2024 Toyota Tacoma Serpentine Belt: Routing, Replacement, and Part Numbers

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: Varies by engine (see below)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN (3.5L V6): 90916-A2003
• Aftermarket Cross-references (3.5L V6):
  • Gates K060855
  • Dayco 5060855
  • Continental Elite 4060855
• Auto-Tensioner PN (3.5L V6): 16620-0P030
• Idler Pulley PN (3.5L V6): 16603-0P030

Belt Routing

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, particularly with the prevalent 3.5L V6 engine, utilizes a specific serpentine belt routing to drive its accessories. Before you begin any belt removal, take a clear photo of the existing belt routing! This will serve as an invaluable reference during installation.

The typical routing for the 3.5L V6 engine is as follows:

1. Begin at the crankshaft pulley, located at the bottom center of the engine.
2. From the crankshaft, the belt travels upwards and to the left to the A/C compressor pulley.
3. Leaving the A/C compressor, the belt routes downwards and to the right to an idler pulley.
4. The belt then goes upwards from the idler pulley to the alternator pulley.
5. From the alternator, the belt continues to the left towards the power steering pump pulley.
6. After the power steering pump, the belt moves downwards to the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, the belt loops around the automatic tensioner pulley, which maintains the correct belt tension, before returning to the crankshaft pulley.

Note: If your Tacoma has a different engine option (e.g., the 2.7L 4-cylinder), the belt routing and part numbers may vary. Always verify the specific setup for your vehicle.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2024 Toyota Tacoma is a manageable DIY task, though it requires patience and the right tools.

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, designed for a breaker bar or a specialized serpentine belt tool.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert a 3/8-inch breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the square opening of the tensioner. Apply steady leverage to rotate the tensioner, relieving the tension on the belt. This will allow you to slip the belt off the pulleys.
4. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner open, carefully slide the old belt off one or more of the pulleys. Once loose, remove it completely from the engine bay.
5. Inspect Pulleys: With the belt off, take this opportunity to inspect all pulleys (alternator, A/C compressor, power steering, water pump, idlers, tensioner) for any signs of wear, wobbling, or unusual noise when spun by hand. Replace any faulty pulleys.
6. Route New Belt: Refer to the photo you took earlier (or the diagram above) and carefully route the new belt around all pulleys except for one easy-to-access pulley (often an idler or a smooth pulley on the tensioner assembly).
7. Final Tensioning: Once the belt is mostly routed, use your breaker bar or serpentine belt tool to once again rotate the tensioner and relieve tension. Slip the new belt over the final pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt is seated correctly in all grooves on all ribbed pulleys.
8. Double-Check: Visually inspect all pulleys to confirm the belt is properly seated in all grooves. Start the engine briefly and listen for any squealing or unusual noises. Turn off the engine and re-check belt seating.

Replacement Interval

Toyota generally recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at every service interval (typically 5,000 to 10,000 miles) and replacing it if signs of wear are present. As a general guideline, many technicians recommend proactively replacing the serpentine belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or sooner if visible signs of wear appear, regardless of mileage.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to inconvenient breakdowns and potentially more costly repairs. Here's what to look out for:

• Squealing Noises: A common sign of a worn or improperly tensioned belt. The squealing is often most noticeable during cold starts or when turning the steering wheel.
• Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing on the Belt: Visible damage to the belt itself. Cracks on the ribbed side, fraying edges, or a shiny, glazed appearance indicate wear and reduced grip.
• Loss of Power Steering: Since the serpentine belt drives the power steering pump, a failing belt can lead to a sudden loss of power assist, making steering difficult.
• Overheating Engine: The water pump, which circulates coolant, is also driven by the serpentine belt. A broken or slipping belt can cause the engine to overheat.
• Battery Light On / Dead Battery: The alternator, responsible for charging the battery, relies on the serpentine belt. A failing belt can prevent the alternator from functioning, leading to a drained battery.
• A/C Not Working: If the A/C compressor isn't spinning, your air conditioning won't work.
• Tensioner Wobble or Noise: The automatic tensioner should keep the belt taut. If you notice excessive wobble of the tensioner pulley while the engine is running, or if it makes grinding or chirping noises, it may need replacement.

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