f-rice
New CEG'er
I need to replace my serp. belt , does anyone have any tricks ? Go at it from the top or bottom ? anything I can remove to make the job easier?
Ive replaced it from both the top and the bottom. the bottom is easier to do by yourself, but obviously it requires you to remove the parts Todras listed. and I can get my 3/8" ratchet in there.I remove the wheel and the splash shield. Use a 3/8 breaker bar from underneath. Can't fit a 3/8 ratchet in there.
Advance Auto, or whatever store you have there, "borrow" their serp-belt tool (tensioner/breaker bar/whatever). It will hit the engine mount, and so it won't loosen up quite enough for an easy removal, but it's still enough to do this with 1 person.
Lean over the top, under the hood. Just yank off the old one (a flathead screwdriver may help). Lay on the new belt, starting with the very bottom pulleys, then guiding the belt upwards. The new belt will fit a LOT tighter than your old belt. On the very top pulley, I couldn't quite get it with my hands, and pulling up, so I just used the same flathead screwdriver to CAREFULLY lever the belt up and onto the top pulley kinda like the putting a tire on a rim with crowbars. Then just ease it along 1 groove at a time until it fits properly over the top pulley.
The new serp belt had crosswise groves built into it, along with the lengthwise teeth. I dunno, supposed to be better design. Sounds cooler when running.