How to adjust the power steering pump belt of the Cruze?
2 Answers
The adjustment method for the power steering pump belt of the Cruze is: 1. Use a 12mm open-end wrench to loosen the screw on the power steering pump pulley and remove the power steering pump belt; 2. Install the power steering belt, aligning the four holes of the intermediate pulley with the main pulley; 3. Place the power steering belt on the power steering pump pulley and tighten the four screws in the middle. The Cruze is a compact car under SAIC-GM Chevrolet. Taking the 2018 Cruze as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4666mm, width 1807mm, height 1460mm, wheelbase 2700mm, and fuel tank capacity 52l.
Last year I adjusted the power steering pump belt on my Cruze myself, which felt quite practical. At that time, I noticed the steering was a bit heavy while driving, and upon checking, found the belt was loose. First, you need to park the car and ensure the engine is completely cooled—safety first. Open the hood and locate the belt next to the power steering pump. Common Cruze models have a tensioner adjustment system. Use a wrench to loosen the fixing bolt, then gently rotate the tensioner to apply pressure and tighten the belt a bit. When testing the tension, press the middle section of the belt by hand—it should deflect about half an inch to one centimeter; too loose and the steering will be sluggish, too tight and you risk damaging the pump or bearings. After adjustment, tighten all bolts and start the car to check if the steering feels lighter. Doing it yourself can save on repair costs, but remember to wear gloves to prevent burns. Regular inspections can extend part lifespan—suggest visually checking every six months or 10,000 kilometers. After that adjustment, my car ran much smoother and stopped squeaking.
