01 Silverado v8, the how to replace Serpentine belt?

Question

The belt squeaks and it is very annouying and I was wondering if someone could tell me how to replace it such as pictures or diagrams. I have no clue where to start but if you could just please tell me how to replace it. (I hate squeaky cars)

Answer 1

Before you replace it, check that the pulley alignment loks good, and check for belt tightness. There should be no "side loading" on the belt, if there is you can correct it with washers or spacers on the offending accessory. You should be able to depress the belt about 1/2" with fairly heavy thumb pressure midway between the pulleys.

To tighten or replace the belt, use the alternator adjustment bolts on the mount. To tighten the belt properly insert a wooden lever of some type between the alternator and the block to apply pressure to the belt train when tightening.

There is a commercially available product to prvent belt slipping and squeaking called "Belt EZ" or something like that. You spray it on the inside of the belt while the engine is idling, it works great!

Answer 2

I would check the spring loaded tensioner very closely ! When they start 2 wear out they will lose there tension or freeze up & not put any tension on the belt.GM'S USALLY have a square hole in the front of the tensioner itself-You can tell which one it is because u will c it bouncing when the engine is running.MOST on the time it takes a 15 millimeter wrench-but some take a 3/8" braker bar 2 release the tension.B sure it has a Diagram on the fan shrould how it is routed OR draw yourself one.

Answer 3

Use a ratchet to relaese the tension on the belt tensioner, slip the belt off, (after you've remebered how it's on there), slip the new one on, release the tensioner, and your done. It's kind of hard to explain, but takes about 10 minutes to actually replace.