How To Replace a Serpentine Belt - EricTheCarGuy

[@seanlovesjobo]

Dude, I can't thank you enough for the time you've put into these videos. You'll never know how much grief you've spared me. God bless you!

[@kokirriverayahoocom]

Oooooomaaaaaiiigaaaa!! this is so much better than the other video, where they removed the airl filter housing box and the the mottor mount , to gain access into the belt.....but you did this friendlier...thank you my new friend

[@CentralCanada]

Thanks for taking the time to produce & share this vid' ! It is an initial assist, in swapping out the serpentine on my '82 F-100 V6 3.8L . Another op' I decided to do, as part of the primary challenge to fixing the blown 'freeze plug' (out of the driverside, front of engine block). That occurred while cruising at 100kmh, heard a bang, then visually causing a large steam cloud and purging of majority of coolant . First time experience, within 50yrs of driving ! LoL Also going to replace both rad' hoses, thermostat, gasket, coolant temp. sensor. I had replaced the upper me-self 12yrs ago but time enough to change out again. Albeit lower rad' hose is very elusive, being the only item not accessible from local retailers, including within ph, call to chat with parts'rep. at one of the local Ford dealerships, who also confirmed nothing compatible from within recent ford' models . And hi-lited a lot of automotive products have been oddly discontinued over the decades.... Stated "oddly" generic example; a L. side item is discontinued, where-as the same R. side item is still available ! 8-)

[@lbburgett]

Thank you! I was going to take this into a mechanic to have it done--because I'm an out-of-shape, menopausal 47-year-old office worker. But, back in the day, since my Dad was afflicted with a chronic case of the Tinker-itis, and since I was an agreeable flashlight holder and socket-finder, I knew my way around an engine. Granted, those engines boasted carburetors, so most of the stuff I can no longer do. but THIS, I can do.

[@francesayres]

Laura Burgett p

[@julidiamondlover]

I read that as "tinker-tits" at first glance. I think I am going to use that lol

[@nadiaswaidan5272]

Laura Burgett Send me your number plz

[@donnajohnson8355]

Mine broke 💔 and I'm going to replace it myself. I'm 62

[@donnajohnson8355]

@@julidiamondlover 😆lol

[@bluemicrodot]

Hey man, Darrel's wife here. The drawing of where the belt is supposed to go, especially the air conditioning helped. I haven't done it, yet. I'm nervous. I've done lots easier things. I looked at my fan belt and knew I actually had to look up help. Thank-you. And I'll measure right. I have to do it tomorrow cuz my husband is taking the 1990 truck I've fixed, for two weeks. And I'm stuck with the car that has fan belt problems.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Anacinc I believe it is a matter of function or not as you suggest, if it's not making noise, is loose, or causing some other problem I would leave it alone and just replace the belt.

[@deathlywaffle1292]

I have been watching this guy for a while, He has changed a bit. working on your car looks fun now.

[@moncru70]

I did the belts (2) on our car today. Lot easier after watching Eric for months now I have gained lots of confidence from you. Saved lots of money not bad for a 42 year old female. Thanks Eric.

[@larpsim]

Hey, it's George Clooney the mechanic! Great video, Eric. Thanks.

[@MiamiZombie2012]

Changed my belts the other day and saved over a hundred bucks. Great video

[@ashiha13]

This is twice now you've greatly helped me out where no one else could. I ended up loosening the bolt that holds down the entire tensioner instead of noticing that there was a part to temporarily move the arm. Saw your video and noticed that there was that slot to move the arm, went back out and fixed it. All is well now thanks so much.

[@edwards99]

Thank you for your videos. I watch several channels when trying to fix one of the family vehicles, and I don't know why but your videos make the light go on in my head. Great work, please keep it up!

[@JMGOODELL]

Thank you! I spent two hours trying to do this myself. Nowhere did anyone state that you put the socket wrench TIP in the tensioner hole. The most important detail was explained as "put a wrench to it" everywhere I looked. Thank you so much. 5 minutes after watching this the belt was on and the truck was running.

