1. Don’t use the 14mm bolt on the tensioner, use the 19mm point just above it. 2. Position your 19mm wrench on the inside of the belt, otherwise it’s in the way when trying to remove/install the belt. 3. Don’t try removing the belt from the alternator, it’s too tight and the ribs grab as you fight it. Instead, just slide it off the smooth surface of the water pump, same for reinstalling. Hope those tips help out.
I did it over the alternator and holy shit man, u weren’t fucking kidding about the belt being super tight around the alternator, the water pump seems like it would be kinda hard to slide it over since not much space to work with there but I’ll take it as advice for the next car
I am a mechanic and always browse for different techniques. Thanks for keeping it simple. Some of these videos on this part replacement are pulling the front end down like it's a mini cooper.😮
Thank you Duh Wolf for the feedback. We can never stop learning from others. I am also opened minded to learn different techniques from others. Glad the video was helpful. 😊🙏🏼
This is probably the best video out there for changing the alternator on the 2nd Gen xB. I had a couple suggestions that might help others. 1) As a user stated in the comments, use a 19mm socket to put pressure on the belt tensioner to remove the belt. There is a nickel plated nut, under the motor mount, that is hidden from view. Look closely, you’ll find it. If you still have trouble, look up a photo of the belt tensioner online and it will be obvious. 2) To put pressure on the tensioner, I used a Harbor Freight serpentine belt tensioner wrench ($20), a normal 19mm socket, and a very short extension for additional clearance needed because of the pulley. I had to push the handle of the wrench down into the AC lines to get enough clearance. If the handle isn’t lined up well enough for good range of motion, remove the socket from the wrench and turn it 90 degrees and click it back into the wrench. The handle will then line up against the motor mount to give you enough range of motion to move the tensioner down far enough to remove the belt. 3) as stated in the comments, it is far easier to remove the belt from the water pump pulley instead of the alternator. The water pump pulley has no ribs on it. 4) the remanufactured alternators have a nut on them for the 14mm bolt that sticks out too far in the inside to fit on the mounting bracket. Don’t despair , this nut is designed to be moveable, to tighten against the bracket. Thread your 14mm bolt into it on the bench and hammer it down, so the nut becomes flush with the mounting bracket. Now the alternator will fit the bracket easily.
Great video, my battery light just came on....got home and called my mechanic...he checked it and said it was the alternator....he's going to install a new one this afternoon. Thanks.
Soooo i followed your steps....it worked out but when you said you were struggling, it was an understatement. Your pipe technique worked for me but i still struggled a lot
Thank you so much for making this video on the Scion xB mine's been broke down for 2 weeks and this is the issue is alternator thank you for doing such a great job explaining and showing everything God bless.
@@713jtmechanic8 I don't know what kind of magic you used to get an open wrench to not only get on that bolt with as little space it has nor getting a pipe to stay on there without taking the wrench off as you push down and having the wrench fall through the engine to the floor. Nope. That my friend sounds like voodoo. would have been nice to see how you did that.
@@alexginzo1246 Love your sense of humor. Lol. Yes, it's awkard removing the tension seen on the video. Using the serpentine belt tool did not work will for me on the XB. If you happen to find a way that works best for you, please share. I am always a student of my craft and life. :)
@@713jtmechanic8 It's been 2 days now. No dice. Watched other videos. Nothing worked. Had my neighbor try to help me....nothing. I don't get how that even gets on over the grooved alternator pulley.
Sadly, you didn't mention much about the tensioner. People are gonna catch-hell messing with the serpentine belt. For your information: it can be easily moved with a 19 mm shallow socket and a longer 3/8 rachet.
Hey men thank you for sharing your knowledge of how to disconnect and replace the Alternator for Scion xb 2010 car. Saludos a todos y tu videos mi número uno subscriber.
Brother, your video is the best how-to video on this alternator. You were clear in your instruction and great angles. I have a 2008 Scion xB. How long did it take you do do this?
