2016 SR5 with 70k miles. Recommended preventative maintenance is to replace the drive belt at 65k. Dealer wants $250 to do this but it looks very easy to do on my own. Should I replace it now or add some more miles to it first? I see a lot of people saying they didn't replace it until 100k+ miles. And if I do it myself, do I also need to inspect the "idlers" and tensioner? I have seen people recommend that as well. Do I just spin them to make sure they move freely?

Are you talking about the serpentine belt? If so, it’s an easy job that takes less than 10 minutes. Belt is $18 to $19 from Rockauto. You would waste more time driving and waiting at the dealer than it would take to do this.

- YouTube

I'd buy an OEM belt and change it myself. It does help to have another person assist; as it's a little tricky to keep the belt in the right position on all the pulleys while you move the idler pulley to take up the slack. While the old belt is off, check that all the pulleys spin freely, don't wobble, don't bind or have a bad bearing. A good place to get parts online is Camelback Toyota in Phoenix. They are great to work with and do a large online business. Keep the old belt for a spare in the vehicle in case the unthinkable happens!

100% do it your self. Plastic and rubber are tricky because they aren’t always necessarily mileage dependent. Given the 8 years that belt has on your 2016, it’s a good idea to spend $20 and less than 20 minutes to replace prevantively.

To flyrv9’s point, while the old belt is off stick a long screwdriver on the bolt holding each pulley on and give em a spin and listen for abnormal/rough vibration. It will give you an early indication on any pulleys (bearings) that will need replacement now or soon. You can also try to torque them laterally (opposite planes from their rotation) and see if they have excess play.

Just to clarify a couple of points, while yes you can buy a serpentine belt for around $20 it will be of very low quality, most good quality belts cost twice that or more.

On using the long screwdriver part, you didn't include enough info for someone not familiar with using one as a "stethoscope" to magnify noises, to do this place the metal end on the bolt of the pulley as mentioned and THEN hold the handle end cupped in your hand and pressed against your ear to hear any noises more louder and clearly, this can also be done with a long stick or anything long enough to reach the desired point and then to your ear, OR you can buy real mechanic's stethoscope at the auto parts store for about $10 to $15 when you buy the serpentine belt, the stethoscope will be very handy to pinpoint other abnormal noises you may encounter.

You can get a Gates belt on RockAuto for $19. Gates makes a very good belt. I’ve used them since replacing the OEM and have 365K miles on them. You are providing misinformation.

I didn't look at Rockauto...BUT I did check two local auto parts stores before posting that and both had all but one off brand belt at well over $40 and the Gates belts were in the 3x that price range at $72....so unless someone was going to wait several days to get a deal on a better quality belt they will be paying more than $20, sometimes the wait is not worth the saving, unless it's on a high dollar item!!

The "car care nut" says do not replace the belt unless it is cracked or fraying regardless of age. Definitely do not replace it with a non oem belt. I am at 83k miles on my 11 year old 2014 and the original belt looks like brand new.

The change interval on these serp belts is 90K. It can wait a couple days for the online order.

Attached Images

 

Bando is OEM for these belts.

Okay, I am ready to try this on my own, but cannot figure out if OEM is the Bando 7PK2150 or the 7PK2145. I've seen threads here that don't make it clear, but seem to lean toward the 2150, which is also what this video says. That belt is only $20. But when I go to RockAuto or Napa, they all say the 2150 will not fit my 4Runner so now I am confused. I've also seen reviews of the 2150 on Amazon from people saying the belt shredded after 1k or 250 miles. Really want to get into doing some of my own maintenance but worried Im going to put the wrong size belt on and destroy my car, lol. But I definitely don't want to spend $270 that my dealer wants to charge me.

Also, I wanted to thank everyone who replied as I really appreciate all the detailed info and help!

What about reaching out to a Toyota dealership parts department for the information. Or since you have already reached out to their service department ask them for that information. Both should be able to get that information for you. Your receipt will have the part’s and number’s listed so it’s simple for them to see this information before the work is done. The parts department I deal with is usually very good with knowing what parts are correct for a particular job. Just keep your discussion to the bare minimum, just ask for what you’re looking for, because they’ll probably get confused otherwise.

OEM is 90916a2015. Pictures of this part show the text 7PK2150. You may even be able to see the text on your own belt.

2010-2024 Toyota Serpentine Belt 90916-A2015 | Ourisman Toyota of Richmond Online Parts

Okay thanks. I'm going with the 2150 and will see what happens. Crazy that this BANDO belt is only $7 at Rock Auto. My dealer's price is $88. I got the belt, a belt tool, and two wiper blades for $45 shipped.

Just because Bando is the OE supplier to Toyota does not mean that the belts they sell under their own brand name are the same as the ones they supply to Toyota. Same goes for Denso (and other) OE and aftermarket parts.

How do I know this? I might just work in a Toyota Parts department.