[@brutalyzedbytv]

Hey, this is great! Thanks, ETCG! I had a scary belt-breaking incident 2 days ago, which also knocked loose an antifreeze hose. For me, the best part of this video is you pointing out the belt diagram---stamped inside the hood! This after I spent the better part of today, in the library & on Internet, searching for a belt diagram to match my 1993 Ford Taurus. DUH! Your other points are incisive time savers as well. You deserve a raise!

[@ericthecarguy]

@importplus I'm very happy my video was able to help you, thanks for your comment.

[@TheWhoQuad]

Thank you - Watched your video, bought the belt and had it replaced within the hour (20 minutes actually replacing it). Long arms - did not need to get down and funky. Great video.

[@CindyStAmour-os1sy]

Thank you Eric!! This really helped me a lot. I really enjoy working on cars and learning all I can about them. It doesn't always stay in my head, age it sucks, so it's nice to have a refresher course. Thank you.

[@elmonteslim3711]

..all good advice my good man... I spent 4 years at University doing completing my Engineering degree, Your explanation is very good.

[@99tdtdtd]

Excellent video presentation. Best I've seen. Thanks for taking the time to do these. I've been trying to fit my serpentine belt back on but it wont go!! I tied a 50 lb weight on it and hung it in my garage today. When i get home Im hoping for a little more room. My life sucks! lol

[@shekiahdelaney]

single mom here. cant afford a mechanic, labor kills! i am def going to look at my car and see if i can do this. this video was super helpful

[@xYouthAttackx]

Shekiah Delaney it's a pain but it's doable. Mine took about 30 minutes with all the right tools.

[@limwang75]

U can do it i have faith in you

[@shaunpmarshall]

Shekiah Delaney ...marrying me would help.

[@alexandriaortega4116]

Shekiah Delaney could you do it because I’m in the same situation right here

[@tishaallen1]

You are my new SUPERHERO!!! I pretty much knew how to do this, but your awesome video is so thorough and helped alieviate my nervousness...you will now be the "go to guy" when I need to make minor repairs or maintain my vehicle. THANKS!

[@The_Mallard]

You kind of have that early 90's Michael Keaton humor about yourself. It makes it one of the easier videos to watch. Keep it up

[@enveno1]

i really needed this video, the belt on my car slipped off when i was coming home, i fought my car home and looked for the cause of the problem, it wasnt hard to find..lol. the next thing i called a repair shop to see if they could help me, sure for 200.00, nope, i dont know about you, but i need all the money i can get. thank you so much for all the help.

[@Paul186]

Jeez, Eric. the best tutorial, yet. It was clear with good common sense tips. You're a guy who humbles PhD's who come in with their nose in air.

[@Bigdaddyshaker]

My serpentine belt fell off on my s10 once on I 75 (junk pulley) stranded with no tools I took a ratchet strap hooked to the pulley and the wheel well and managed to get it back on lol worked great in a pinch also used a ratchet strap to keep my hood shut when the latch gave out on the same truck

[@anthonyjpatti]

I like your style Eric. Nice video. I always document everything with a camera before I get started. It's amazing that everyone is carrying around a high def camera in their pocket but they don't use it for stuff like this.

[@jinglejazz7537]

HOWDY ERICTHECARGUY...I have a 92 crown vic lx, with 280,000kms on it. had the throttle sticking problem, didn't know what it was causing it to hesitate and even stall on the QE2 in Alberta. Saw your vid, man that throttle was completely covered in thick gunk, cleaned it out like you showed, and it works great now, now I have to change the belt, followed your instructions, another triumph, thanks eh!

[@ericthecarguy]

@Michiganborn1969 Belt deflection depends on the length of the span you are checking. There is a tool for measuring this but it is not often used or possessed by many shops. I almost got my CDL years back but since I knew I was going into the automotive world I didn't bother. I might still get it one day yet however.

[@ericthecarguy]

@enveno1 It's always great to hear when one of my videos helps so thanks for that. Belts don't often come off without a cause however so you might want to check for loose or worn parts on the pulleys and accessories, pay particular attention to the tensioner. For the most part tensioners are easy to replace depending on the clearance you have to work with. Thanks again for the great comment.

[@tammiewalters3940]

What if your old belt broke and I don’t have the old belt to compare to

[@BasileaNate]

man...I just gotta say THANKS! to Eric the car guy, cuz this is like the dozeneth video of yours I've watched and its just super common sense and I have to say I REALLY appreciate these videos! keep up the good work!

