The Toyota Corolla was introduced in 1968 along with the concept of "extreme simplicity." The 1995 Toyota Corolla base model was equipped with a 1.6-liter in-line four-cylinder engine that was capable of producing 100-horsepower. The upgraded DX and LX models for the 1995 Corolla were available with a larger 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder engine. The alternator belt on the 1995 Corolla is held in place by a screw-type tensioner assembly. The assembly is located beneath the alternator, and is used for adjusting the belt tension manually. The alternator belt controls the movement of the alternator and water pump.
Raise the hood of the Corolla and set the hood prop. Visually inspect under the hood for a sticker that is labeled "Belt Routing Diagram." If no such sticker exists, then you will have to draw your own belt routing diagram. Draw a box on a piece of paper to resemble the belt side of the engine. Draw each pulley that is on the belt side of the engine, so that the drawn pulleys are in the same position as the ones on the engine. Draw a thick line between the pulleys to represent the routing of the belt.
Loosen the upper alternator mounting bolt or pivot bolt, using a ratchet and socket. Loosen the lower mounting bolt or lock bolt, which is located on the side of the small rectangular box below the alternator and faces the passenger side of the car -- the small box is the belt tensioner assembly. Use a ratchet and socket to loosen the sideways-facing bolt. Turn the bolt facing the front of the car from the tensioner, using a ratchet and socket to move the tensioner inward toward the engine.
Remove the old alternator belt from the alternator pulley, then from the rest of the engine. Install the new alternator belt, starting with the bottom pulley or crank pulley. Route the belt around each pulley, as they appear on your drawing or the belt routing diagram. Install the belt over the alternator pulley last.
Turn the forward-facing bolt on the tensioner assembly until the belt is properly tightened. You should have only about 1/4-inch of belt play or slack when the belt is properly tightened. Tighten the sideways-facing lower lock bolt to lock the tensioner assembly in place, using a torque wrench and socket set at 14 foot-pounds. Tighten the upper pivot bolt on the alternator to 14 foot-pounds with the torque wrench and socket.
Visually inspect the alignment of the belt on each pulley prior to starting the car. Make sure the belt is centered in vertical alignment with each pulley. If the belt is not centered on a pulley, remove the tension again, using the tensioner assembly, then make your adjustments. Tighten the lock bolt on the tensioner assembly to 14 foot-pounds if you have to loosen the assembly.
