How To Replace a Serpentine Belt - EricTheCarGuy

[@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

[@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!

[@deathlywaffle1292]

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

[@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-)

[@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.

[@larpsim]

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

[@felizamorfelizamor845]

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

[@MiamiZombie2012]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@peterromsky7405]

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

[@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!

[@kontakt501]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!! :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@emsbryan1]

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

[@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.

[@ericthecarguy]

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

[@elmonteslim3711]

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

[@julianorozco4847]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@WendeeSBoling]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@ericthecarguy]

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

[@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.

[@peterromsky7405]

Technology has has changed so much that trade school is key on giving you a head start in this trade I always tell my students trade school is only good when you want to learn you will if you go to class and don't ask or get involved you will get nothing keep up the go work

[@popoqwer]

Eric in one of my life's greatest mentors

[@Lockemeister]

Excellent video. Thanks. You want people to be able to think it through. You're an excellent instructor.

[@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 !!!!!!!!

[@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.

[@justthinking2274]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@catherinedear2691]

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

[@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

[@MrDeekaph]

"Just take the belt off anywhere.. I'm gonna go for the bottom of the crankshaft here.... ugh.. let's go... ok fine, we're going for the water pump... ugh... fine, crankshaft, whatever... wow that's kind of dangerous.." I love your videos, you a funny guy.

[@ericthecarguy]

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

[@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]

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

[@xvrit]

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

[@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

[@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]

@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.

[@medioman74]

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

[@gregstart1540]

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

[@twanggit]

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

[@watchingsometube]

Hello, Your car does have the AC option so you now have two options. You can either 1) remove the ac compressor(which would be the harder option) or 2) go to AdvanceAutoParts and buy an "AC compressor bypass pulley" which is a bracket that will attach to the front of your AC as a pullly, that way, you can use the stock belt. If you use the "without ac option" belt, the belt may be touching things (like the ac compressor) that it shouldnt. Hope that helps!

[@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!

[@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]

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

[@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!

[@LGBarnesIII]

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

[@NOBOX7]

one note to remember wen using a ratchet to release the tension, be sure to have enough arc of movement to release all the tension or your rench will hit a wall or whatever and be stuck there, its very hard situation to get out of the wrench can get stuck

[@oreolainey]

yet another video to go with another successful repair, thanks Eric!

[@jandkmomma]

thank you. I will be trying this later today! I'll keep you all posted on how it goes!!

[@mortalstorm]

So how did it go for you?

[@pablomasc9066]

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

[@bluemicrodot]

Darrel Landrys' wife again... Turns out when I felt the belt up, I found two screws and a piece of square metal. Scooped them out. Had the car to the shop about 10 months ago for an insurance job. (Not our fault). No more clicking and screeching. Car only did it when parked/stopped. Doesn't do it at all, anymore! At least I know how complicated the fan belt is, now. I'm only 33. Could've sworn that the belts were easier 10 years ago. Thank-you, though. Courtney Thank-you for instructing me on how to feel up my fanny! Canadian Courtney

[@tbdk87]

Dont know if u did it on purpose but I love how it shows Made in the USA when the belts on.

[@gothicman02]

Thanks for the vid eric. I could have used that tool to take my tensioner off today. Was a nightmare in my 01 cavalier. The "engineers" put it in-between the sidewall and below the power steering pump with no room for a wrench. I ended up having to take the motor mount off, jacking the engine up enough so you can put a wrench around the bolt that holds the tensioner on, and then try and squeeze the long bolt off from in-between the sidewall and the tensioner. Not fun.

[@got5at12]

ERIC I RECENTLY REPLACED ONE ON A 92 DODGE.ONE THING TO MENTION ON CARS THAT DONT HAVE A LOT OF HAND AND FINGER ROOM IS THE PLACE THE WRENCH TIP SIDEWAYS WHEN PULLING THE TENTIONER.IT MAKES IT EASY AND IT DONT SLIP.JUST A TIP FOR MANY THAT MIGHT BE TRYING TO AVOID PAYING THAY 60.00 FOR THE JOB TO BE DONE.

[@robrain1344]

Chrisfix, Ericcarguy, A1auto, scotty, whoelse i left out...lol u guys turn novices into pros into $$$$$$.....this is what all those guys hanging out on the corners need to watch.....

