Hi, new to the forum. I have to replace the alternator belt on my 2000 RX 300. The old belt was thrown during a recent drive so the RX immediately came home so I could fix it. Googling how to do that, lots of returns came to Club Lexus, and saw pretty good content. Since I have the RX and and ES 350 (at one point I had a 2000 ES with the others, so I had 3), I guess I'm a Lexus fan and thought I should join. I've looked at the very good alternator adjustment threads here, but have run into a problem.

I loosed the pivot bolt and the locking adjustment bolt. Then I followed with the the adjustment bolt. A 12mm ratcheting wrench with a built in knuckle joint helped with that part, althought there's not much more that 5 degrees of movement. Here's my problem: no matter what I do, including spending a couple of hours turning the adjustment bolt all the way in, the alternator isn't budging. I using a Dayco 5060410 replacement belt, and just can't get the alternator down to get the belt over all three pulleys.

Before I call for a tow truck, thought I'd say thanks for the good maintenance threads, props to the posters, and see if anyone had any ideas.

 

There are three fastener ... if memory serves me right .. pivot bolt, lock nut and adjustment bolt. [not sure if the pivot or lock ... which is nut and which is bolt].

You must loosen the pivot and the lock before attempting to turn the the tension bolt. The tension bolts pushes away so you should be able to budge the alternator [belt off and the two fasteners loosened]. Tension bolt can sheer off too.

Salim

 

True that, Salim. I reviewed the good posts already in place, I did loosen up the pivot and locking nuts before going after the adjustment nut. Bad, bad, I've been tempted to tap the alternator with a mallet to see if it would move. I don't want to make the problem worse,.

 

Bolts, not nuts. I'm the nut.

 

Just shake/wiggle the alternator. Shot of pb-blaster (or eqiv) on the pivot and lock can help you too.

Salim

 

A rubber mallet would be fine to nudge it...just be careful. Hope the Dayco belt works...Some belts dont match the v on the pulley well and squeel...Many have had to buy the toyota or Lexus belt to stop the squeeling....

 

I read PB is better than WD-40, which I have a case of (live on a farm), so tomorrow I'm picking up a can, squirting the pivot bolt, and trying the mallet gently. I saw the thread on using OEM and aftermarket/Dayco belts, so while I'm in town, going by the dealership to the the OEM belt.

Thanks for the advice. I'll report back with the results.