Thread: Drive Belt Replacement [*]

I recommend putting the belt on other pulleys first followed by the tensioner pulley last. This goes for both the serpentine and the drive belt. There is no hole for a square drive (such as what you would find on a ratchet) on the tensioner. To loosen the tensioner, turn the 15mm bolt clockwise. I used a wrench but I think a ratchet wouldve been easier. The gatorback belts that I bought had a belt routing diagram on the back. Other than that it was much easier than I expected. Actual install time once I setup shop was 10-15 min.

You can make this even easier with one of those tools they sell in autoparts stores. I think mine was less than $20. It is made of a long piece of flat stock and uses shallow well sockets. I bought it for my son's car when I couldn't get a regular ratchet and socket in there. I couldn't believe how much easier this made the job.

How are those Gatorbacks working out for you? My are starting to squeak and I'm thinking about replacing them with Gatorbacks. Do you know what the parts numbers are?

I've never had a problem with gatorbacks. If a parts store cant figure out which one to use on a stock engine run for the hills!