- New Serpentine Belt (refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the correct size)
- Wrench
- Ratchet with a 10mm socket
- Pliers
- Jack and Jack Stands (optional, but recommended for safety)
Instructions:
1. Park your vehicle in a safe location and apply the parking brake. It's best to perform this task in a well-lit area with enough space to work.
2. If you're working on an inclined surface, engage the wheel chocks to prevent your car from rolling.
3. Locate the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is usually located at the front of the engine, wrapped around several pulleys, including the crankshaft, alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. It is typically black and made of rubber.
4. Locate the tensioner pulley. The tensioner pulley is responsible for maintaining the proper tension of the serpentine belt. It is usually located near the top of the engine, towards the front. On some vehicles, there might be two tensioner pulleys.
5. Release the tension on the serpentine belt. Using the wrench or the 10mm socket and ratchet, loosen the tensioner pulley. This will loosen the serpentine belt and allow you to remove it.
6. Remove the old serpentine belt. Once the tension is released, you can simply remove the old serpentine belt by slipping it off the pulleys.
7. Inspect the pulleys for wear and damage. While the belt is removed, take the opportunity to inspect the pulleys for any signs of wear, damage, or misalignment. If you notice anything unusual, it's best to have it checked by a qualified mechanic.
8. Install the new serpentine belt. Align the new serpentine belt around the pulleys. Starting from the crankshaft pulley, route it around the pulleys following the same path as the old belt.
9. Re-tension the serpentine belt. Use the tensioner pulley to re-tension the serpentine belt. Tighten the tensioner pulley until the belt has the proper amount of tension. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or repair manual for the correct tension specifications.
10. Double-check the belt tension and alignment. Ensure the serpentine belt is correctly seated on all the pulleys and has the appropriate tension.
11. Start your vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. If everything seems fine, turn off the engine and perform a final check to make sure the belt is still properly tensioned.
Note: If you're not comfortable working on your vehicle, it's recommended to take it to a qualified mechanic to have the serpentine belt replaced.
