Drivebelt check, adjustment and replacement
Check
1. The drivebelt is located at the right end of the engine. The good condition of the belt is critical to the operation of the engine. Because of its composition and the high stresses to which it is subjected, the drivebelt stretches and deteriorates as it gets older. It must therefore be periodically inspected.
2. A single serpentine drivebelt is used to transmit power from the crankshaft to the alternator, water pump and the air conditioning compressor.
3. With the engine stopped, inspect the full length of the drivebelt(s) for cracks and separation of the belt plies. It will be necessary to turn the engine (using a wrench or socket and breaker bar on the crankshaft pulley bolt, working clockwise only) in order to move the belt from the pulleys so that the belt can be inspected thoroughly. Check for fraying, and glazing which gives the belt a shiny appearance. Check the pulleys for nicks, cracks, distortion and corrosion.
4. Note that it is not unusual for a ribbed belt to exhibit small cracks in the edges of the belt ribs, and unless these are extensive or very deep, belt replacement is not essential (see illustration).
i. 4 Small cracks in the underside of a V-ribbed belt are acceptable — lengthwise cracks, or missing pieces that cause the belt to make noise, are cause for replacement
Note: There is no drivebelt tension adjustment, it is adjusted automatically by a spring-loaded tensioner.
Replacement
Warning: Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery before performing this procedure (see Engine electrical systems).
5. Loosen the lug nuts of the right front wheel. Raise the vehicle, support it securely on jack stands and remove the right front wheel.
6. Open the hood, remove the coolant expansion tank mounting bolts and set the tank out of the way (see Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems, if necessary).
7. Remove the inner fender splash shield for access to the tensioner (see illustration).
i. 7 Remove the inner fender splash shield fasteners and shield
8. Place a wrench on the hexagon portion of the tensioner and rotate the belt tensioner clockwise to release the tension. Slip the belt off the pulleys (see illustration). Slowly release the tensioner.
i. 8 To release the tension on the drivebelt, place a long wrench or socket and ratchet on the hex-shaped boss, then turn the tensioner clockwise
Note: Working room is very limited. It may be necessary to use a box-end wrench.
9. Route the new belt over the pulleys (see illustration), again rotating the tensioner to allow the belt to be installed, then release the belt tensioner.
i. 9 Drivebelt routing diagram
10. Make sure the belt is properly centered in the pulleys (see illustration).
i. 10 When installing a multi-ribbed belt, make sure it is centered — it must not
Tensioner replacement
Warning: Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery before performing this procedure (see Engine electrical systems).
Note: It may be necessary to remove the alternator to access the tensioner (see Engine electrical systems).
11. To replace a tensioner that can’t properly tension the belt, or one that exhibits binding or a worn-out bearing/pulley, remove the drive-belt, then unscrew the mounting bolt (see illustration).
i. 11 Drivebelt tensioner mounting bolt
Note: On 2017 and later models, the tensioner bolt is covered by a dust cap; use a screwdriver to pop the cap off of the tensioner to access the mounting bolt.
12. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Tighten the bolt to the torque value listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
13. Install the drivebelt.