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Old 09-29-2011, 10:58 PM
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Default Belt Replacement

How difficult is it to replace the serpentine belt on the 5.7L LS1? mine is starting to squeak and looks like its starting to dry rot a little bit. Just wondering if its something worth not dealing with and taking to a mechanic...thanks for you input..
Old 09-29-2011, 11:03 PM
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its very easy, IMO not worth taking to a mechanic.
Old 09-29-2011, 11:17 PM
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Of course I've done it a million times.......it takes me 3 minutes.

Do it yourself............

Just release it from the tensioner and it basically falls off by itself. Then just put it back on pulley by pulley. I start by outting it around the crank pulley, then I go side to side maybe 3 times putting it on little by little, thats it. There's a diagram in the engine bay on a sticker if you can't figure it out.

I would think a cool mechanic would throw it on for you for $10.00 cash.

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Old 09-30-2011, 12:14 AM
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Thanks, i think ill tackle this obstacle on my own! sounds pretty straight forward..never really worked on cars before..been a aircraft mechanic on the B-1 for about 5 years now and never touched my vehicles!! looks like its time to start learning a new trade/hobbie...
Old 09-30-2011, 12:33 AM
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Originally Posted by SSmitty16
Thanks, i think ill tackle this obstacle on my own! sounds pretty straight forward..never really worked on cars before..been a aircraft mechanic on the B-1 for about 5 years now and never touched my vehicles!! looks like its time to start learning a new trade/hobbie...
B-1....pile-o-****....................just kidding. Badass machine, my favorite plane of all time....so far. I flew the Talon a bit and have been a commercial pilot for a long time. The serpentine should be a breeze for ya....

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Old 09-30-2011, 01:38 AM
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as others have said it's very easy.....just place a wrench on the tensioner (the pulley on the left of the intake if you're standing in front of the car). Turn the wrench clockwise to move the tensioner and that will release the belt....take old one off.....put new one on and viola....might wanna do the A/c compressor belt too while you've got the Serpentine belt off....same thing with that tensioner down there (bottom one between the crank pulley and a/c compressor.....good luck.
Old 09-30-2011, 08:04 AM
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BTW - Be sure to consult the sticker on the driver's side shock tower when you put the new belt on. It will show you how to correctly route things.

You may also want to keep your old belt with your spare tire just in case the new one brakes some day. As a single point of failure for the car, its always nice to have a spare serpentine belt on hand.
Old 09-30-2011, 09:43 AM
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Thanks for the help/tips fellas!
Old 10-11-2011, 10:52 PM
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anyone know what kind of belt to get and what size?? I tried the one that was recommended from the auto shop it was about 3" to big. There is a SLP under drive pulley after market..anyone know a size i would need then or if that even changes anything?
Old 10-11-2011, 11:05 PM
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Originally Posted by SSmitty16
anyone know what kind of belt to get and what size?? I tried the one that was recommended from the auto shop it was about 3" to big. There is a SLP under drive pulley after market..anyone know a size i would need then or if that even changes anything?
I have an underdrive pulley so it won't fit yours. But buy a Dayco belt....mine is 9+ years old.

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Old 10-11-2011, 11:12 PM
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ok that sounds good just need to figure out what size i need to get now since i have the underdrive pulley
Old 10-11-2011, 11:23 PM
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76.25" sound right??
Old 10-11-2011, 11:29 PM
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Originally Posted by SSmitty16
76.25" sound right??
I have no idea, there's so many different ones. I just know what mine is.

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Old 10-12-2011, 07:26 PM
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The hardest part is making sure you route the belt the right way.




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