mjones1160

I just received a Gates serpentine V-Belt replacement kit I purchased from RockAuto. It includes a new V-belt, belt tensioner and idler #2 pulley. I see that the belt tensioner bolt on the bottom appears to be blocked by the generator mount. Do I have to remove the generator just to replace the drive belt tensioner?
The parts diagram in the repair manual (CD) page 14-19 only shows a bolt and two nuts securing it. There are 4 holes for bolts on the new tensioner provided in the kit. There are no tensioner replacement instructions included or in the Lexus service manual. The radiator hose is already a pain to work around. Removing the generator to get to the lower bolt would be another added task.

It seems to this job easily, I would have to drain the coolant to remove the radiator hose as well. Is replacing the tensioner really necessary when the belt is changed. I am already second guessing the belt replacement as there are no major cracks in the belt, just minor age cracks with no chunks missing on the V-grooved side. The vehicle has 104,000 miles on it.

ROSCOGX470

I would just change the belt and keep the other parts in the event of failure, which unlike the TB belt wouldn't hurt anything.