🔧 Compass - Serpentine Belt Replacement

The serpentine belt drives accessories like the alternator and A/C. On your Compass, the easiest access is through the right-front wheel well so you can release the belt tensioner and route the new belt correctly.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Work on a cool engine; keep hands away from pulleys.
• 🛑 Support the SUV on jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• 🛑 Keep the key out of the vehicle so no one can crank it.
• 🛑 If you choose to disconnect the battery, remove the negative cable first.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm socket
• 1/2" drive breaker bar
• 1/2" drive ratchet
• 6" socket extension (1/2" drive)
• 15mm socket (1/2" drive)
• 15mm box-end wrench
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Torque wrench (20-200 Nm range)
• Flashlight
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1
• Wheel well splash shield clips - Qty: 1 (as needed)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Pop the hood and look for the belt routing diagram (often on a sticker near the radiator support). If it’s missing, take a clear photo of the current belt routing before removal.
• Optional safety step: use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable if you want zero chance of accidental cranking.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise the right-front corner and remove the wheel

• Use a 19mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the right-front lug nuts slightly (while the tire is still on the ground).
• Lift the right-front with a floor jack and set the SUV onto jack stands at the proper support point.
• Remove the lug nuts with a 19mm socket and take the wheel off.

Step 2: Remove the right-front inner splash shield (access panel)

• Use a trim clip removal tool and/or flat-blade screwdriver to remove the plastic push-clips and screws holding the splash shield.
• Pull the shield back enough to clearly see the belt and the tensioner.
• Tip: Keep clips in a cup.

Step 3: Locate the belt tensioner

• Use a flashlight to find the spring-loaded tensioner pulley.
• The tensioner has a hex/bolt head you can turn to relieve belt tension.
• A “tensioner” is the spring arm that keeps the belt tight automatically.

Step 4: Release tension and remove the old belt

• Install a 15mm socket on a 1/2" drive ratchet (use a 6" extension if needed) onto the tensioner bolt head.
• Rotate the tensioner to relieve belt tension, then slide the belt off the nearest smooth pulley.
• Slowly let the tensioner return to its resting position (do not let it snap back).
• Remove the belt from the remaining pulleys and pull it out through the wheel well opening.

Step 5: Route the new belt

• Compare the new belt to the old one (length and rib count should match).
• Route the belt following the under-hood routing diagram (or the photo you took).
• Make sure the belt ribs sit fully in the grooved pulleys before applying tension.
• Tip: Leave the easiest pulley for last.

Step 6: Apply tension and seat the belt

• Use the 15mm socket and ratchet to rotate the tensioner again.
• Slip the belt onto the last pulley, then slowly release the tensioner.
• Double-check alignment: the belt should be centered on every pulley, not hanging off an edge.

Step 7: Reinstall splash shield and wheel

• Reinstall the wheel well shield using the trim clip removal tool (to start clips) and flat-blade screwdriver as needed.
• Reinstall the wheel and hand-thread the lug nuts.
• Lower the SUV off the jack stands using the floor jack.
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench: Torque to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and watch the belt for 10-15 seconds to confirm it runs straight and doesn’t wander.
• Listen for squeal or slapping noises; if you hear any, shut it off and re-check belt routing and seating.
• After a short test drive, re-check that the belt is still centered on the pulleys.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $150-$280 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $125-$220 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 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.