The Installation of a Serpentine Belt on a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero

Like many vehicles, the 2001 Oldsmobile Alero has an engine that utilizes a single, continuous belt known as a serpentine belt to run the accessory components in the engine. Depending on the Alero model, those components could include the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, timer pulley and air conditioner. Frayed or split belts need to be replaced to keep the engine accessories functioning properly.

• 1

  Park your Oldsmobile Alero on a level surface. Set the parking brake. Allow the engine to cool before working on any part of the project. Open the hood. Locate the serpentine belt diagram on the underside of the hood or along the radiator shroud, depending on the Alero model. Reference this chart for the routing of the new belt and to locate the automatic belt tensioner pulley, which needs to be adjusted to install the new belt.

• 2

  Study the routing diagram for your Alero. Follow the routing pathway instructions to properly install your new serpentine belt. Wrap the belt around all of the pulleys except for the tensioner pulley, which needs to be last. Use small strips of masking tape to hold the belt in place over each pulley (optional).

• 3

  Locate the automatic belt tensioner on the passenger side of the engine compartment, below the power-steering pump and to the left of the water pump. Determine whether the tensioner pulley is a bolt or a hole on the side of the pulley. (The 2.4-liter engine has a bolt, while the V6 has a recessed hole that a 3/8-inch ratchet slides into.) Attach the appropriate tool (ratchet alone for the bolt, ratchet and socket for the hole) to the tensioner pulley. Turn the pulley clockwise to release tension on the belt. Slide the belt over the pulley and let the pulley adjust to the new tension.

• 4

  Start the engine and let it run for several minutes to allow the automatic belt tensioner to adjust to the new pressure.