EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR DIY SERPENTINE BELT REPLACEMENT
                     EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR DIY 
SERPENTINE BELT REPLACEMENT
Paul Norman Jasper
Writer  whose topics include, 
replacement auto parts reviews at autopartsu.com 
and replacement car parts reviews at autopartsu.com
.
There is no reason to be intimidated by the prospect of replacing your 
vehicle’s worn or broken serpentine belt. With the right tools, knowledge, 
and willpower, you can replace this essential belt on your own. Follow the 
guidelines detailed below, and your serpentine belt replacement project will 
prove faster and easier than expected.
WHERE TO START: CONSULT THE GUIDES
Give your vehicle’s manual and the belt routing diagram below the hood a 
once-over before commencing. If this schematic is not available, you can 
likely find it on the internet. Print out the schematic to use as a reference 
during the serpentine belt replacement.
STEP1: EXAMINE THE BELT WRAPS
Take a close look at the manner in which the worn serpentine belt wraps 
across the pulleys. Hold the new serpentine belt in-hand so you can practice 
replicating its route. It will also help to take a couple of pictures of the old 
serpentine belt’s position using your smartphone, but if the belt appears to 
be out of place, taking won’t do any good. When in doubt, consult the 
driver’s manual or the placard beneath the hood for an illustration of the 
proper routing.
Pinpoint the self-adjusting tensioner. Be especially careful as you slowly 
release the tension out of the belt. The rear of the belt moves against the 
tensioner, meaning it will look similar to a smooth roller as opposed to a 
traditional pulley.
STEP 2: RELEASE THE TENSION
Once you are sure you have enough room to maneuver your tools, guide the 
wrench along the tensioner. Remove the wrench or tensioner as soon as the 
tension is released. Once the tension dissipates, the old serpentine belt can 
be safely pulled out.
STEP 3: REMOVE THE WORN SERPENTINE BELT
You now have the opportunity to remove the worn serpentine belt. Be sure 
to spin the tensioner pulley with your hand to determine if it is worn. If the 
tensioner pulley is excessively tight, too loose, or loud, it must be replaced. 
This is also your opportunity to check the idler pulleys and pumps to ensure 
they are moving without restriction. The pulleys and idler pulleys for the 
alternator, water pump, A/C compressor, and smog pump should be checked 
to ensure they do not have deflection or are likely to wobble.
STEP 4: INSTALL THE NEW SERPENTINE BELT
It is now time to add the new serpentine belt. Align the ribs of the belt with 
the pulley grooves, taking special care to ensure the serpentine belt is not 
even slightly twisted. Tighten the tensioner. The final step is to double-check 
both the tensioner as well as the belt to ensure they have the proper level of 
tightness prior to starting the engine.
Do not immediately drive your vehicle after installing the new serpentine 
belt. Allow the vehicle’s engine to idle for a full minute or longer to ensure 
the serpentine belt is functioning as it should. Be sure to replace coverings or 
parts removed during the serpentine belt replacement prior to taking the 
vehicle out for a ride.
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