@@713jtmechanic8 Took me about 2.5 hours. Unfortunately, I have to do this again because apparently, the alternator I bought just went bad. Good thing i have lifetime warranty on it. Also, i will try the wrench and pry bar method, as i didn't do it the last time. What size wrench did you use for that? Thx!
So this is the second video I've seen where they show you the tool they were supposed to have used in the tensioning kit but because they didnt realize what it was they thought they had to create a make shift tool. I just want to save everybody a headache and 30 minutes first attach the 19 mm socket to the tension bolt then grab the small bar out of your tensioning bar kit (this bar is known as the tensioner attachment used to create angles with the tensioning bar) attach the small bar to the socket then attach the main tension bar in your tensioning bar kit to the bar attachment ( the smaller bar in your kit) and socket already applied to the tensioning Bolt that is how to correctly use the TENSIONING BAR ATTACHMENT and the purpose it was created for.
Now..This is true. " ShadeTree Mechanicing...."... Using that wrench and pipe to release the Tensioner...Another guy heated his Tensioner tool...Bent it up like a "Boomerrang" and made it work...How many people have a torch, tho...???... I don't....Way to go...I have a buddy who needs to change his Alternator...This gonna help save him some 💰💰💰💰😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍!!!!
I used the Serpentine Belt Tensioner Tool at Harbor Freight ($19.99) and bought a normal 19mm socket at Lowe's. That gave me enough leverage to slip the belt off the water pump pulley. Much easier than what is detailed here and in other videos.
Can a bad alternator cause belts to squeal? Just got serpentine belt done and replaced battery but belts still squealing and the red battery light is on
An internal bearing in the alternator can cause belt to squeal. First check the condition of belt. If the groves on belt is glazed, this will cause to squeal. A worn out belt tensioner will squeal the belt due to loose belt.
@@713jtmechanic8 I got the belt tensioner and idler pulley done as well when I got the serpentine belt done. Also put new battery but belt still squealing along with the red battery light
@@Jmon808 red battery light symbol appears. Check battery voltage while the engine is running. Battery voltage should average range between 13.5 to 14.5 volts. It’s possible your alternator is failing. It could be internal bearing is failing.
Hi Jason, The idle is controlled by the Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS). Make sure to inspect the throttle body. If you notice carbon buildup along the edge of throttle plate. With the key on the on position, engine off, have someone press down on the accelerator pedal. This will open the throttle valve. Clean the throttle plate and the opening with Throttle valve cleaner ONLY. Do not force the throttle valve plate to open with your hands, keep the accelerator pedal pressed down while you clean the throttle. After you clean the throttle valve, the idle speed control learning conditions needs to be met. 1. Engine has been running at least an hour after ignition switch on. 2. Vehicle has been driven 18.65 mph or more. If the issue continues. It’s possible you have a dirty throttle valve causing high idle issues after connecting battery. Good luck 👍
Can you please tell me which way you turn to take off the last nut at the top please I’m having a hard time I watch the video over and over but this this is not turning
@@magnoliad33b33 all bolts are counter clockwise wise (lefty loosey), to take off (remove). All bolts to tighten are clockwise (righty tighty) to tighten up bolt.
I think something to call out, if you have a multimeter or get your car tested at a shop, normal battery voltage is 12-12.6 when the engine isn't running, if you run it and it drops to like 11 or lower its your alternator, that's why at the end he shows it goes up to 14 because the alternator is recharging the battery
I did yes. First, l lost systems like power steering, ABS, cruise, traction control and stability control. Then the dash lights went out. Then the engine died as the battery ran out of power.
DON'T use the bolt on the pulley!!! Some models (like mine) it's actually a keyed head that a socket won't go onto and the tight spacing makes it REALLY hard to move anyway. So many videos show using the pully bolt (when you actually can). There is a 19mm extrusion above and in front of the pulley on the tensioner arm itself that YOU CAN'T SEE when the belt is installed. Lookup an image of the tensioner assembly to familiarize yourself with it. It also provides more leverage. I used a tilt head ratchet and 19mm socket (vs an extended socket). It's a TIGHT space - so I used a variation of the trick shown in this video - in my case I used a piece of plastic pipe with a small notch cut out and with the ratchet handle horizontal, pushed down on the handle with the pipe notch (careful I didn't slip and somehow damaging the A/C line) and belt popped right off (which is the easy part). It was getting the belt back on the you needed the leverage. But I was able to fully retract the tensioner pushing down on the pipe. Don't bother with a tensioner tool - you just can't move it enough in the tight spacing.
