Buick 12608660 Belt, Water Pump & A/C Compressor & Generator & P/S Pump

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A serpentine drivebelt is located at the front of the engine and plays an important role in the overall operation of the engine and its components. Due to its function and material make up, the belt is prone to wear and should be periodically inspected. The serpentine belt drives the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and air conditioning compressor. With the engine off, open the hood and use your fingers (and a flashlight, if necessary), to move along the belt checking for cracks and separation of the belt plies. Also check for fraying and glazing, which gives the belt a shiny appearance. Both sides of the belt must be inspected. Check the ribs on the underside of the belt. They should all be the same depth, with none of the surface uneven. The tension of the belt is maintained by a spring-loaded tensioner assembly and isn't adjustable. The belt should be replaced if it is damaged or worn. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the passenger's side front tire and inner fender well splash shield. Insert a 3I8-inch drive ratchet or breaker bar into the square hole in the tensioner, then rotate the tensioner clockwise to release belt tension. Noting how it's routed, remove the belt from the tensioner and auxiliary components, then slowly release the tensioner. After verifying the new belt is the same length as the original belt, route the new belt over the various pulleys, again rotating the tensioner to allow the belt to be installed, then release the belt tensioner. Support the engine with a floor jack and a block of wood, then remove the right-side engine mount and bracket. Remove the drivebelt. Remove the idler pulley center bolt and idler pulley. Remove the tensioner mounting bracket bolts and detach the tensioner/mounting bracket from the engine. Installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten the mounting bolt(s).

The serpentine belt should be replaced if it is damaged or worn, as indicated by the inspection in Section 2.