🔧 Serpentine Belt - Replacement

The serpentine belt drives the alternator, water pump, A/C compressor, and other accessories. On your Equinox, replacement is straightforward once the belt tensioner is moved to unload the belt. Inspect the tensioner and idler pulley while you are in there, because a worn pulley can ruin a new belt fast.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work with the engine fully off and cool.
• Keep hands, hair, and clothing away from the belt path.
• Do not start the engine with the belt removed.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.
• Take a photo of the belt routing first.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm wrench
• 15mm socket
• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Flashlight
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Wheel chocks

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool completely.
• Open the hood and locate the belt routing label, if still present.
• Route the new belt before removing the old one.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the belt path

• Open the hood and find the serpentine belt on the front of the engine.
• Use a flashlight to trace how the belt runs around each pulley.
• If the belt routing sticker is missing, take a clear photo before removal.

Step 2: Release belt tension

• Use a 15mm wrench or 15mm socket and 1/2-inch drive ratchet on the belt tensioner.
• Rotate the tensioner to unload the belt.
• Move it slowly and keep control.

Step 3: Remove the old belt

• While holding the tensioner released, slip the belt off one smooth pulley first.
• Then remove the belt from the remaining pulleys by hand.
• Check the old belt for cracks, glazing, missing ribs, or frayed edges.

Step 4: Inspect pulleys and tensioner

• Spin each accessible pulley by hand.
• Use your fingers to feel for roughness or wobble.
• Replace any noisy or rough pulley before installing the new belt.

Step 5: Install the new belt

• Route the new belt around all pulleys except the easiest final pulley to access.
• Use the 15mm wrench or 15mm socket and ratchet to release the tensioner again.
• Slip the belt onto the last pulley by hand.
• Make sure every rib sits fully in every pulley groove.

Step 6: Verify belt seating

• Inspect the full belt path from top to bottom.
• Confirm the belt is centered and not twisted.
• Release the tensioner and recheck the alignment.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Watch the belt for smooth tracking.
• Listen for squealing, chirping, or clicking.
• If noise remains, inspect the tensioner and idler pulley again.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $150-$300 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $25-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $125-$240 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.