I placed boxed end wrench to the tensioner specific spot for the 14mm wrench. The spot I am referring to is next the pulley there is a 14mm hex end that is part of the tensioner assembly. Basically, it looks like a nut that is molded onto the assembly.
@@713jtmechanic8 Okay thanks for responding. I just had mine go out yesterday so I'm seeing if it's worth doing my self or having my mechanic do it. He quoted me at $420 for everything. (alternator replacing my belt and labor) I called a couple different auto shops to see how much an alternator would be and refurbished ones ranged from 230-240. Brand new ones were just under 300. So I feel like he's giving me a fair price for labor. I have the tools and can do it but i don't have the belt gadget you need or the testing tools to see if it's all running at the power and levels it needs to be. So I just think I could safe my self the hassle if there's something else wrong. My 08 xb has been rock solid for over 10 years with no major maintence besides this alternator now. I bought it for under 7k from a relative with around 85k miles on it. It now has over 202k miles on it and still runs great. It just burns through oil so i make sure and top it off every 500-1000 miles.
In the he Houston area $550-800. This includes the alternator cost, not the belt. I suggest to google search repair pal estimator. This will give you an average cost in your area.
@@713jtmechanic8Yes sir I had a mini heart attack lol I jump started the car but the volts were going down, turned it off and didn’t turn back on, left it at Autozone over night to charge, hopefully I don’t have to buy a battery
1. Don’t use the 14mm bolt on the tensioner, use the 19mm point just above it.
2. Position your 19mm wrench on the inside of the belt, otherwise it’s in the way when trying to remove/install the belt.
3. Don’t try removing the belt from the alternator, it’s too tight and the ribs grab as you fight it. Instead, just slide it off the smooth surface of the water pump, same for reinstalling.
Hope those tips help out.
Thank you for sharing. This is good info for the community. 😊🙌🏼
I did it over the alternator and holy shit man, u weren’t fucking kidding about the belt being super tight around the alternator, the water pump seems like it would be kinda hard to slide it over since not much space to work with there but I’ll take it as advice for the next car
Tip number 1 was a game changer. Thank you so much for posting.
Dude, my quest to find this effing bolt has just about had me sick with dread in anticipation of trying to get this job done.
Awesome top one...
I am a mechanic and always browse for different techniques. Thanks for keeping it simple. Some of these videos on this part replacement are pulling the front end down like it's a mini cooper.😮
Thank you Duh Wolf for the feedback. We can never stop learning from others. I am also opened minded to learn different techniques from others. Glad the video was helpful. 😊🙏🏼
This is probably the best video out there for changing the alternator on the 2nd Gen xB. I had a couple suggestions that might help others.
1) As a user stated in the comments, use a 19mm socket to put pressure on the belt tensioner to remove the belt. There is a nickel plated nut, under the motor mount, that is hidden from view. Look closely, you’ll find it. If you still have trouble, look up a photo of the belt tensioner online and it will be obvious.
2) To put pressure on the tensioner, I used a Harbor Freight serpentine belt tensioner wrench ($20), a normal 19mm socket, and a very short extension for additional clearance needed because of the pulley. I had to push the handle of the wrench down into the AC lines to get enough clearance. If the handle isn’t lined up well enough for good range of motion, remove the socket from the wrench and turn it 90 degrees and click it back into the wrench. The handle will then line up against the motor mount to give you enough range of motion to move the tensioner down far enough to remove the belt.
3) as stated in the comments, it is far easier to remove the belt from the water pump pulley instead of the alternator. The water pump pulley has no ribs on it.
