-
Step 1
Items to get for this job include a half inch drive socket set, belt tension gauge, flashlight, pencil and paper, a replacement serpentine belt, and a service manual.
-
Step 2
Inspect the serpentine belt. Make sure you inspect when the engine is cool. Check the smooth side of the belt for frays, glazing, or oil contamination. If oil is present, the leak must be corrected. Twist the belt and check the underside. Check for breaks, cracks, and missing chunks of rubber. Inspect the pulleys for nicks, cracks, and distortion of corrosion, and replace if needed.
-
Step 3
Most vehicles have a belt routing sticker under the hood. If you want, you could draw this diagram on notebook pad. Use this diagram to reroute your new belt.
-
Step 4
Locate the self tensioner pulley, Using a half inch drive socket, apply pressure until you release pressure from the belt. When the tension is relieved, slide the serpentine belt off the pulley. Remove the belt from all the other pulleys and engine.
-
Step 5
Compare new belt to old one for correct replacement. To install new belt, follow the diagram on the sticker of the hood or follow the diagram you drew. Correctly route the belt over the pulleys. Be sure the grooves in the belt align with the grooves in the pulleys. Apply pressure on the self tensioner and place the belt underneath it. Let the self tensioner go back into place making sure the belt is correctly placed underneath it.
-
Step 6
If the belt is too small, don't force it. You could damage the self tensioner pulley. Double check the routing pattern and make sure you have the right belt. Use a belt tension gauge to make sure the belt is tighten to the specifications. If the belt is not the right tension, you may need to adjust the self tensioner. Start the engine and check for correct operation. Place used belt in trunk.
