Drive Belt: Service and Repair

ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT
The accessory drive components are operated by a single, crankshaft driven, serpentine drive belt. An automatic belt tensioner is used to maintain correct belt tension at all times.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to check belt tension with a belt tension gauge on vehicles equipped with an automatic belt tensioner.

REMOVAL

Belt Tensioner-Typical:

1. Attach a socket/wrench to pulley mounting bolt of automatic tensioner.
2. Rotate tensioner assembly clockwise (as viewed from front) until tension has been relieved from belt.
3. Remove belt from idler pulley first.
4. Remove belt from vehicle.

INSTALLATION

Belt Routing-All Engines:

CAUTION: When installing "serpentine" accessory drive belt, belt must be routed correctly. If not, engine may overheat due to water pump rotating in wrong direction. The correct belt with correct length must be used.

The following belt routing schematics are published from the latest information available at the time of publication. If anything differs between these schematics and the Belt Routing Label, use the schematics on Belt Routing Label. This label is located in the engine compartment.
1. Position drive belt over all pulleys except idler pulley. This pulley is located between generator and A/C compressor.
2. Attach a socket/wrench to pulley mounting bolt of automatic tensioner.
3. Rotate socket/wrench clockwise. Place belt over idler pulley. Let tensioner rotate back into place. Remove wrench. Be sure belt is properly seated on all pulleys.

Tensioner Indexing Marks:

4. Check belt indexing marks.
5. The tensioner is equipped with an indexing arrow on back of tensioner and an indexing mark on tensioner housing. If a new belt is being installed, arrow must be within approximately 3 mm (1/8 in.) of indexing mark (Point B). Belt is considered new if it has been used 15 minutes or less. If this specification cannot be met, check for:
^ The wrong belt being installed (incorrect length/ width)
^ Worn bearings on an engine accessory (A/C compressor, power steering pump, water pump, idler pulley or generator)
^ A pulley on an engine accessory being loose
^ Misalignment of an engine accessory
^ Belt incorrectly routed.
A used belt should be replaced if tensioner indexing arrow has moved beyond point A.