4) the remanufactured alternators have a nut on them for the 14mm bolt that sticks out too far in the inside to fit on the mounting bracket. Don’t despair , this nut is designed to be moveable, to tighten against the bracket. Thread your 14mm bolt into it on the bench and hammer it down, so the nut becomes flush with the mounting bracket. Now the alternator will fit the bracket easily.
Thank you so much for your input! These are great suggestions and guidance for the community. 😊🙏🏼👍
First time i did my own alternator. $207.99 remanufactured . Three hours. Thank you for your video.
Thats’s awesome! Way to go! Happy my video helped you. I hope your confidence increased in your mechanical abilities. Thank you for your comment. 😊🙌🏼
Great video, my battery light just came on....got home and called my mechanic...he checked it and said it was the alternator....he's going to install a new one this afternoon. Thanks.
Soooo i followed your steps....it worked out but when you said you were struggling, it was an understatement. Your pipe technique worked for me but i still struggled a lot
Thank you so much for making this video on the Scion xB mine's been broke down for 2 weeks and this is the issue is alternator thank you for doing such a great job explaining and showing everything God bless.
So happy the video helped you. Your words motivates me. Thank you for your comments.
Helpful video. I used a 19mm to open the serpentine tensioner.
Thanks for a well edited and to the point video
It's a 14mm wrench to adjust belt tensioner.
Open wrench or socket wrench? I had trouble a while back fidning the right pulley to pull down the tensioner when I replaced my AC compressor.
@@alexginzo1246 the socket was difficult for me to use on this application. I was more comfortable using an open wrench.
@@713jtmechanic8 I don't know what kind of magic you used to get an open wrench to not only get on that bolt with as little space it has nor getting a pipe to stay on there without taking the wrench off as you push down and having the wrench fall through the engine to the floor. Nope. That my friend sounds like voodoo. would have been nice to see how you did that.
@@alexginzo1246 Love your sense of humor. Lol. Yes, it's awkard removing the tension seen on the video. Using the serpentine belt tool did not work will for me on the XB. If you happen to find a way that works best for you, please share. I am always a student of my craft and life. :)
@@713jtmechanic8 It's been 2 days now. No dice. Watched other videos. Nothing worked. Had my neighbor try to help me....nothing. I don't get how that even gets on over the grooved alternator pulley.
Thank you
Very good video
Good lighting,can hear everything you said,easy and to the point
Thank you for the feedback. This helps in learning more about what is working for my videos. 😊🙏🏼
Sadly, you didn't mention much about the tensioner. People are gonna catch-hell messing with the serpentine belt. For your information: it can be easily moved with a 19 mm shallow socket and a longer 3/8 rachet.
Only reason I came to the video watched it for nothing. Thanks for the comment bud
Great video. I found it very helpful.
Bro thanks alot for the tip,I got home at 6pm and my alternator got bad I just finished changing it and 8pm.
Awesome Mauricio! Glad the video helped you and that you successfully replaced alternator. Thank you for you comments.
Hey men thank you for sharing your knowledge of how to disconnect and replace the Alternator for Scion xb 2010 car. Saludos a todos y tu videos mi número uno subscriber.
Gracias por su comentarios positivos y apoyo. 😊🙏🏼
Brother, your video is the best how-to video on this alternator. You were clear in your instruction and great angles. I have a 2008 Scion xB. How long did it take you do do this?
Thank you so much for the positive feedback. If I was not filming I can do around 1 hour to 1 1/2 hour
@@713jtmechanic8 Took me about 2.5 hours. Unfortunately, I have to do this again because apparently, the alternator I bought just went bad. Good thing i have lifetime warranty on it. Also, i will try the wrench and pry bar method, as i didn't do it the last time. What size wrench did you use for that? Thx!
@@redpilllense7125 thank you for reaching out and letting the community know your experience for this repair. I believe it was a size 14mm.
Awesome video buddy!! Thank you!!🙏🏽
What size wrench u use to the tensioner?
Probably doesn't help you now but another video said 19mm. Don't get a long socket like I did
19mm
Thanks 👍 I save money today .. to change my al ternator 👍👍
That's awesome! Glad the video helped you.
