Alaska90

Hello,

1990 TOY P/U v6 4WD 5SPMANUAL

I'm trying to change my alternator. But, I'm a little concerned with how I'm to achieve the proper tension on the belt. Attached are pics of my current alternator. I'm pretty darn sure that once I remove it and install the new one I won't be able to just pull on the alternator to get enough tension in the belt. The last time I changed and alternator was nearly 40 years ago and that one pivoted from the bottom, all I had to do was stick a 2x4 between it and the block. The alternator in my Toyota pivots from the top and I just don't see anywhere to lever from.

I'm sure I'm missing some "trick" and I hope someone has an idea of how to do this. Do I need a strap wrench or some special tool?

As this is my one and only vehicle and I live 18 miles from town, I really don't want to back myself into a corner as taxi rides very costly.

Thanks so much.

Nuckinfut

I have changed a couple and im no Pro mechanic. But I have just used a bar to apply leverage and tighten the bolt on the adjuster bar. A crow bar would work as well.

Alaska90

Thanks, thing is I just don't see where to pry from.

oldblue

as long as you're not prying against anything plastic you should be fine. you don't have to put that much pressure on it.

big bear

I use the handle from my small floor jack, it's slightly bent.

I bear against the head right where the head meets the block.

xXbrutalXcoreXx

I am not sure why I do it this way, but I have always just found a piece of rope or twine and wrapped it around the alternator and pulled it tight while I tightened the bolt on the track down.

YotaWoRx

Remove the air box (it's 3 bolts), then you can easily pull up on the alternator with your right hand and tighten the bolt with your left....

spddm0n

I just did is this way...removed the air box. Then I also slightly tightened the adjust bolt (not the pivot bolt), just enough to hold the alternator after I pulled up on it with both hands. It stayed in position. I tightened the adjustment bolt a little more in a second round and gave it another tug up with both hands. Feels good and tight now, so then just tightened the pivot bolt. Good to go!!