1995 Toyota HiAce Belt Replacement

Step 1: Open the Passenger Side Access

The passenger seat tilts up to reveal part of the engine.

1. Find the Latches: There are two release handles. One is on the floor next to the door, and the other is under the cupholders in the center console.
2. Pull and Lift: Pull both latches to release the seat.
3. Secure the Seat: Lift the entire seat assembly up. You'll see a small strap attached to it. Hook this strap onto the post between the front and side doors (the B-pillar) to hold the seat safely up and out of your way.

Step 2: Remove the Driver's Seat

To get full access, the driver's seat needs to come out completely. Don't worry, it's just a few bolts!

1. Remove Plastic Covers: On the floor, you'll see small plastic covers over the ends of the metal rails the seat slides on. Gently pry these off with a flathead screwdriver or pry tool to reveal the bolts underneath.
   Watch this step (0:29)
2. Unbolt the Seat Rails:
   Tool Needed: 14mm Socket with a ratchet
   There are four bolts holding the seat down—two at the front of the rails and two at the back. You'll need to use the power seat buttons to slide the seat all the way forward to get to the back bolts, and all the way back to get to the front bolts. Remove all four bolts.
   Watch front bolts removal (0:33) Watch rear bolts access (0:44)
3. Disconnect the Seat's Power: Slide the seat back again. Look under the seat near the center console and peel back the carpet. You'll find a white plastic electrical plug. Press the small release tab on the plug and pull it apart to disconnect it.
   Watch wiring disconnect (0:52)
4. Remove the Final Bolt: There is one last 14mm bolt holding a bracket near the seatbelt buckle on the floor. Remove this.
   Watch final bolt removal (1:04)
5. Take the Seat Out: The seat is now completely free. It can be a little heavy and awkward, so be careful as you lift it out of the van.

Step 3: Remove the Center Panels

1. Clean Up: Now is a great time to use a shop vacuum to clean up any dirt and debris on the floor, so it doesn't fall into your engine.
   Watch area cleaning (1:14)
2. Unbolt the Parking Brake Assembly:
   Tool Needed: 12mm Socket with a ratchet and extension
   Remove all the bolts around the base of the parking brake and center console unit.
   Watch parking brake unbolt (1:30)
3. Move the Assembly Aside: Unplug the small white wire connected to the parking brake sensor. You can now lift this entire plastic assembly and rotate it out of the way, giving you access to the metal engine cover panel below.
   Watch assembly move (1:40)

Step 1: Remove the Fan for Better Access

This step is optional but highly recommended as it makes life much easier.

1. Unbolt the Fan: Using a wrench, remove the four nuts that hold the large plastic cooling fan to its pulley.
2. Remove the Fan: Carefully lift the fan and its shroud out of the engine bay. This opens up a huge amount of space to work.
   Watch fan removal (3:01)

Step 2: Remove the Air Conditioning (AC) Belt

1. Loosen the Tensioner Pulley:
   Tool Needed: 14mm Wrench or Socket
   Look for the small, smooth pulley that is pressing on the AC belt. Using your 14mm wrench, loosen the nut right in the center of this pulley. This is the lock nut.
2. Release the Tension:
   Tool Needed: 14mm Wrench or Socket
   Now, find the long adjustment bolt that goes vertically through the pulley's bracket. Turn this bolt counter-clockwise. You will see the pulley move down, and the belt will become loose.
3. Slip the Belt Off: Once the belt is slack, you can easily pull it off the pulleys.
   Watch AC belt removal (3:28)

Step 3: Remove the Alternator Belts

1. Loosen the Tensioner Lock Bolt & Adjustment Bolt:
   Tools Needed: 12mm and 10mm Sockets
   On the top bracket of the alternator, loosen the 12mm lock bolt on the sliding mechanism. Then, turn the long 10mm adjustment bolt counter-clockwise to begin releasing tension.
   Watch top bolts loosening (9:07)
2. Loosen the Alternator Pivot Bolt:
   Tool Needed: 14mm Socket with an extension
   The alternator pivots on a main bolt at the bottom. It's hard to see, so feel for it with your socket and loosen it a few turns. This will allow the alternator to swing inwards.
   Watch pivot bolt loosening (9:11)
3. Slip the Belts Off: With all bolts loosened, the alternator will swing freely. Push it inwards to create maximum slack, and then slide both alternator belts off the pulleys.

Step 1: Install the New Alternator Belts

1. Route the Belts: Loop the two new, matched alternator belts around the correct pulleys.
2. Apply Tension: Turn the 10mm adjustment bolt clockwise to pull the alternator outward and tighten the belts.
3. Check Tension: A good rule of thumb is that the belt should have about a half-inch of "give" when you press on it firmly in the middle of its longest span. Alternatively, you should only be able to twist the belt about 90 degrees with your fingers.
4. Lock it Down: Once the tension feels right, tighten the 12mm locking bolt on the top bracket, then fully tighten the 14mm pivot bolt at the bottom of the alternator.

Step 2: Install the New AC Belt

1. Route the Belt: Put the new AC belt over its pulleys.
2. Apply Tension: Turn the 14mm vertical adjustment bolt clockwise. This will raise the tensioner pulley and tighten the belt.
3. Check Tension: Check for that same half-inch of play or a 90-degree twist.
4. Lock it Down: Once you're happy with the tension, fully tighten the 14mm lock nut on the face of the tensioner pulley.