How do you route a serpentine belt?

How do you route a serpentine belt?

Locate the belt tensioner. Use a box wrench, socket wrench, or belt tensioner tool to slowly release pressure from the belt. Pull the belt off of all of the pulleys, slowly release the belt tensioner, and remove the belt. Route the new belt around the pulleys in the manufacturer-specified direction and path.

Where is the drive belt routing?

Locate the Belt Routing Diagram. The serpentine belt routing diagram is usually located on a tag in the engine compartment. If it is not found there, it can be accessed in a repair manual, such as Chilton’s Online Repair Manual.

Are serpentine belts directional?

Although most serpentine belts are non-directional, it is possible to install some serpentine belts backwards. The grooved portions of the belt should be touching the grooved pulleys, and smooth areas of the belt should be touching the smooth pulleys.

Are serpentine belts automatically adjusted?

As the drive belt ages, the stress from powering items such as the power steering pump and the alternator can cause the belt to stretch. When the belt stretches, it can begin to slip, if left unattended. Cars equipped with an automatic belt tensioner adjust themselves over time and do not require adjustment.

Can I change a serpentine belt myself?

You can replace a serpentine belt with ordinary hand tools. But we don’t recommend it. The spaces are often tight and the belt-driven devices difficult to reach. The belt placement tool allowed us to remove and properly place the new belt without reaching down into the pulley area.

Can you drive without a serpentine belt?

Under no circumstances can you drive a vehicle without a serpentine belt because the serpentine belt serves the important function of delivering antifreeze to important parts of the engine. The serpentine belt drives the water pump, and without it, there is insufficient coolant flow to maintain the engine temperature.

How expensive is it to replace a serpentine belt?

A typical serpentine belt start at around $25 and goes up to $75 at most. If you know some car repair basics, you could change the belt yourself, and it may save you paying labor charges somewhere between $75 and $120. All together, you’re looking at around $100 to $195 to replace your serpentine belt.

Can a serpentine belt be put on wrong?

In some instances it may be possible to install a serpentine belt the wrong way. A belt that is too loose may slip or come off its pulleys, while a belt that is too tight may overload accessory drive bearings or the belt itself, causing premature belt or component failure.

Can you adjust a serpentine belt?

Most serpentine belts have an auto-tensioner that automatically keeps the proper tension on the belt. However, some belts have an adjustment screw that applies tension to the belt. To correct the problem, tighten your belt.

Is a serpentine belt easy to replace?

Serpentine belt replacement is easy because today’s automatic drive belt tensioners eliminate the need to loosen bolts or pry components into position for retensioning. Just rotate the tensioner, remove the old belt and install a new one.