[@kemkromik]

Watched this as I didn't understand how a tensioner worked. Gave me exactly the info I needed. Thanks!

[@importplus]

Your the Best Eric!! I was killing myself trying to crank the tensioner and did not know about the 3/8 ratchet hole on it. I'm handy but I'm a far cry from a mechanic. God Bless KZbin!! :)

[@ericthecarguy]

@EssedariusMaiestas The serpentine belt drives the accessories, alternator, power steering, and AC while the timing belt keeps the top part of the engine in time with the bottom part, 2 very different things. As for the Jetta you might want to check out the video I did on Diagnosing An Overheat as there are some practical tips on finding the source of an overheat condition.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Quaid78 Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.

[@raymonddupree]

Thanks Eric. This was a MAJOR Pain in the ass but I couldn't have done it without THIS video !! Keep em' Comin' Bro ...Stay Dirty!!!

[@ericthecarguy]

@TheDiegis Glad you liked the video, thanks for the comment.

[@tinydx95t2]

Great video as usual. I love the comment you made bout contorting in painful positions and it's what makes being a mechanic fun. I remember those days. Some times you were bawled up like a pretzel just to get to a bolt that was fine thread and 500ft longer than it needed to be. Yes thats the life of a automotive tech. I love the videos and hope you stay dirty Eric. Thanks again for being here for everyone!

[@ericthecarguy]

@KNTRIDER Good point. I've also just cut them to get the old one off. Thanks for your comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Gravesyte Without hearing the noise it's impossible for me to tell for sure but I would be checking the belt tension since you just did work there.

[@ericthecarguy]

@theejock You might want to check the numbers on the belts new and old to make sure they match, you may have the wrong belt.

[@WendeeSBoling]

I found this video by accident.. And boy and I glad.. I think I am in love with this guy... He's awesome!!

[@ericthecarguy]

@corght It can be easier with the belts that you have to be sure. Quite a few manufacturers are moving toward this belt type however so expect to see more of them in the future.

[@ericthecarguy]

@combatzone11 I'm happy to help, good luck and thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@elultimo89 I'm happy to help. Good luck and thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Mastro415 That 6 is a great engine, thanks for your comment and good luck with that Jeep.

[@ericthecarguy]

@jdubdoubleu In my experience most serpentine belts are not routed through an engine mount but rather around it. If this is not the case however you can place a floor jack with a wood block under the engine to support it while you remove the engine mount to get to the belt.

[@ericthecarguy]

@ActionFigureReview Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@ddurbin0789 Remember that the smooth side is for the back of the belt and the 'toothed' side goes into the ribbed pulleys. It may take some time to figure out the exact routing however but keep trying and you should be able to work it out. Good luck.

[@kontakt501]

thanks eric. yours is the best diy video about serpentine replacement. im gonna try it to save me $200 from a toyota dealer.

[@Movieluver16]

Thank ya for the video :) I have a 2002 Hyundai elantra sedan and a few months ago the belt came off while driving home after work, luckily i just pulled into the apartment area and was able to find a parking spot before it completely stopped on me. We didnt have a release pulley. The car was so rusted that we had to wedge a flat head screw driver against the cast and the alternator and try to pry it from the structure it was pretty much glued(Alternator was our "tentioner") Success in the end!

[@xvrit]

Good job Eric. Stay active. You're much appreciated. Thank you!

[@peterromsky7405]

Thanks Eric being a former trade school student 27 years ago and now a instructor at my old trade school the technology

[@Bill97070]

Thanks for the video. I heard a thump from the front engine area when I was about 100 feet from home. Then no power steering assist. I panicked at first thinking timing belt, but the engine was running smoothly. With some relief, I then thought it must be an accessories belt problem. When I opened the hood, I saw that the accessories belt had come off. It wasn't cracked and looks good. I was about to call AAA for a tow to my garage to put it back on and dreading the charge, when. I found your video. It's 32 outside, and I'm going to check the garage price vs. me giving it a try.

[@catherinedear2691]

Eric man you’re the best online mechanic I’ve ever seen. Stay dirty lmao

[@jerry52346]

When I do an unfamiliar belt I draw a directional diagram. As in start from top and draw Arrows clockwise/counterclockwise all the way around. Also clock the tensioner (make sure it goes back to the same spot) to make sure it is tought.

