Tools You'll Likely Need:
* New serpentine belt: Ensure you get the correct belt size. Check your owner's manual or a parts store for the correct part number.
* Wrench(es): Sizes will depend on your car but likely include metric sizes for various bolts and possibly a socket wrench for the tensioner.
* Socket set: A good selection of sockets, both metric and standard.
* Ratchet: To use with your sockets.
* Pliers: Possibly needle-nose for accessing hard to reach areas.
* Jack and jack stands: Crucial for safety; never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
* Gloves: To protect your hands.
* Shop rag or clean cloths: To clean up any dirt or grease.
General Steps (Always refer to your repair manual for specifics):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks. Raise the front of the car using a jack and securely support it with jack stands.
2. Locate the Tensioner: The serpentine belt tensioner is a pulley with a mechanism to adjust belt tension. It's usually located near the engine. Identifying it is crucial.
3. Release Belt Tension: This is the most critical step. The tensioner will have a bolt or other mechanism (often a lever or a bolt) to release the tension on the belt. You'll likely need a wrench or socket to loosen this mechanism. This is where your repair manual is vital – the method varies greatly between models. Some tensioners use a long bolt which is rotated to release tension and allow the belt to be easily slipped off the pulleys. Others have a ratchet mechanism.
4. Remove the Old Belt: Once the tension is released, the belt should be loose enough to slip off the pulleys. Work your way around the pulleys, guiding the belt off.
5. Install the New Belt: Route the new belt onto the pulleys in the same path as the old one. Make sure it goes around all the pulleys correctly. Double-check against the old belt if you are not sure of the path.
6. Re-tension the Belt: Tighten the tensioner bolt or mechanism back to its proper position. The repair manual will specify how much tension to apply. You might need to use a wrench or a special tensioning tool. The belt should have little to no slack when you twist it by hand. It should be snug, but not overly tight.
7. Check Belt Routing: After installing the belt and re-tensioning, double-check that the belt is correctly routed around all pulleys and that there's no significant slack.
8. Lower the Car: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
9. Start the Engine: Start the engine and listen for any unusual squealing or sounds. If you hear squealing, the belt might be too loose or too tight, or it might be routed incorrectly. Shut off the engine immediately and check the belt again.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass is highly recommended. It will have diagrams, torque specifications, and detailed instructions.
* Safety: Working under a car is dangerous. Always use jack stands and follow safety precautions.
* Belt Routing: Getting the belt routed correctly is essential. A misrouted belt can cause damage to components.
If you are uncomfortable performing this repair yourself, take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installing a serpentine belt can lead to engine damage.
