How to Replace a Serpentine Belt in a 1990 Honda Accord

You should replace the serpentine belt in your 1990 Honda Accord when needed to keep the vehicle running smoothly.

The number of components driven by the serpentine belt in your 1990 Honda Accord depends on the model of your Accord. Typically, the air conditioning pump, water pump, power steering pump and alternator are driven by the serpentine belt as it connects to the crankshaft of the engine. The serpentine belt in your vehicle should be replaced when it begins to stretch or fray, and it must be replaced immediately if it breaks. The procedure for the removal of the belt is the same in all Accord models.

Things You'll Need

• Breaker bar ratchet
• Socket set
• Flathead screwdriver
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Open the hood of your Honda Accord. Locate the belt configuration chart and diagram, which are either on the hood of the vehicle or on the shroud cover of the radiator fan. Use this chart to determine which components of the engine are driven by the serpentine belt, as they differ slightly based on the model of the Accord. Refer to this diagram for the location of the belt tensioner and adjusters.

2. Loosen any of the required adjusters using the socket set or screwdriver. (Different Accord models require different tools. Refer to the chart for specifics.) Locate the bolt on the outside of the tensioner pulley and fit the appropriate size socket over the end of it. Attach the breaker bar ratchet to the socket, and apply leverage in the direction indicated on the diagram to loosen the tensioner. Apply pressure for several seconds to fully disengage the tensioner. Use the flathead screwdriver to slide the belt off the tensioner pulley. Slowly release the tensioner to its resting position. Remove the belt from the remaining pulleys by hand.

3. Route the new serpentine belt through the pulleys of the engine. Start with the crankshaft pulley and work your way through by using the belt configuration chart as a reference guide for the proper routing of the belt. Make sure the slots on the belt line up with the slots on the pulleys. Leave the belt tensioner pulley for last. Put small pieces of masking tape on each pulley to keep the belt in place over each component as you work your way through to the tensioner. Apply leverage to the tensioner and maneuver the belt over it with the flathead screwdriver. Release the pressure on the tensioner pulley slowly.

4. Tighten any required adjusters. Remove the masking tape. Start the engine. Run the vehicle for several minutes to allow the automatic belt tensioner to seat the belt properly. Turn the engine off. Check to ensure the belt is placed on each pulley properly.

Tips & Warnings

• The exact belt-replacement process for each Accord is slightly different. Some vehicles require additional adjusters beyond the tensioner, while some models require only the tensioner to be loosened to remove the belt. Refer to your owner's manual for exact instructions.

• If you do not have an owner's manual or the belt configuration chart, contact a Honda dealership or download the manual from Honda's website. Repair manuals often can be found at a local library.

References

• "Haynes Honda Accord Repair Manual, 1990-1993"; Mike Stubblefield, John H. Haynes; 1994
• Honda Owner Link