Great video. Thanks!
So this is the second video I've seen where they show you the tool they were supposed to have used in the tensioning kit but because they didnt realize what it was they thought they had to create a make shift tool. I just want to save everybody a headache and 30 minutes first attach the 19 mm socket to the tension bolt then grab the small bar out of your tensioning bar kit (this bar is known as the tensioner attachment used to create angles with the tensioning bar) attach the small bar to the socket then attach the main tension bar in your tensioning bar kit to the bar attachment ( the smaller bar in your kit) and socket already applied to the tensioning Bolt that is how to correctly use the TENSIONING BAR ATTACHMENT and the purpose it was created for.
Thanks for the tutorial.
Now..This is true. " ShadeTree Mechanicing...."... Using that wrench and pipe to release the Tensioner...Another guy heated his Tensioner tool...Bent it up like a "Boomerrang" and made it work...How many people have a torch, tho...???... I don't....Way to go...I have a buddy who needs to change his Alternator...This gonna help save him some 💰💰💰💰😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍!!!!
I used the Serpentine Belt Tensioner Tool at Harbor Freight ($19.99) and bought a normal 19mm socket at Lowe's. That gave me enough leverage to slip the belt off the water pump pulley. Much easier than what is detailed here and in other videos.
cool straight to the point
I do my best to make my videos straight to the point. I respect my viewers time. Thank you for your comment. 👍😊
Can a bad alternator cause belts to squeal? Just got serpentine belt done and replaced battery but belts still squealing and the red battery light is on
An internal bearing in the alternator can cause belt to squeal. First check the condition of belt. If the groves on belt is glazed, this will cause to squeal. A worn out belt tensioner will squeal the belt due to loose belt.
@@713jtmechanic8 I got the belt tensioner and idler pulley done as well when I got the serpentine belt done. Also put new battery but belt still squealing along with the red battery light
@@Jmon808 red battery light symbol appears. Check battery voltage while the engine is running. Battery voltage should average range between 13.5 to 14.5 volts. It’s possible your alternator is failing. It could be internal bearing is failing.
Install the bottom bolt first then push the alternator back to install the top bolt
Less than 10 minute alternator replacement. Go Toyota! Nice job too btw. 😀
Awesome Roy! Glad the video helped.
Thanks for this video!
Can u make a video of how to reset idle after disconnecting the battery?
Hi Jason,
The idle is controlled by the Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS). Make sure to inspect the throttle body. If you notice carbon buildup along the edge of throttle plate. With the key on the on position, engine off, have someone press down on the accelerator pedal. This will open the throttle valve. Clean the throttle plate and the opening with Throttle valve cleaner ONLY. Do not force the throttle valve plate to open with your hands, keep the accelerator pedal pressed down while you clean the throttle. After you clean the throttle valve, the idle speed control learning conditions needs to be met. 1. Engine has been running at least an hour after ignition switch on. 2. Vehicle has been driven 18.65 mph or more. If the issue continues. It’s possible you have a dirty throttle valve causing high idle issues after connecting battery. Good luck 👍
... what's the last plug you pulled out. I ripped them during the replacement
It's for ECM to communicate to instrument cluster.
Can you please tell me which way you turn to take off the last nut at the top please I’m having a hard time I watch the video over and over but this this is not turning
@@magnoliad33b33 all bolts are counter clockwise wise (lefty loosey), to take off (remove). All bolts to tighten are clockwise (righty tighty) to tighten up bolt.
Thank you.
Great video.
I think something to call out, if you have a multimeter or get your car tested at a shop, normal battery voltage is 12-12.6 when the engine isn't running, if you run it and it drops to like 11 or lower its your alternator, that's why at the end he shows it goes up to 14 because the alternator is recharging the battery
Good tip!
When the alternator went out did u lost steering power?
I did yes. First, l lost systems like power steering, ABS, cruise, traction control and stability control. Then the dash lights went out. Then the engine died as the battery ran out of power.
Thank you !
