How to Install an Engine Belt?
3 Answers
The method for installing an engine belt is as follows: 1. Align the ignition marks of the crankshaft and camshaft; 2. Place the belt on the crankshaft pulley, then guide it upwards from the opposite side of the tensioner pulley and place it on the camshaft pulley; 3. Fold the belt into the side of the tensioner pulley and tighten the tensioner. The function of the car engine belt is to transmit the force from the crankshaft to drive the operation of components such as the water pump and alternator. The steps for replacing the car engine belt are: 1. Raise the car with a jack; 2. Remove the engine undercover; 3. After removing the undercover, the alternator belt will be visible; 4. Remove the exposed old alternator belt; 5. Install the new engine belt; 6. The engine belt replacement is complete.
Last time I changed the engine belt myself, it was quite a hassle. You have to remove the old belt first, and remembering the routing is crucial—taking a photo is the safest bet. When installing the new belt, it needs to go around the crankshaft pulley, alternator, AC compressor, and power steering pump—the order must not be wrong. The most critical part is adjusting the tension—use a wrench to tighten the tensioner pulley bolt until the belt is taut enough to depress about 1 cm when pressed. Finally, start the engine and listen for sounds: if there's a squeaking noise, it means it's too tight; if you see the belt slipping, it's too loose.
Installing the engine belt is actually a three-step process: positioning, installation, and tensioning. First, route the new belt around the alternator pulley, crankshaft pulley, and water pump pulley according to the manual. Some models also require routing around the compressor pulley. Then, use a special tool or wrench to rotate the automatic tensioner pulley, release the pressure, and tighten the bolt. Finally, check if the V-groove is fully seated in all pulley grooves. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes, then feel the belt temperature. It should be warm to the touch; if it's too hot, readjust the tension.