How do you replace a belt on a Mazda 6?

Mazda 6 Service Manual: Drive belt replacement

1. Remove the splash shield (RH).
2. Turn the center of the tensioner pulley clockwise to release tension to the drive belt.
3. Remove the drive belt.
4. Reinstall the drive belt or install a new drive belt.

How much is a serpentine belt for a Mazda 3?

The average cost for a Mazda 3 serpentine belt replacement is between $121 and $137. Labor costs are estimated between $59 and $74 while parts are priced at $63.

What happens if the serpentine belt breaks while driving?

A broken serpentine belt can lead to a sudden loss of power steering in your car, making your steering very difficult to turn. A broken serpentine belt causes the water pump to stop circulating coolant through the engine’s cooling system, causing it to overheat.

What’s the best way to loosen an alternator belt?

Use a breaker bar or socket wrench to loosen the auto-tensioner. Many newer model vehicles come equipped with an auto-tensioner pulley. The pulley presses upward as the belt wraps around it so the belt remains under constant, steady tension.

Where does the serpentine belt go on an alternator?

If you do not have a diagram on the vehicle or in your service manual laying out the direction your serpentine belt travels through the pulleys, take a picture of it with your phone to refer to when installing the new belt. A strictly alternator belt will likely only go around an alternator pulley and the crank pulley at the bottom of the engine.

How do you change the alternator on a car?

Changing the alternator on most cars is generally the same. Find the alternator (has to be connected to the serpentine belt), and then look up steps to replace it. The main difference in cars is where the alternator is and how it’s mounted.

How do you tighten a serpentine belt on a car?

If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt. Tighten the bolts again as you apply tension.

How do you tighten the belt on an alternator?

Tighten the alternator bolts. With the serpentine or alternator belt safely seated on the alternator pulley, use the same wrench you used to loosen to the bolts to tighten them again. As you tighten the bolts, the alternator will stop tipping forward, which will increase the tension on the belt.

How do you remove an alternator from a car?

If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt.

If you do not have a diagram on the vehicle or in your service manual laying out the direction your serpentine belt travels through the pulleys, take a picture of it with your phone to refer to when installing the new belt. A strictly alternator belt will likely only go around an alternator pulley and the crank pulley at the bottom of the engine.

If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt. Tighten the bolts again as you apply tension.