How to Remove a Serpentine Belt Using Auto Tensioner

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Today's modern vehicles use a serpentine belt to drive the air conditioning system, alternator, water pump, smog pump and power steering pump. Previously, these systems used multiple belt and pulley systems with a number of ways to tighten the belts. The serpentine belt system consists of only one belt and one automatic belt tensioner. All moving parts are subject to failure and you may need to remove the serpentine belt to replace the belt itself or one of the components it drives. The process is not difficult and can be done using basic hand tools.

Steps

1. 1
   Park the vehicle in a level spot and set the emergency brake. Turn the engine off and chock the rear wheels.

   
   
2. 2
   Raise the hood of the vehicle's engine compartment and set the hood brace to keep it open.
3. 3
   Look for a diagram decal posted near the front of the engine compartment that lays out the serpentine belt. Most likely, it will be mounted on the top of the radiator shroud or cover.
4. 4
   Locate the serpentine belt auto tensioner using the diagram. The auto tensioner is a spring-loaded device that keeps the serpentine belt tight. It will look like a nut with a square opening on a cover or cap that protects the spring.
5. 5
   Use one of 3 tools to take the tension off the belt.
   • Take an adjustable wrench and insert it over the nut.
   • Use a 3/8 inch (9.52 mm) ratchet extension attached to a 3/8 inch (9.52 mm) ratchet, inserting it into the square opening center of the nut.
   • Borrow or rent a serpentine belt removal tool from an auto parts store. Follow the instructions that come with the tool.
6. 6
   Push down or pull up, depending on the orientation of the tensioner. Remove the tension off the belt by slipping the belt off the auto tensioner.
7. 7
   Remove the tool from the belt auto tensioner.
8. 8
   Pull the belt off the remaining pulleys and remove it from the engine compartment.

   
   

Tips

• Most auto supply stores will loan the serpentine belt removal tool to you at no cost if you are buying the parts from them.
• Reverse the procedure to reinstall the serpentine belt with auto tensioner.

Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses when working on a vehicle.
• Wait until the engine has cooled to work on anything that is near it. The temperature generated by the engine can cause severe burns.

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