What happens if serpentine belt is to tight?

If the belt is too tight, it will cause excessive side loads and overheat the bearings. This in turn causes noise, decreased output and even the seizing of the alternator. If the belt is too loose, it will cause the alternator to slip.

Can a serpentine belt stretch?

Serpentine belts stretch with age and use; as time goes on, the rubber becomes dryer and less pliable making cracking more prevalent. However, cracking can also be caused by a defective tensioner.

What’s the best way to remove a serpentine belt?

Its pulley is usually smooth while the other pulleys are grooved. The way to remove tension will be to pivot the tensioner using a tool (1) on the nut of the tensioner pulley, or (2) a special tool-lug outcropping from the tensioner or (3) in a square opening in the bracket of the tensioner pulley, cover or cap that protects the spring.

How can you tell if your alternator belt is too loose?

Test the engine before driving. Turn the engine on and listen; if you hear any type of squealing for any length of time (a second to a minute) turn the engine off and re-tighten the belt. Squealing is an early warning that your alternator belt is too loose.

How can I increase the tension on my serpentine belt?

Increase the tension on the belt. 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.

How do you remove a belt from an auto tensioner?

Hold the tension from the belt, and slip the belt off the auto tensioner pulley to remove the belt and pulley system. Slowly release the tension to avoid damage or injury, and then remove the tool from the belt auto tensioner.

How to install serpentine belt on Chevy Malibu?

1. Remove the oil cap 2. Lift the engine cover 3. Reinstall the oil cap 4. Loosen hose clamp on air box 5. Remove hose from engine cover 6. Remove engine cover 7. Disconnect electrical connector 8. Disconnect air box cover clamps 9. Move air box cover aside 10. Remove 10mm bolt on air box 11. Remove air box 12.

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 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.

What happens if your serpentine belt is too loose?

If the serpentine belt is too loose, your alternator will not properly charge your battery and your accessories may not work properly. To correct the problem, tighten your belt.