When learning how to put on a serpentine belt there are four necessary considerations that need to be addressed.
First, locate the tensioner. Tensioners should not be confused with idler pulleys. An idler pulley has a smooth pulley but is stationary and is used to change direction in the belt. The tensioner has a visable swing arm. If it is the sliding type, it has a pulley that is raised or lowered with the use of a bolt threaded through the rear base of the pulley. The pulley is attached to a flat piece of metal with a long vertical slot.
If the tensioner is the type that uses the alternator for the tension, the alternator will be attached to a bracket with a long slot.
The next thing to consider is the serpentine belt routing. This should be noted on a placard on the radiator support shroud and in the owner's manual. If neither are available, turn to the Web.
Look at the tensioner and determine the type of tool necessary to swing or move the tensioner away from the belt.
Third, determine the easiest procedure for installing the belt. Conventional rear wheel drive vehicles are generally quite open, making it easy to replace the belt. Rear wheel drive vehicles, which make up 90 percent of all late model vehicles, are a horse of a different color. Usually, the engine pulleys are only 1 inch or less away from the frame making for very close quarters. It is extremely difficult to get your hands into this area. To aid in the installation of the serpentine belt, get a 3-foot rod or long screwdriver to help push the belt on the lower pulleys.
Fourth, install the tensioner tool and move the tensioner away from the serpentine belt followed by removing the old belt. Always install the serpentine belt starting on the opposite side of the tensioner. Push the belt down to the crankshaft pulley and install it around this pulley using the rod if necessary to push the belt all the way on. Install the belt around the pulleys according to the belt routing diagram always keeping tension on the belt with one hand and holding it straight up so the belt does not fall off. The belt will go on all the pulleys except one. Move the tensioner away from the belt, slip the belt under the tensioner and release the pressure on the tensioner. This allows the tensioner to apply pressure to the belt.
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