Tools
- Socket wrench set
- Ratchet
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Belt tensioner tool
Materials
- New drive belts (serpentine belt and alternator belt)
- Belt dressing
- Rag
- Safety glasses
Instructions
1. Park the car in a safe location and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool down completely before beginning work.
2. Open the hood of the car.
3. Locate the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is the long, thin belt that wraps around the crankshaft, water pump, alternator, and power steering pump.
4. Loosen the serpentine belt tensioner. The serpentine belt tensioner is a small, metal arm that presses against the serpentine belt to keep it tight. Use the ratchet and socket wrench to loosen the bolt that holds the tensioner in place.
5. Remove the serpentine belt. Once the tensioner is loose, you can remove the serpentine belt by slipping it off of the pulleys.
6. Install the new serpentine belt. Place the new serpentine belt around the pulleys in the same orientation as the old belt.
7. Tighten the serpentine belt tensioner. Use the ratchet and socket wrench to tighten the bolt that holds the tensioner in place.
8. Locate the alternator belt. The alternator belt is a shorter, thicker belt that runs from the crankshaft to the alternator.
9. Loosen the alternator belt tensioner. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the bolt that holds the alternator belt tensioner in place.
10. Remove the alternator belt. Slip the alternator belt off of the pulleys.
11. Install the new alternator belt. Place the new alternator belt around the pulleys in the same orientation as the old belt.
12. Tighten the alternator belt tensioner. Use the adjustable wrench to tighten the bolt that holds the tensioner in place.
13. Apply belt dressing to the belts. Belt dressing is a liquid that helps to keep the belts from slipping. Apply a small amount of belt dressing to each belt with a rag.
14. Close the hood of the car.
Your drive belts are now repaired and your car should be running smoothly again.
