96 corolla drive belt

Dear all,

While driving about 30 minutes to get home, my battery light came on which never came on before even when my battery was almost dead. Then about 25 minutes later, my radiator was overheating and my power steering got tight. I was able to get it home in time to shut it down. Opening the hood I see the coolant bottle boiling and that the drive belt was gone except for one thin strand. Could there be some damage to altenator? or other places?

The 96, 1.8 has three belts. This is the top one to the altenator and water pump? I bought a new belt from auto parts. My main problem is how to get the new belt on. Only then I can check the altenator right? My battery in on slow charge now or should I replace the battery?

Thanks for any quick help.

Here's a google https://www.google.com/search?q=96+corolla+belt+replacement&rlz=1C1CHBD_enUS724US724&oq=96+corrola+belt+&aqs=chrome.3.69i57j0l5.15023j1j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

I would be more concerned with the overheating. And since one belt shredded, you might consider replacing them all.

how do I get the new belt on? any ideas?
tanks:mad:

The link I gave you has videos, diagrams, etc. Click on it. In short, a pivot bolt, locking bolt and a tensioner bolt.

https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/261618_Noname_383.jpg

OK tanks aleekat I'll check those out.

I have loosened all those bolts though and still just not enough to get the belt on. Would loosening the power steering have anything to do with it?

By:confused: the way, the overheating was caused by the belt break?

Your water pump stopped circulating water through the engine.
The further you back out the adjusting bolt the more the alternator will pivot. Don't remove. You have anyone to help you? It is easy to twist/break the adjusting bolt when tightening the belt back up. Seen it alot!! I really recommend you find a mechanic buddy.

OK, I have the belt on now from loosening that one long bolt in front of the altenator. Thanks for those photos. But now that bolt came all the way out. How to get it back inside or whatever has to be done to get it all back together and tight?

OK, I have the belt on now from loosening that one long bolt in front of the altenator. Thanks for those photos. But now that bolt came all the way out. How to get it back inside or whatever has to be done to get it all back together and tight?
That's why I cautioned you about removing it all the way. It threads inside where the lock bolt is. Gonna be a pain to get it aligned. And once you get it all together. Don't overtighten the long bolt. You can break it.
Tighten the long bolt. Push down in the center of the belt so it deflects downward about a 1/4". Then tighten locking bolt. Then the pivot bolt. If the belt squeels on startup the belt is not tight enough. Gonna have to loosen the pivot bolt, locking bolt and tighten the long bolt. DON'T BREAK IT..

Ok, I'm going to give a try now to realign that bolt and see what happens.

Also, I've had my battery on slow charge for almost 2 days but still not charged as the light on the charger has not turned green. Could the battery be fully charged anyway? do I have to have the battery connected to check the altenator or what.

well, I've tried to line up the locking screw but not able to. I have the adjuster screw on but had to remove the alternator to get this back on.

Ok, I'm going to give a try now to realign that bolt and see what happens.

Also, I've had my battery on slow charge for almost 2 days but still not charged as the light on the charger has not turned green. Could the battery be fully charged anyway? do I have to have the battery connected to check the altenator or what.
Depending how old your battery is you could have killed it running it dead. Yes you need battery connected to check alternator charging system.

So, I try over and over but can't seem to get the lock bolt to screw into that square slider thing.
How to the mechanics get the lock bolt back in after they remove it to get the alternator off? My Haines Manual doesn't mention every little thing in detail. So I'm stumped as to how to do it.:runaround:

So, I try over and over but can't seem to get the lock bolt to screw into that square slider thing.
How to the mechanics get the lock bolt back in after they remove it to get the alternator off? My Haines Manual doesn't mention every little thing in detail. So I'm stumped as to how to do it.:runaround:
Just have to do it by feel with you hand to get it started.

Good news, I finally got connected by screwing the lock bolt first through the long hole and only then place the slider square next to the screw threads if it makes any sense --- as you say "...by feel with the hands". I got the belt on with a little trouble by pulling and stretching over that alternator pulley. I then had to add coolant to my radiator which had evaporated (from the boiling) or boiled out of the reservoir, all hoses are ok from what I see. Connected my battery which was charged but later tested as a bad battery from the auto parts store. The battery was only a year old so I got a replacement at no charge. They even tested the alternator for free and it's good. Still have to add coolant from time to time till it levels out.

Thanks aleekat and everyone!:smile:

Glad you got it back together. Hopefully the overheating didn't cause any permanent damage.