It sounded real simple to replace the two belts on this beast. Bought the belts and rented the tool kit for loosing the tensioner. Problem is I can't get to it. I'm assuming it's the one at the lower center of the 3 pulley setup. But there is a cowling about a 1/2" away and can't get a wrench in there. The other two are bigger that the 15mm socket in the kit so assuming they aren't the ones. Or am I messed up and just need to loosen the alternator?

Haven't done car repairs since my 67 chevy in 69 so don't laugh too hard at me!
Appreciate an assist,

Desert Dave

Dave,

Not sure how much this will help, but this is the RX300 and its 1MZFE engine, almost similar to the 1MZFE in the ES300.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI60MOkf168

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D_8u1GkRkM

I just helped my neighbor do his timing belt on a 2001 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S. These things are never easy. Be careful around the bolts holding the water pump in place (this goes for any car) as we busted one of them. I'd try to get extras of these bolts prior to doing this. I haven't had the luxury of doing this on my vehicle yet as I am still several 10s of thousands of miles away, but plan to do a photo DIY when the time comes. However, those videos are priceless.

Thanks Lexmex,
After watching the video I will have the timing and water pump done at a shop next month, although it isn't rocket science, it's one of those jobs that would take me a day to complete...on a good day...lol

But the actual question I had was how to replace the serpentine belts. I have the tool and belts but where is that 15mm nut to release the tension?


DD

I just went through the same thing with my 95 ES300. I figured out the process for the A/C & Alternator serpentine belt. If you loosen the 2 bolts holding the alternator to the engine and then loosen the long bolt that criss-crosses the bolt you already loosened at the front of the alternator, the said alternator will drop allowing you to fit the new belt on. The you just tighten the first 2 bolts and then the third one also. I still have no idea how to do the power steering belt which is the smaller one that is further down in the engine compartment. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I've done a lot of 1MZFE timing belt replacement jobs on the ES300, RX300, Camry, Avalon and Sienna. You can do it yourself. If interested, here's the link:

http://hardlymoving.hubpages.com/hub...y-Avalon-ES300

Water pump replacement is not covered. I don't believe in getting the customer to agree to a water pump replacement unless first examining the condition of the coolant and the pump AFTER the old belt has been removed. From my past jobs, I have yet to have a customer return his car due to a water pump failure after a new belt was installed. However, with high mileage 1MZFE engines, the cam and crank seals due wear out. One reason for wear may be due to a clogged PCV valve that creates blow by pressures against the seals until the seals fail and begin leaking oil.

The Aisin water pump, which is what's put into Toyota and Lexus engines, is a durable, high quality pump that can last a very long time when used with Toyota's coolant.