Genuine Pontiac Vibe Drive Belt

Pontiac Vibe Drive Belt Parts Questions & Answers

• Belt,Water Pump & A/C Compressor & Generator & P/S Pump
  88971576
  Q: How to inspect and replace the Drive Belt?

  A: The alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioning compressor are all driven by one serpentine belt. Because of their composition and the stresses they are subjected to, drive belts stretch and deteriorate as they get older. They must therefore be inspected periodically. The serpentine belt has no adjustment for tension, as with older systems with multiple V-belts. The engine has a tensioner that automatically applies the right belt tension and compensates for belt stretch over time. With the engine off, open the hood and locate the drive belt. With a flashlight, check the belt for separation of the adhesive rubber on both sides of the core, core separation from the belt side, a severed core, separation of the ribs from the adhesive rubber, cracking or separation of the ribs, and torn or worn ribs or cracks in the inner ridges of the ribs. Also check for fraying and glazing, which gives the belt a shiny appearance. Both sides of the belt should be inspected, which means you will have to twist the belt to check the underside. Use your fingers to feel the belt where you can't see it. If any of the above conditions are evident, replace the belt. Rotate the belt tensioner clockwise to release the tension, then slip the belt off the pulleys. Slowly release the tensioner. Route the new belt over the pulleys, again rotating the tensioner to allow the belt to be installed, then release the belt tensioner. Make sure the belt is properly centered in the pulleys. To replace a tensioner that can't properly tension the belt, or one that exhibits binding or a worn-out bearing/pulley, remove the drive belt then unscrew the mounting bolt and nut. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Tighten the fasteners to the torque values. Install the drive belt. Make sure the belt is properly centered in the pulleys.