How do I Replace a Serpentine Belt on a 1994 GMC Safari Van?
The serpentine belt on the 1994 GMC Safari van operates all of the front-engine accessories at the same time. The belt is designed to route around all of the accessory pulleys in a method outlined by the belt-routing diagram. When the engine is running, the belt turns around the pulleys so that the accessories can operate. If the belt becomes damaged, it can break and cause all of the accessories to stop working. Replace the belt immediately if there is any damage present.
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Instructions
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1
Open the hood and locate the routing diagram for the serpentine belt. The diagram for the 1994 GMC Safari van is stamped to the fan guard. This routing diagram will be needed for proper belt installation.
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2
Locate the spring-loaded tensioner device that is holding the tension on the belt. The tensioner device for the 1994 Safari is located on the top front of the engine between the alternator and the top idler pulley. To relieve the tension from the belt, use the bolt head in the middle of the tensioner pulley to rotate the tensioner device.
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3
Pivot the tensioner pulley counterclockwise with the breaker bar and a metric socket. While holding the tensioner device over with one hand, use the other hand to remove the belt out from under the tensioner pulley, then release the tensioner.
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4
Pull the belt out of all of the pulleys and out of the engine compartment. Route the new belt around each pulley as directed by the routing diagram. Follow the routing directions precisely or the belt will not fit around the pulleys.
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5
Pivot the tensioner counterclockwise again and position the belt under the tensioner pulley. Make sure that the belt is centered under the tensioner pulley and then release the tensioner and remove the breaker bar. As the tensioner retracts, it will pull all of the slack out of the belt.
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Inspect the belt very carefully to ensure it is seated inside of each pulley. Crank the van and watch the belt as it travels around each pulley to make sure it stays seated. Turn the engine off and close the hood.
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Tips & Warnings
The belt tensioner can also be turned with a 3/8-inch drive ratchet but the leverage from the breaker bar makes it easier to turn the tensioner.
Take the keys out of the ignition before performing any work inside of the engine area. This will prevent anyone from accidentally cranking the engine.