[@justthinking2274]

Thanks man,took ten minutes,didn't know how to release tension til I saw your video.

[@ericthecarguy]

@lesliesmanjeff This one actually is, trucks have a lot more room to work in than most cars.

[@ericthecarguy]

@topcat1701d I'm happy to help, thanks for the comment.

[@apagan65]

Hey Eric, i watch your videos from time to time and i must say that they are awesome! I know enough about auto mechanics to get by and am continuing to learn more. Your videos inspire me to never give up my training. thank you so much for your educational videos. Keep up the good work!

[@ericthecarguy]

@Broewl As for resetting the tension this is really not possible with an automatic tensioner so I'm not sure what they are on about there. As for your spark plugs I did a video on how to get better access when working on a V6 engine, look through my videos for Quick Tip V6 Access.

[@Movieluver16]

Thank you for the video, My belt finally flew off last Friday on my 2002 Hyundai Elantra, now my I'm having a coworker help me replace one tomorrow. We've tried before but didn't have the proper tools...well the WRONG tools xD hoping it goes well tomorrow x.x

[@ericthecarguy]

@Jcal022 It does but the tension is controlled by the tensioner itself, if it's not enough then the tensioner needs to be replaced.

[@nyko461]

Very nice job and helpful video. I found on Ask.com someone responding to a question about how do do it: "Instead doing it yourself, pay $200.00 and don't worry about how to do it". I don't agree with people like that. It seems to be lazy to learn new things. Congrats for you video and your job.

[@ericthecarguy]

@theejock Not sure but checking the numbers is easy enough to do why not try that first?

[@gregstart1540]

I was about to go for the bolt... thank you Eric the car guy. You just saved me from a miserable time lol.

[@Newts1996]

Eric, Thanks a bunch! I watched several other vids on here and yours made the most sense. I also like that you show the pain in the butt stuff like getting around spots that are tight, etc. Other vids make it look too easy. Just changed my belt in about 15-20mins, local garage wanted to charge me 100 bucks!

[@YTMicalex]

Thanks. This video helped me with my Saturn SL. I have just changed the serpentine belt by myself. The autoparts guy almost made me crazy because he made a mistake in the part number of the belt for my car. I thought there was something else to change but after seen this video I decided to check all by myself. So, I did it. Thanks again.

[@ericthecarguy]

@melagrosmagos Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Newts1996 Yea I don't see much point in making myself look like I know anymore than I really do, I'd rather be 'real'. Thanks for the comment.

[@popoqwer]

Eric in one of my life's greatest mentors

[@ericthecarguy]

@HebrewsInAlaska Well not knowing what kind of car or engine your working on it's going to be tough to make a suggestion however if your able to get the pulley off then you may be able to remove the broken fastener with a pair of vice grips or something, if not you may have to drill out the old fastener.

[@ericthecarguy]

@robsz1 Crankshaft problems are a priority, to de terming if it's the belts you might want to remove the belts and see if the wobble is still there, if it's gone you know it's the belts, if not then start by inspecting the harmonic balancer to see if the rubber inside of it has come apart, if it has replace it. If the vibration is on the crank this could be a real problem and the only real fix that I can think of is to replace it.

[@ericthecarguy]

@dandroz240 I'm not sure I understand your comment other than it sounds like you are an advocate of wearing gloves while doing mechanical work. You know what I find interesting, how some people will shake your hand despite the grease. I don't disagree with your statement about it being unprofessional I just find it a "test of character" if you will.

[@kansast]

Thank you so much for the time and effort of putting this video together. Got us over the hump and into a car that WORKS !!!!!!!!

[@ericthecarguy]

@living4fire Good point. This is what I just suggested to snoopdogie187 who is having a noise after changing the belt. Thanks for the comment.

[@sunilghorpade1682]

mr. eric, it has been observed that while carrying your work , u , explain each and everything very nicely, compared to others, awesome.. master................. sunil ghorpade from mumbai, india

[@guesswhomartin9249]

Eric... I just fell in love with you. I love your video. I have watched and listened to who knows how many videos on this topic. Your video is the best. Thank you for make it simple.

