How to Replace a Belt on a 2003 Chevy Avalanche

The accessory belt on the 2003 Chevy Avalanche is responsible for operating all of the engine accessories at the same time while the motor is running. These accessories are the alternator, water pump, power steering pump and the air conditioner compressor. The belt is a multi-ribbed belt that travels inside the grooves of each pulley. When the belt turns around each accessory pulley, it enables the accessory to perform its required operation. Once the belt becomes damaged, change it out immediately.

• 1

  Locate the routing diagram for the belt on the left-hand side of the fan shroud. Use routing instructions as described in this diagram to fit the new belt around the accessory pulleys.

• 2

  Inspect the front of the engine and find the belt tensioner on the lower left-hand side of the crankshaft pulley. Use the square opening on the front of the tensioner pulley arm to turn the tensioner.

• 3

  Insert the end of the breaker bar into the opening on the front of the tensioner pulley. Turn the tensioner clockwise to loosen the tension from the belt.

• 4

  Slide the belt off the tensioner pulley. Remove the belt from the remaining pulleys and around each fan blade to get the belt out of the engine compartment.

• 5

  Route the new belt around each fan blade and around the crankshaft pulley. Follow the routing diagram as described to properly fit the new belt around each of the other accessory pulleys.

• 6

  Turn the tensioner clockwise with the breaker bar again. Slide the new belt over the top of the tensioner pulley and release the breaker bar. Pull the breaker bar off the tensioner and out of the engine compartment. Make sure that the belt is inside each pulley.

• 7

  Crank the 2003 Chevy Avalanche engine for 10 seconds to seat the belt inside each accessory pulley. Turn the engine off.