- Replacement alternator belt
- 3/8-inch drive ratchet
- 15mm socket
- 18mm socket
- Long extension
- Breaker bar (optional)
- Safety glasses
- Owner’s manual (for safety and specific vehicle information)
Instructions:
Step 1: Park your vehicle safely and securely.
Engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool down. If on an incline, chock the wheels. Put on safety glasses. Consult the owner’s manual for specific safety guidelines.
Step 2: Disconnect the battery’s negative terminal.
Locate the negative (-) battery terminal. It’s usually marked with a “-“ sign. Use the ratchet and 10mm socket to loosen and remove the negative battery terminal. This step is crucial to avoid electrical shock and potential damage to vehicle electronics.
Step 3: Remove the serpentine belt.
Locate the serpentine belt. It is usually a single belt that loops around the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.
Find the tensioner pulley, which is usually located on the side of the engine.
Using the ratchet and 15mm socket, loosen the tensioner pulley by rotating it counterclockwise.
While holding the tensioner pulley in the released position, remove the serpentine belt by slipping it off all the pulleys.
Step 4: Remove the alternator belt.
Locate the alternator belt. It is usually located on the front of the engine and connects the alternator to the crankshaft.
Use the ratchet and 15mm socket to loosen and remove the alternator belt.
If the alternator belt is too tight to remove by hand, you can use a pry bar to pry it off the pulleys. Be careful not to damage the pulleys or the belt.
Step 5: Prepare the alternator belt for installation and install it.
Take the new alternator and position it over the pulleys without tension.
Apply tension to the belt by rotating the tensioner clockwise.
Make sure that the belt is properly seated on all of the pulleys. Verify the alignment.
Step 6: Reconnect the battery’s negative terminal.
Reattach the negative battery terminal using the ratchet and 10mm socket. Tighten it securely.
Step 7: Start the engine and check the belt.
Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
Check to make sure that the alternator belt is properly tensioned and that it is not making any noise.
Consult the owner’s manual for recommended tension specifications. Adjust as necessary using the tensioner pulley.
Step 8: Clean up and store your tools.
Clean up any tools or debris. Store your tools safely.
