routing differ between the two engine options, the replacement process shares common steps.

For 2016 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L (2TR-FE) Models:

• Belt Length: Approximately 80.5 inches (2045 mm)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: Toyota 90916-A2002
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060805
  • Dayco 5060805
  • Continental Elite 4060805
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Toyota 16620-0C020 (Verify with parts supplier)
• Idler Pulley PN: Toyota 16603-0C010 (Verify with parts supplier)

For 2016 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L (2GR-FKS) Models:

• Belt Length: Approximately 86.5 inches (2197 mm)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: Toyota 90916-A2003
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060868
  • Dayco 5060867
  • Continental Elite 4060867
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Toyota 16620-0P030 (Verify with parts supplier)
• Idler Pulley PN: Toyota 16603-0P030 (Verify with parts supplier)

Belt Routing

Before attempting any belt removal, take a clear photograph of the existing belt's routing. This will serve as an invaluable guide during the reinstallation process, especially since belt routing diagrams can vary slightly by model year and engine configuration.

2016 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L (2TR-FE) Belt Routing:

Starting from the crankshaft pulley at the bottom, the belt typically routes as follows:

1. From the crankshaft pulley, the belt goes up and to the left, wrapping around the A/C compressor pulley.
2. From the A/C compressor, it travels upward to the idler pulley.
3. From the idler pulley, the belt moves to the right and down around the alternator pulley.
4. After the alternator, it goes to the right, wrapping around the power steering pump pulley.
5. From the power steering pump, the belt leads upward to the water pump pulley.
6. Finally, from the water pump, the belt goes down to the auto-tensioner, where it wraps around the tensioner pulley before returning to the crankshaft pulley.

2016 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L (2GR-FKS) Belt Routing:

Starting from the crankshaft pulley at the bottom, the belt typically routes as follows:

1. From the crankshaft pulley, the belt goes upwards and to the right, wrapping around the A/C compressor pulley.
2. From the A/C compressor, it continues upward, going over the first idler pulley.
3. From there, it goes down and to the left, around the alternator pulley.
4. After the alternator, it travels up and to the right, over the second idler pulley.
5. From the second idler, the belt goes to the left, around the power steering pump pulley.
6. From the power steering pump, it wraps around the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, from the water pump, the belt engages the auto-tensioner, wrapping around the tensioner pulley before returning to the crankshaft pulley.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2016 Toyota Tacoma is a manageable DIY task for those with basic mechanical skills. Ensure the engine is cool before starting.

Tools You'll Need:

• Serpentine belt tool or a 3/8-inch drive breaker bar/ratchet (for the tensioner)
• New serpentine belt
• Socket set (if needed for any accessory removal, though generally not required for belt replacement alone)

Steps:

1. Locate the Automatic Tensioner: On both engine variants, the automatic tensioner will have a square drive hole (usually 3/8-inch) for your breaker bar or serpentine belt tool.
2. Relieve Tension: Insert your breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the square hole on the tensioner. Rotate the tool counter-clockwise (or as indicated by an arrow on the tensioner) to pivot the tensioner arm and relieve tension on the belt.
3. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner open, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys. Once it's off one pulley, you can slowly release the tensioner and remove the belt completely from all pulleys.
4. Inspect Pulleys: Before installing the new belt, take this opportunity to inspect all the pulleys (crank, A/C, idlers, alternator, power steering, water pump). Check for any signs of wear, wobbling, or excessive play. Worn pulleys can quickly damage a new belt.
5. Route the New Belt: Referring to the photograph you took earlier (or the routing description above), carefully route the new belt around all the pulleys, leaving the tensioner pulley for last. It