How to Replace a Serpentine Belt on a 2001 Chevy Tracker
Replacing the serpentine belt on a 2001 Chevy Tracker is an essential part of maintaining optimal engine performance. The serpentine belt is the power behind the alternator, the water pump, and the power steering pump, which means that if the belt were to break while you were driving, your car would overheat, the battery would start to die, and you would lose most of your steering control. Check the serpentine belt for cracks and breaks every two to three weeks.
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Instructions
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1
Locate the serpentine belt route diagram near the hood release latch under the hood. If the diagram is not present, draw one. The drawn diagram must accurately depict the exact route of the serpentine belt and note if it goes under or over each specific pulley.
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2
Locate the spring tensioner pulley, which is in the front of the engine compartment, behind the fan. The tensioner pulley resembles all of the other pulleys except that it is affixed to a spring-loaded arm.
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3
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal. Attach the socket wrench to the square peg in the center of the tensioner pulley and rotate it counter-clockwise until the tension is removed from the serpentine belt. Remove the serpentine belt from the tensioner pulley. Slowly release the wrench and remove the belt entirely from the engine.
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4
Slip the new belt in to the engine and route it according to the diagram, making sure to leave the spring tensioner pulley for last. Make sure that you follow the diagram precisely, because if the belt is installed improperly, it can break components.
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5
Rotate the wrench on the spring tensioner pulley counter-clockwise and slide the new belt on to that pulley. Slowly release the wrench to return the tension to the belt.
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References
- Photo Credit timing belt image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
