How To Replace A Serpentine Belt

How To Replace A Serpentine Belt? Quick Guide

ByPeter M. Thomas

The serpentine belt is a critical component of your vehicle’s engine. It drives the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. If the serpentine belt breaks, your engine will overheat and could be damaged.

Symptoms of a Bad Serpentine Belt

  • Squealing or chirping noise when the engine is running
  • Dimming headlights or flickering interior lights
  • Overheating engine
  • Loss of power steering
  • Loss of air conditioning

Tools and Materials Needed

  • New serpentine belt
  • Wrench
  • Socket wrench
  • Ratchet
  • Jack and jack stands

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Park your vehicle on a level surface and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool down completely.
  2. Raise the front of your vehicle with a jack and jack stands. Make sure the vehicle is stable before you crawl underneath it.
  3. Locate the serpentine belt. It is usually located on the front of the engine, near the top. The belt will be wrapped around the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.
  4. Loosen the tensioner pulley. The tensioner pulley is usually located near the top of the serpentine belt. Use a wrench or socket wrench to loosen the bolt or nut that holds the tensioner pulley in place.
  5. Remove the old serpentine belt. Once the tensioner pulley is loose, you can remove the old serpentine belt by slipping it off the pulleys.
  6. Install the new serpentine belt. Start by slipping the new serpentine belt over the water pump pulley. Then, work your way around the engine, slipping the belt over the remaining pulleys.
  7. Tighten the tensioner pulley. Once the new serpentine belt is in place, tighten the tensioner pulley bolt or nut. Make sure the belt is tight, but not too tight.
  8. Lower your vehicle off the jack stands.
  9. Start the engine and check for any unusual noises or vibrations. If you hear any strange noises or feel any vibrations, stop the engine and check the serpentine belt again.

Tips

  • If you are having trouble removing the old serpentine belt, you can use a pry bar to help you.
  • Be careful not to drop the new serpentine belt into the engine compartment. If you do, you will have to remove the belt and start over.
  • Check the serpentine belt regularly for signs of wear and tear. Replace the belt as soon as possible if you notice any cracks, fraying, or other damage.

Conclusion

Replacing a serpentine belt is a relatively easy task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can save yourself the time and expense of having to take your vehicle to a mechanic. 

Peter M. Thomas
Latest posts by Peter M. Thomas (see all)

Similar Posts