Tools and Materials:
- Serpentine belt
- 14 mm wrench
- 12 mm socket wrench or adjustable crescent wrench
- Car Jack and Jack Stands (if needed for certain Paseo models)
Precautions:
- Make sure the engine is off and has cooled down for at least 30 minutes before starting this procedure.
- Never work under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands or ramps.
Procedure:
1. If your Paseo doesn't have enough clearance for you to reach the belt, raise the front end of your vehicle using a car jack and place it on jack stands. Make sure the vehicle is stable and properly secured.
2. Locate the alternator. It is usually mounted on one side of the engine near the top.
3. Look for the serpentine belt tensioner. This is a pulley with a spring-loaded mechanism that helps keep the belt taut.
4. Insert the 14mm wrench into the square hole of tensioner pulley. Turn the tensioner pulley counterclockwise to loosen the belt. Once loosened, slip off the belt.
5. Route the new belt around the pulleys in the reverse order that it was removed, or according to the belt routing diagram available in the vehicle’s service manual or under the hood.
6. Ensure that the belt is properly seated in all the pulley groves.
7. Use the 14 mm wrench to rotate the tensioner pulley again, this time in a clockwise direction, until the belt is properly tensioned. The correct tension depends on the specific vehicle model and type of belt.
- To check the belt tension by hand using the "twist method", press down on the longest (but not the longest run of the belt between pulleys) straight stretch of belt.
- It should depress about ½ to ¾ of an inch (approximately 12.7 to 19 mm) if properly tensioned.
- If it is too loose or too tight, re-tension the belt.
8. Once the belt is properly tensioned, re-tighten the tensioner pulley bolt or nut.
9. Lower the vehicle if it was raised earlier.
10. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or alignment issues with the belt.
11. Turn off the engine and re-check the belt tension after a short drive. If necessary, re-adjust the tension and tighten any loosened bolts or nuts.
Note: These instructions are general and may vary slightly for different model years or trims. Always refer to the vehicle's service manual or a reliable repair guide for specific instructions for your Paseo model.
