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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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....

 

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!!