How to Replace the Serpentine Belt in a Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V may have one or more drive belts. The main drive belt is called a serpentine belt and runs multiple accessories. According to parts information from Dayco, the Honda CR-V takes a 62-inch belt for driving multiple accessories, but may have a separate power steering belt on some models. The Honda CR-V has a self-adjusting tensioner that may sometimes need to be replaced along with the belt.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Replacement belt
• Wrench set (with variable wrench sizes for different models)

1. Find the auto-adjusting belt tensioner. The belt tensioner pulley is located below the alternator and above the crankshaft.

2. Rotate the belt tensioner bolt with your wrench--direction and bolt size may vary by model--to release tension on the belt, then slip the belt off the pulley and release the tensioner.

3. Remove the old serpentine belt and check its length with the new belt to see if you have the correct belt length. The old belt should be a little longer due to stretching as part of normal wear.

4. Use the routing belt diagram--Honda generally includes one somewhere under the hood--to install the new serpentine belt. Rotate the tensioner again to allow the belt to be installed on all pulleys, then slowly release it to regain tension.

5. Run the engine and observe the belt for proper functioning. Before starting, make sure the belt is seated properly on all of the pulleys.

Tips & Warnings

• These belts should each be inspected every 10,000 miles or so for wear and possible replacement.

• This guide refers to a limited set of model years for the Honda CR-V. Although many Honda CR-V models have the same auto tensioning belt setup, check your owner's documentation for specific methods and tools for installation.