[@fsback1965]

Yet another great helpful video - lots of good info and advice. You saved me lots of time and wasted energy once again, you rock!!

[@ericthecarguy]

@paulbigwood Your most welcome, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@robbydirtwater Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.

[@medioman74]

Eric You're a crusade !!!! Italian diy guys need someone like you

[@timvu3095]

Apparently, you are working on a rear wheel drive car or truck with a longitudinal engine. I used to have a Nissan 200SX RWD with a 2.0L I4 engine. Its longitudinal engine layout is a joy to work on since every thing is easily accessible on both sides of the engine except for the front part of the engine. I loved driving that car with 5sp stick but hated changing the belt on that car every 30K because I can't do that from the top. For most FWD cars, you can change these belts from the top with the right tool. These serpentine belts are now good for at least 60-100K depending driving condition. I used the Gearwrench 3680 ratchet serpentine belt tool and I can get the serpentine belt off and on my Honda Accord V6 in less than 10 min. In the winter time, I even carry a spare belt in my trunk just in case.

[@twanggit]

good explanation of an awkward but practical job. You made it much easier, Thanks.

[@ericthecarguy]

@mrjost55 I'm of the opinion that if it's not cracked or making noise leave it alone. I don't do pricing, sorry.

[@davisgunner6687]

Thanks ERIC. To the point with no sprinkles. Nice Vid. My 1999 Mustang wit 3.8 V6 is a dream though. 3/8 breaker bar with a metric socket to fit the tensioner PULLEY bolt (not the key hole) is best) I keep a cheapo breaker bar and metric socket ser along with the OLD belt in the trunk for emergency. Note the idler pulley is super EZ too and mimics the squall noise of a bad belt !!

[@ericthecarguy]

@Michiganborn1969 I wish you nothing but continued success in what you do. For my own reasons I have given up on a "job" and now think in terms of a "business". After realizing what "employment at will" really means it felt like my only option. ETCG was started to HELP those in need and to date it is my greatest career accomplishment and I will continue it as long as I possibly can.

[@pablomasc1982]

Thanks! with your video I figured out how to change the serpentine belt of a Peugeot 206 1.4 !! Thanks again :)

[@julianorozco4847]

Man this guy is awesome and makes everything so much easier.

[@ericthecarguy]

@tbdk87 Nope, that was a 'happy accident'. Thanks for the comment.

[@natefidalgo7625]

I was always afraid of accidentally removing the belt tensioner pully wheel instead of tension off the belt. I see now where the distinction is from removal of wheel vs removal of tension. Also really good tips on when your switching the belt out make sure it same size. Curious when do you need the crows feet attachment on the serpentine belt removal tool. The only real benefit to the serpentine tool over the ratchet that i can see now is it allows you to get into tight spaces or when you don't have a long enough handled ratchet to use.

[@ericthecarguy]

@davidzzz94 They make belts for engines without AC that are shorter.

[@DarthTortoise]

Thanks for the reply! I found and downloaded the service manual but where I got confused was when it said to insert the square end of a breaker bar into the tensioner but as I mentioned, it's a nut inside the pulley instead of a square space. I put a wrench on the nut and turned it counter clockwise and the belt loosened so I'm assuming that's the tension pulley.

[@LGBarnesIII]

So true about being a contortionist. Engineers would cry if they had to work on their own creations. Great video.

[@emsbryan1]

Thank god for You Tube and people like Eric. Thank you Eric for the tips

[@ericthecarguy]

@davidzzz94 Not necessarily, some models come without AC from the factory.

[@Lockemeister]

Really an excellent video. Very helpful and informative, as usual. My pet peeve, is going to blogs and seeing a dude who says. "It's so easy I did it in 5 minutes". I think people like that are compensating for something that is small. Did the dude have a stop watch going? How much time to get the tools and safely jack the car up? Etc , etc....

[@ericthecarguy]

@bbeaum1 No I don't but where can I get some of those they sound like fun.

[@ericthecarguy]

@robsz1 I'm not sure I understand the question as even with that type of belt they still line up the same. Perhaps I'm missing something sorry.

[@ericthecarguy]

@charrotejano123 Your most welcome, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Michiganborn1969 I don't know the procedure off of the top of my head but I'm sure you don't need a scanner. Check your owners manual.