Tightening a power steering belt?

[jltimm]

My wifes 95 Toyota Camry has some squeeling issues and I think it may be the p.s. belt? It's a 4 cyl. Anyone know how to go about tightening it?

[Jeremy airjer W]

Remove the passenger tire. Remove the 2 10mm bolts for the splash shield. Loosen the 12 or 14 mm lower adjustment bolt for the power steering. Use a pry bar in between the adjusting bracket and the engine block to push the lower part of the pump towards the back of the car. Tighten the lower adjusting nut. A 3/8 ratchet, 8-10" extension, and a swivel socket work well for this.

[jeffreyd]

make sure you put a jack stand under the car, do not rely on the jack alone. you may find that the belt is cracked or missing pieces so replacing might have to be an option also. good luck

[jltimm]

Thanks, I'll be giving it a try tonight! hopefully it will solve the problem.

[jltimm]

Got 'er done! Didn't have a wobble socket, but managed to loosen the "tough to get to nut" enough to tighten the belt! Thanks for the useful info!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Good deal! Now you're ready to tackle that timing belt next weekend right?

[jltimm]

Timing belts are a "little" out of my league. I did one on a ford mustang when I was young and brave, but I don't think I want to try it on the Camry. My Tacoma is beyond the recommended changing interval for the timing belt, and I'm scared of that one to! Thanks for your help Airjer!

[jltimm]

Ok, I see a little antifreeze coming from the radiator in front of the radiator? What is that front radiator called, and is it tough to replace?

[Jeremy airjer W]

that would be the condenser and it does not have coolant in it. It has R-134 refrigerant.

[jltimm]

I was wondering that? I can't quite pinpoint the leak, as it's not really bad "yet"! Something I have to keep my eye on!