One Quick Tip When Replacing The Water Pump on Rav4 with 2AZ-FE Engine

I don't have a picture accompanying this quick tip, but for any do it yourselfer out there who is replacing the water pump on a Rav4 with a 2AZ-FE four cylinder engine, I have a tip that should save you time and aggravation. Just about anyone with a 2AZ-FE engine seems to have to replace their water pump at one time or another, so this might come in handy... Before you attempt to loosen then engine drive belt by pulling the belt tensioner clockwise, remove the passenger side motor mount and the bracket that it bolts into first. Without removing these items, it is nearly impossible to access the belt tensioner, even with fancy professional serpentine belt tensioner tools. (The service manual omits this step, as it's just something I had to figure out for myself. The reason that this step is omitted is because it is possible to disengage the belt tensioner without removing the bracket and motor mount, but you'll probably end up with some busted knuckles and a bar of soap in your mouth if your mother is around. Just because it is possible, doesn't mean that it should be done if there's an easier way to do it:-) If you remove the motor mount and the bracket it bolts into, the serpentine belt tensioner is easily accessible with a long 3/8" ratchet and 19mm or 3/4" socket. Once you have the belt removed, all you will need to do is remove the alternator and then the water pump is very easily accessible for removal. If I run across one of these Rav's in the near future, I'll add a pic to this article so you can see what I'm talking about.