Thanks. Need a new one
DON'T use the bolt on the pulley!!! Some models (like mine) it's actually a keyed head that a socket won't go onto and the tight spacing makes it REALLY hard to move anyway. So many videos show using the pully bolt (when you actually can). There is a 19mm extrusion above and in front of the pulley on the tensioner arm itself that YOU CAN'T SEE when the belt is installed. Lookup an image of the tensioner assembly to familiarize yourself with it. It also provides more leverage. I used a tilt head ratchet and 19mm socket (vs an extended socket). It's a TIGHT space - so I used a variation of the trick shown in this video - in my case I used a piece of plastic pipe with a small notch cut out and with the ratchet handle horizontal, pushed down on the handle with the pipe notch (careful I didn't slip and somehow damaging the A/C line) and belt popped right off (which is the easy part). It was getting the belt back on the you needed the leverage. But I was able to fully retract the tensioner pushing down on the pipe. Don't bother with a tensioner tool - you just can't move it enough in the tight spacing.
Hey where did you latch the wrench on?
I placed boxed end wrench to the tensioner specific spot for the 14mm wrench. The spot I am referring to is next the pulley there is a 14mm hex end that is part of the tensioner assembly. Basically, it looks like a nut that is molded onto the assembly.
@@713jtmechanic8 I see ok ryte on thank you 🙏
@@carloscorona869 absolutely. Glad the video helped you. 👍😊
Ty
what is approximate time to replace alternator?
About 1hr 1/2
Took me several hours, a lot of time was trying to loosen the 12mm bolt under the alternator
So you aren’t really undoing anything when you pull the wrench that’s on the tensioner pulley . You are just trying to get it to give you some play? 😊
Yes… correct. You only need to use the wrench and socket to loosen the spring tension on the adjustable idle pulley.
How long did this take to start and finish?
Discounting the extra time to make video, I believe it took me 1.5 hr.
@@713jtmechanic8 Okay thanks for responding. I just had mine go out yesterday so I'm seeing if it's worth doing my self or having my mechanic do it. He quoted me at $420 for everything. (alternator replacing my belt and labor) I called a couple different auto shops to see how much an alternator would be and refurbished ones ranged from 230-240. Brand new ones were just under 300. So I feel like he's giving me a fair price for labor. I have the tools and can do it but i don't have the belt gadget you need or the testing tools to see if it's all running at the power and levels it needs to be. So I just think I could safe my self the hassle if there's something else wrong. My 08 xb has been rock solid for over 10 years with no major maintence besides this alternator now. I bought it for under 7k from a relative with around 85k miles on it. It now has over 202k miles on it and still runs great. It just burns through oil so i make sure and top it off every 500-1000 miles.
@@trailblazer77 you can rent the belt tool from your local auto parts store, like O’reily’s or autozone. Regarding your quotes, they are fair quotes.
Good job
how much does a repair like this cost at auto repair
In the he Houston area $550-800. This includes the alternator cost, not the belt. I suggest to google search repair pal estimator. This will give you an average cost in your area.
A remanufactured alternator at Auto Zone is $200. Inflate that price at a shop and add several hours of labor at $100-150/hour.
What wrench size did you use to release the belt?
19mm
What size wrench is that?
19mm
I'm sure he figured it out
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
He forgot to put the other plug on...lol
The top bolt is driving me fucking nuts
I was removing the last bolt at the bottom and… it broke leaving half inside fml!!
If the bolt has enough length away from the mounting surface, it should screw off with you hand.
@@713jtmechanic8Yes sir I had a mini heart attack lol I jump started the car but the volts were going down, turned it off and didn’t turn back on, left it at Autozone over night to charge, hopefully I don’t have to buy a battery
@@713jtmechanic8 I did run the car back home 22 miles so hopefully just the battery needs charge
@@chrisflores8809 keep us posted. Hope your repairs were successful.
shave some of the paint off the inside the alternator where the top bolt goes thru
You shouldn’t have replaced it! Should have had the OEM rebuilt. The new ones at the parts stores are Chinese knock offs. Way cheaper shitty built.
Thank you!