Things You'll Need:
- Box and hand wrench set
- Belt removal tool
- Ratchet and socket set
- Repair manual
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Step 1
Open the hood and locate the drive belt(s). Either locate the serpentine belt routing diagram in the engine compartment, or refer to the repair manual.
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Step 2
Determine the type of tension applied to the belt you're replacing. Often, if the belt routing diagram can be located, it will display if an automatic tensioner is being used. If you only have one belt connected to all of the pulleys of the vehicle, then you have an automatic belt tensioner.
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Step 3
Locate the belt tensioner per belt routing diagram. The automatic tensioner is a pulley on a pivoting bracket. To relieve the tension, a tool is inserted onto the pulley or a square drive is provided to insert a tool or ratchet. Apply the correct tool the tensioner calls for, and turn the tool counterclockwise to loosen the tension. While holding the tool in place with the tension relieved, slip the belt off the most accessible pulley that you can reach.
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Step 4
Loosen the two (or three) bolts on the alternator, on older vehicles that do not have an automatic belt tensioner. If you inspect the alternator, you will notice it is attached to a bracket with a curved slot. Loosening the bolts of the alternator will allow you to pivot the alternator along the curved slot and release tension to remove the belt. To apply tension, reverse the procedure.
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Step 5
Locate the adjusting bolt bracket on an import vehicle to loosen the tensioner. Most often this bracket is located near the alternator. Loosen the bolt with a ratchet and socket until tension is relieved on the belt. Locate the idler pulley and loosen the center retaining bolt using a wrench and turning the bolt counterclockwise. Once you can wiggle the pulley, you will be able to remove the belt from the pulley groove.
