How many belts does a Toyota Camry have?
In most modern Camrys, there is one belt—the serpentine belt—that drives accessories such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. The engine’s timing is typically controlled by a chain rather than a belt, so the overall belt count is usually one. Exact configurations can vary by engine and model year.
Understanding belt types and what to expect on a Camry
Car engines use different belt systems. A timing belt (or chain) coordinates the movement of the camshaft and other high‑precision components, while a serpentine belt (the accessory belt) drives multiple external components. Toyota has largely shifted Camry engines to timing chains, reducing the need for a timing-belt replacement. For most Camry models produced from the mid-2000s onward, you will typically encounter a single serpentine belt.
Current Camry belt configuration
The following overview reflects recent Camry generations (roughly 2007 to present) and notes the common setup across these engines. Details can differ by exact engine code and year, so always verify for your specific vehicle.
Here is what you’re most likely to encounter in recent Camrys:
- One serpentine belt (accessory belt) that powers multiple components such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.
- Timing is typically driven by a chain rather than a belt, so there is no second belt dedicated to cam timing on most modern Camrys.
- Some enginesDrive water pumps via the timing chain rather than the serpentine belt; in those cases, the belt does not run the water pump.
- Camry Hybrid models also use a single serpentine belt for accessories, with the engine timing still maintained by a chain.
In practice, for most owners, the Camry you service today has one belt to inspect and replace—the serpentine belt—while timing is managed by a chain. If you own a very old Camry or a model with a unique engine, check the owner’s manual or engine code to confirm whether a timing belt was used.
Summary
Bottom line: for most modern Toyota Camry models, you’ll find a single serpentine belt handling accessories, with cam timing handled by a timing chain. Older generations may vary, so always confirm with your specific model year and engine code. Regular inspection of the serpentine belt is recommended to prevent failures that could affect multiple systems.
How much does it cost to replace a drive belt on a Toyota Camry?
The average cost for a Toyota Camry Serpentine Belt Replacement is between $142 and $197. Labor costs are estimated between $104 and $153 while parts are priced between $37 and $44. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
How many belts does my car have?
So, how many belts does a car have? The number of belts varies depending on the year and model of your vehicle. Most modern vehicles have at least two primary belts crucial for operation: a timing belt and a serpentine belt (also known as a drive belt). Some models may have a timing chain instead of a timing belt.
Does a Toyota Camry have a serpentine belt?
And just release your tensioner. And now we can pull our belt off from around our AC compressor. And our crank pulley. And to put your new belt.
Do Toyota Camrys have timing belts or chains?
The Toyota Camry uses a timing belt for models from 1990–2001 (4-cylinder) and 1990–2006 (V6) and a timing chain for 4-cylinder models from 2002–present and V6 models from 2007–present. Timing chains generally last the life of the engine, while timing belts require replacement at specific mileage intervals.
You can watch this video to learn how to replace a timing belt in older Toyota Camry models: 45sDrShockYouTube · Mar 8, 2024
Timing belt
- Years: 1990–2001 (4-cylinder) and 1990–2006 (V6).
- Replacement: Belts need replacement every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the model and engine.
- Maintenance: A broken timing belt can cause significant engine damage, so it's crucial to replace it at the recommended interval.
Timing chain
- Years: 2002–present (4-cylinder) and 2007–present (V6).
- Replacement: Timing chains are designed to last the life of the engine and do not have a scheduled replacement interval.
- Maintenance: They are sealed in the engine and lubricated by oil. They only need attention if they start to make noise, which could indicate an issue with the chain tensioner.
