2020 Toyota Tacoma Serpentine Belt Routing & Replacement Guide

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: Approximately 98 inches (confirm with specific engine)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: Please verify with Toyota parts supplier based on engine configuration.
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates: K060980 (confirm with specific engine)
  • Dayco: 5060980 (confirm with specific engine)
  • Continental Elite: 4060980 (confirm with specific engine)
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Please verify with Toyota parts supplier based on engine configuration.
• Idler Pulley PN: Please verify with Toyota parts supplier based on engine configuration.

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, it's highly recommended to take a clear photograph of your existing serpentine belt routing. This will serve as an invaluable reference during reinstallation.

The serpentine belt on your 2020 Toyota Tacoma typically routes through the following components in a specific order. While engine configurations (V6 vs. 4-cylinder) can alter the exact path, a common routing on the V6 engine generally follows this pattern:

1. Starting from the crankshaft pulley (the large pulley at the bottom, driven by the engine).
2. The belt then travels upwards to the air conditioning (A/C) compressor pulley.
3. From the A/C compressor, it will often go around an idler pulley (a smooth pulley that guides the belt).
4. Next, the belt moves to the alternator pulley.
5. From the alternator, it typically routes to the power steering pump pulley.
6. After the power steering pump, the belt often wraps around the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, the belt goes to the automatic tensioner pulley, which maintains proper belt tension.

Remember, your specific engine (2.7L 4-cylinder or 3.5L V6) may have slight variations in this routing. Always refer to your photograph and the diagram under the hood if available.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2020 Toyota Tacoma is a moderately straightforward DIY task if you have the right tools and a bit of mechanical experience. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult a professional.

Tools You'll Need:

• Serpentine belt tool or a 3/8-inch drive breaker bar / ratchet with an appropriate socket for the tensioner pulley bolt.
• New serpentine belt.

Steps:

1. Safety First: Ensure your engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative terminal of your battery to prevent accidental starting.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic tensioner pulley. It will have a square hole or a bolt head where you can apply leverage.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the tensioner's square hole (or onto the bolt head) and rotate it to release the tension on the belt. This will allow you to remove the old belt.
4. Remove Old Belt: Carefully slide the old belt off the pulleys, starting with one of the easier-to-reach pulleys once tension is relieved.
5. Route New Belt: Following your photograph and the routing description above, begin routing the new belt around all the pulleys. Crucially, make sure the belt is correctly seated in all the grooves of each pulley. The last pulley to route should be the tensioner or an easily accessible smooth pulley.
6. Apply Tension: Once the belt is fully routed, use your tool to again relieve the tensioner, allowing you to slip the belt fully onto the last pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt remains properly seated.
7. Double-Check: Visually inspect to confirm the belt is correctly seated on all pulleys and has the proper tension. Start the engine briefly (after reconnecting the battery) and listen for any squealing or unusual noises. Turn it off and re-check the belt alignment.

Replacement Interval

Toyota generally recommends inspecting the serpentine belt on your 2020 Tacoma every 30,000 miles or 30 months and replacing it if wear is evident. However, a general rule of thumb for serpentine belt replacement is typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate and manufacturer-specific maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

Factors like extreme temperatures, frequent short trips, or off-road driving can accelerate belt wear, necessitating earlier replacement.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to significant issues, as the belt drives crucial accessories. Be aware of these warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common indicators of a worn or misaligned belt, or a failing tensioner/pulley bearing. The noise might be more pronounced during cold starts or when turning the steering wheel.
• Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing on the Belt: Inspect the belt's surface. Deep cracks, missing chunks, fraying edges, or a shiny, glazed appearance all indicate wear and a need for replacement.
• Loss of Power Steering, A/C, or Charging: Since the serpentine belt drives these components, a broken or severely slipping belt will result in a loss of these functions. Your battery light may illuminate if the alternator isn't charging.
• Engine Overheating: If the water pump is not being driven correctly due to a failing belt, your engine can quickly overheat.
• Wobbling or Misaligned Pulleys: Inspect the pulleys for any signs of wobble or misalignment, which could indicate a failing bearing within the pulley or tensioner.
• Grinding or Growling from Pulleys: This often points to a failing bearing within an idler pulley or the automatic tensioner itself.
• Hydraulic Tensioner Leakage (if applicable): Some tensioners are hydraulic; look for fluid leaks around the tensioner body.

Addressing these signs promptly can prevent further damage and costly repairs.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.