Gen 1 serpentine belt replacement

I don't have a diagram but I have replaced the belt on my 2001. When you look at the belt and the pulleys, I think you'll see that it is quite easy to remove and replace the belt without confusion about how to route it.

 

Your assumption is right. You'll have to see whether you can access the crankshaft pulley from the top. If not then you'll need to remove the engine under cover, but this really is not a big deal.

Yes, it is not pleasant to work on the car in hot, humid weather. Maybe you can do the work first thing in the morning before the weather heats up - or perhaps defer the work until October?

 

I was wondering... obviously it is better to use DENSO, etc. parts to get the 200k miles... but if you keep an eye on it and change it more often, can you get away with the cheapo autoparts store belt?

Also just wondering how much tension is it supposed to have? (ie. 2 cm deflection midway crankshaft and tensioner pulley)

 

I believe the spec is 0.4" deflection, 22 lb pressure. The correct serpentine belt is not very expensive so that is what I would use.

 

My service manual (page CO-4) says 110 pounds (+/- 11) for a new belt (run less than 5 minutes), 67 pounds (+/- 10) for anything less new than that. That's what the reading would be on a tension gauge; for all I know that might be equivalent to 0.4" deflection at 22 pounds if you measure it that way, but I didn't happen to see that figure given.

-Chap

 

The 0.4" / 22lb is for the Gen2, and the Gen1 has a longer belt for the A/C pulley.

I read something about when using a tension gauge, the deflection is set to "1/64 inch for every inch of span length" then you read the tension when you press it to that distance.

 

I think the water pump is your #3. You'll be wondering where the A/C compressor is until you drop the right side engine under-cover. That doesn't require a jack or removing the wheel ... just be sure you find all the little fasteners.

-Chap

 

I don't recall having to use a screwdriver to pry the belt on the pulley. Regardless, glad to hear you had success with your project.

 

FYI the dealer parts dept cost price (not retail) was $12 something and you might be able to get it from them for $10.

 

I just replaced my serpentine belt today. I'm at a couple hundred miles before cracking 100k miles. Belt had cracks every few millimeters, and on engine start sometimes it would squeak. I didn't bother even putting the car in the air, did everything from above. I removed the air intake duct (or I should say, pushed it out of the way as best as I could), as well as a circuit module on the A/C coolant line. After using a 12 mm and 14mm socket to loosen the tensioner bolt and then the pulley bolt, the old belt came out like a breeze.

Putting the new one ($18 from the $tealer, who is selling WS oil for $14/quart verses $8/quart in another nearby city) was not as much of a breeze, I pinched the belt in the middle making an infinity loop, snaked one end around the main engine pulley, then around the A/C compressor pulley, then guided it around the idler and finally tensioner pulley.

 

For what it's worth, the parts dept at the Stealerships seem to be very negotiable. It appears they don't get a lot of walk up business. Anyways, they have always given me the lower price if you mention the real cost online or at the other dealer. But I guess YMMV.