[@bige1083]

@EricTheCarGuy My 05 Neon has one like that for the alternator. To paraphrase the service manual, to check the tension, use a mic connected to Chrysler's fancy DRBIII, pluck the belt, and have the mic listen to it. Check the frequency reading against the spec in the manual. Man, I never thought music would be practical til I did this...224-252 Hz new, that's approximately between the F and B just below middle C.

[@Sugarkryptonite]

@EricTheCarGuy I just changed the belt on my '02 Passat and had the same problem...tensioner all the way and there was no way the new belt was going on. In fact, I couldn't even get the old belt off, I had to cut it instead... Ended up having to remove the fan clutch assembly to get it back on...

[@dougchristlieb5270]

Thanks for the info Eric. I will give it a shot. I would have had no idea how to do this if you hadn't of posted this. Thanks again

[@coneytrash]

Eric, You made a GREAT video, you explained perfectly for a novice like me to do my own work,.THANKS

[@ericthecarguy]

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

[@snoopdogie187]

One belt I changed I had the diagram right in front of me while working (also on a big suv with plenty of room), the other, the diagram wasn't in front of me, so i made a quick sketch so I can reference it while working and make sure I did each step correctly. Oddly enough this was on a car that gave me just enough room to reach ever where.

[@er1ckk55]

your videos have saved me a boat load of cash! I greatly thank you!

[@fastxsam]

Nice job ErictheCarguy. Only thing I would have said is look for the hole to hold the tensioner back with a think pin or what not but video was very well done.

[@ericthecarguy]

@JMGOODELL These are my favorite kind of comments. I was glad to help, thanks for taking the time to tell me.

[@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.

[@Addrit85]

Another possibly helpful tip, if your truck or car or whatever has a belt-driven radiator fan, and when you take the belt off all the pulleys, it's stuck around the radiator fan's driveshaft, don't do what I started doing once and try to take off the fan, just loop the belt around the fan itself and slowly wiggle it out between the fan and the radiator.

[@GerryHuskyaho]

Thanks for a great video - I just had a massive fight against my Passat''s serpentine belt and now I feel myself stupid. :) tomorrow I'm gonna beat it!

[@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.

[@howardbarton9914]

On the 95 chrysler ,New yorker . there is a about a 3 inch threaded bolt that adjusts the tension. It will not work till you loosen the center nut on the pulley. That goes for the air condition belt too. replace the belts and tighten to desired tension. then tighten the center nut on the pulley. Makes it a lot easier.

[@ericthecarguy]

@AutoTechHector Thanks, I'll have to check that out. Indeed you do have good eyes.

[@ericthecarguy]

@AutoTechHector Of course Gates (the manufacturer of EPDM belts) sells a special gauge to determine the wear on one of those belts. Anytime you can present evidence to a customer it goes a long way toward credibility. But perhaps we are missing something here, EPDM belts are designed to last 100K about the same time as a timing belt or water pump replacement, I would suggest just selling the belt as part of the job since it has to be removed anyway.

[@Order-in-Chaos]

7:02 You got the marking exactly in the middle of the frame of the camera. Awesome! MADE IN USA. Hell Yea!

[@wendellwinfree3689]

Simplicity is king! Very helpful!

[@paolicelli727]

Thanks I was trying to do it from the top of the car. Bottom worked well thanks again.

[@wolfyk95]

Important note!!!! Make sure to follow Eric when he says undo the lock nut first before the top!!! I thought it was the opposite and did the top first and snapped the tensioner system!! No fault of Erics (he warns against it) but remember to do it in the correct order.

[@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.

[@shirleyalvarez9805]

i sure learned alot and to think im a 63yr old woman, 3 men in the house ,says they dont know how ,well i dont either but gurantee at least im going to give it a try thank you eric

[@ericthecarguy]

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

[@marcoesteban8359]

you just saved me $150, thanks a lot for posting this video.

[@MyAlbertC]

Hello 👋 Eric nice job 👏 and just a reminder now day's not all serpintine belt are alike. Trying doing one on a Toyota camery 2000 - 2006 4 or 6 cylinder the tensioner has a small shock 😲 I just did one on a 2004 and I replaced it ,wow what a work out you will need 2 person's to accomplish this task. 😅😂😉