Replacing the accessory drive belt?

[hajave221]

There's a video on YouTube that shows how to install a tension belt using a pair of vice grips on the crankshaft pulley. I followed the method and it worked very easily and without needing to purchase extra tools just for one job!

You basically install the belt on the smaller pulley first and get it started on the crankshaft pulley as much as possible. Tightly place your vice grips on the outer crankshaft pulley lip (front of vehicle) right where the belt begins to come off the crankshaft pulley. Use a breaker bar to slowly spin the crankshaft and the vice grips will force the belt onto the pulley as it turns. Check out the StarknightMT guide on how to change a drive belt: a comprehensive guide for more detailed visuals on this technique. No special tools required and works like a charm! A little patience will get you there.

Since you can already handle a serpentine belt, this job should feel very familiar. Look for a belt routing diagram on a sticker under the hood near the radiator support. If there isn't one, photograph the old belt routing before removal so you can replicate it exactly. Release tension using a breaker bar on the tensioner, slip the old belt off, route the new LR012663 following the same path, and release the tensioner onto the new belt. Double check it is fully seated in every pulley groove before starting the engine. For a visual walkthrough, try searching on LR4WD.com or check a Haynes manual for the exact routing diagram.

 

[Mozambique]

I got a similar tool to the one above off amazon. It worked fine. Just take your time. You may need the help of a stout screwdriver to provide some additional leverage but its not that hard a job. Just take care to not damage the new belt. If your are doing that I would consider also replacing the idler pulleys and the belt tensioner too. Don't know your mileage but I had mine go in fairly quick succession at around 190k km (2010 V8)