How to Change an AC Belt on a 2003 Chevy Silverado 4.8

The 2003 Chevy Silverado 4.8-liter engine uses one serpentine belt to run the fan, alternator, water pump and the power steering pump. It uses a tensioner pulley to keep tension on the belt. If the belt stretches too much, the spring-loaded tensioner will not be able to keep enough tension on the belt. Thus, the accessory pulleys won't turn properly--the battery won't charge, and you will lose air conditioning and power steering.

• 1

  Locate the belt routing diagram on the fan shroud or the underside of the hood. If the sticker is missing, sketch out a diagram of the belt routing.

• 2

  Place the appropriate socket on the bolt in the center of the tensioner pulley. Push the pulley towards the engine. Lift the belt off the pulleys.

• 3

  Route the belt around the pulleys, starting on the crankshaft pulley. Leave the tensioner pulley for last. While holding tension on the belt with your hand, push the tensioner towards the engine. Slide the belt over the tensioner.

• 4

  Check that the belt is properly seated on all the pulleys. If not, loosen the tension just enough to push or pull the belt into place.