Here's a general overview. Specifics might vary slightly depending on the exact year of your Grand Am, so always consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle's year and model. A Haynes or Chilton manual is a good investment for DIY car repair.
Tools You'll Need:
* New serpentine belt: Get the correct size and type from an auto parts store. Provide them with your Grand Am's year, make, model, and engine size.
* Socket wrench set: Including various sizes, likely including a 13mm and 15mm.
* Wrench set: May also need some open-ended wrenches.
* Ratchet and extensions: To reach hard-to-access bolts.
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To secure the car.
* Gloves: To protect your hands.
* Shop rags or paper towels: For cleaning.
* Possibly a serpentine belt tensioner tool: While some tensioners can be manually loosened by hand or a wrench, a special tool can make the process safer and easier. Check your repair manual to see if this is necessary for your Grand Am's year.
General Steps:
1. Safety First: Park your car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels. Jack up the front of the car and securely support it on jack stands.
2. Locate the Serpentine Belt: Identify the serpentine belt routing. Pay close attention to how it runs around each pulley. Take pictures or make a diagram *before* you remove the belt. This is crucial for reinstallation.
3. Loosen the Tensioner: This is the most critical step. The tensioner pulley needs to be loosened to release the tension on the belt. This usually involves using a socket wrench or a specific tensioner tool to loosen a bolt or turn a lever on the tensioner. Consult your repair manual for the precise location and method for your vehicle. Loosening the tensioner will allow you to slip the belt off the pulleys.
4. Remove the Old Belt: Once the tension is released, carefully work the belt off each pulley, following the routing in reverse order of how it was installed.
5. Install the New Belt: Carefully route the new belt onto each pulley, following the diagram or picture you made (or the diagram in your repair manual). Ensure the belt is properly seated on all pulleys.
6. Tighten the Tensioner: After installing the belt, tighten the tensioner pulley back to its normal position.
7. Check Belt Tension: The belt should have a slight amount of give but shouldn't be overly loose. Consult your repair manual for the proper tension specification.
8. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
9. Start the Engine: Start the engine and listen for any squealing or unusual noises. If there are any issues, immediately turn the engine off and double-check your work.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your vehicle's year is invaluable. It will show you exactly where the tensioner is, what size tools you need, and the proper belt routing.
* Tensioner Tool: You may need a specialized tool for releasing the tensioner.
* Pulley Alignment: Make sure all pulleys are properly aligned. Misalignment can cause premature belt wear.
This is a general guide. Improper installation can lead to serious damage, so please prioritize safety and consult your repair manual. If you're uncomfortable performing this repair, take your Grand Am to a qualified mechanic. The cost of a repair is far less than the cost of engine damage.
