🔧 ES350 - Timing Belt Replacement

Your ES350 does not use a timing belt. It uses a timing chain, which is designed to last a long time and normally isn’t replaced on a set schedule like a belt.

If you’re trying to fix a squeal, cracking belt, or “belt” maintenance item, you almost certainly mean the accessory drive belt (also called the serpentine belt). Below is the correct DIY replacement for that belt.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine; keep hands away from the radiator fans.
• ⚠️ Never start the engine with your hands/tools near the belt path.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands if you lift it—never rely on a jack.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required, but keep the key/fob away so nobody can start it.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive breaker bar
• 3/8" drive torque wrench
• 14mm socket
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flashlight
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Accessory drive belt (serpentine belt) - Qty: 1
• Accessory belt tensioner - Qty: 1 (optional, if weak/noisy)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Take a quick photo (or draw a sketch) of the belt routing before removal.
• If you lift the front-right corner, crack the lug nuts loose slightly before lifting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise the front-right corner (optional but easier)

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the front-right wheel lug nuts about 1/2 turn.
• Lift with a floor jack and support with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel using the 21mm socket.
• Reinstall later: Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs) using a torque wrench.

Step 2: Remove the splash shield (access panel)

• Use a trim clip removal tool to remove the plastic clips from the right-side lower splash shield.
• Use a 10mm socket if any small bolts are present on your panel.
• Move the panel aside to expose the belt and tensioner area.

Step 3: Relieve belt tension

• Locate the belt tensioner (spring-loaded arm that keeps the belt tight).
• Use a 14mm socket with a 3/8" ratchet (or breaker bar) on the tensioner bolt head.
• Rotate the tensioner to release tension, then slide the belt off one upper pulley.
• Go slow—spring tension is strong.

Step 4: Remove the old belt

• With tension released, pull the belt out of the remaining pulleys by hand.
• Use a flashlight to inspect pulleys for wobble or damaged grooves.

Step 5: Install the new belt

• Route the new belt following your photo/sketch, leaving the easiest-to-reach pulley for last.
• Use the 14mm socket and ratchet to rotate the tensioner again.
• Slip the belt onto the final pulley, then slowly release the tensioner.
• Check that the belt is fully seated in every pulley groove (no “half-on” ribs).

Step 6: Reassemble

• Reinstall the splash shield using the trim clip removal tool and any fasteners removed.
• Reinstall the wheel using the 21mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle and torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs) with a torque wrench in a star pattern.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and watch the belt for 10–15 seconds; it should run smoothly with no hopping.
• Listen for squeal, chirping, or grinding. If present, the tensioner or an idler pulley may be worn.
• Turn the A/C on and off and re-check for abnormal noises.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $150-$300 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $25-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $125-$230 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.