Tools You'll Need:
* New serpentine belt: Get the correct size and type for your car. Your repair manual or a parts store employee can help you identify the correct one.
* Socket set and wrenches: You'll need various sizes, likely including metric sizes.
* Ratchet: A good quality ratchet will make the job easier.
* Wrench for tensioner pulley: This is usually a long handled wrench or a specific tool designed for this purpose. This is crucial for releasing the tension on the belt.
* Gloves: Protect your hands.
* Jack and jack stands (highly recommended): Working under the car is much safer with the car securely supported.
* Wheel chocks: Essential for safety.
* Pry bar (optional but helpful): May be needed to help position the belt.
* Shop rags: To clean up any grease or dirt.
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake firmly, and use wheel chocks. Raise the front of the car securely using a jack and jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
2. Locate the Serpentine Belt: Identify the serpentine belt routing around the various pulleys (water pump, alternator, power steering pump, etc.). Take a picture before you start; this is incredibly helpful when reinstalling the belt.
3. Locate the Tensioner Pulley: This is a pulley with a mechanism to release tension on the belt. It's often spring-loaded. Your repair manual will show you exactly where it is.
4. Release Tension on the Tensioner Pulley: This is the most crucial step and usually requires a special tool or a long wrench. Use the correct tool to loosen the tensioner pulley. You may need to turn the wrench in a specific direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) to release the tension; again, your manual should tell you which way. This will allow you to slip the belt off the pulleys. Be careful; the tensioner pulley may spring back suddenly when released.
5. Remove the Old Belt: Once the tension is released, carefully remove the old serpentine belt from the pulleys.
6. Install the New Belt: Starting with the tightest pulley (often the crankshaft pulley), carefully route the new belt around all the pulleys in the correct order. Refer to your photo or the diagram in your repair manual to ensure you follow the correct path.
7. Release Tensioner (Again): Re-tighten the tensioner pulley slightly to give yourself some slack to route the belt fully and correctly around all the pulleys.
8. Check the Belt Routing: Double-check that the belt is routed correctly around all the pulleys. Any misalignment will cause problems and can damage the belt and pulleys.
9. Release Tensioner Completely: After confirming the proper routing, completely release the tension on the tensioner pulley. You should feel the belt tension snugly.
10. Lower the Car: Carefully lower the car from the jack stands.
11. Test Run: Start the engine and listen for any squealing or unusual noises. Check the belt tension. If there's excessive squealing, the belt might be too loose, improperly routed, or another component may have an issue. Recheck everything.
Important Considerations:
* Use caution: Serpentine belts run at high speed. If it breaks while the engine is running, significant damage can occur.
* Proper tension: The belt should have a slight deflection when pressed with your thumb. Refer to your manual for specifics.
* Damaged Pulley: Examine the pulleys while you have the belt off. If any appear damaged, they'll need to be replaced.
* Repair Manual: Using a repair manual specific to your 1998 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi is highly recommended. It will have detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and safety advice.
This is a complex procedure, and errors could lead to damage. If you're uncomfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. The cost of a professional repair is much less than the potential damage caused by an incorrectly installed belt.
