Parts for your 2004 Toyota Highlander-Drive belt

2004 Toyota Highlander (Kluger) Drive Belt — Purpose, Care and When to Replace

Yes, a drive belt is used on the 2004 Toyota Highlander (known as Kluger in Australia and New Zealand). Toyota’s factory repair information for the Highlander/Kluger and major aftermarket catalogues (Gates and Dayco) list an accessory/serpentine drive belt for both engines offered that year: the 2.4‑litre 2AZ‑FE four‑cylinder and the 3.3‑litre 3MZ‑FE V6. Note: the V6 also has a timing belt for the camshafts, which is separate from the external accessory drive belt discussed here.

The drive belt’s job is to spin key ancillaries off the crankshaft. On the 2.4‑litre it typically drives the alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor and water pump. On the 3.3‑litre V6 it drives the alternator, power steering pump and A/C compressor (the V6 water pump is driven by the timing belt). If the belt slips or fails, expect flat battery symptoms, heavy steering, or no air‑con — and on the 2.4‑litre, engine overheating.

For servicing, a good rule is to inspect the belt at each service or at least every 15,000 km/12 months. Quality EPDM belts don’t always crack visibly, so look and listen for:

• Cold‑start squeal, chirps or a rubbery burning smell
• Glazing, fraying, missing ribs, or contamination with coolant/oil
• Battery light flicker, heavy steering, or intermittent A/C engagement

Replacement is typically due around 90,000–120,000 km or 6–7 years, sooner in hot, dusty or stop‑start conditions. It’s smart to check the automatic tensioner and idler pulleys at the same time