I would rate this job a "3" out of "10". 1= inflating your tire, 3=battery swap, 10=engine rebuild. I was supprised after wards how easy it was. Dont use a wrench use a socket as it fits and it is much easier on your knuckles.
Tools needed:
24mm socket
10mm socket(I think, you'll figure it out)
Belt (gator (a/c version) back from autozone)
thats it!!
Here is how I did it. 10 easy steps!!
1.) got my goodyear gator back (ac version) from autozone for about $20.
2.) had to go back to autozone to get a 24mm socket(short) and a 1/2 rachet. Make sure you have a rachet that takes the bigger hole as I couldn't find a 24mm socket in 3/8. Socket works the best, wrench just wouldn't do it.
3.) put both seats in the forward position and pulled the backrest carpet up from the bottom. The carpet is held on by 4 black plastic screw things. just use your thumbs to unscrew them and put them aside.
4.) now use a 10mm(i think) to remove all the bolts, my socket fit the two behind the arm rest if I raised the arm rest.
Now that was the hardest part. The rest is cake, but a little dirty.
Use this link for the diagram.
http://theschillings.com/boxbeltcheck.htm
5.) put the socket on the wrench(hope you got the small 24mm socket) and fit it over the tension socket and crank to the right. With my free hand I peeled the belt off the alternator(don't think it really matters). unloop the belt and take it off.
6.) I made sure the two belts were rougly the same size, the old is a little bigger as it has stretched.
7.) the new belt will fit if its the "A/C" version. before you crank on the socket, thread the belt using the above diagram. leave it off the altenator till the very end. This may sound remedial but make sure the threads are down on everything but the rollers.
8.) Now you really have to push down hard (I am 6'2" 245lbs). It took me a couple tries but I rolled it over the altenator. If it doesn't fit let it up and push down harder.
9.) Double check you put it on (diagram) and start the car and make sure the belt stays on. I ran the ac also, just cause I am anal.
10.) put everything back to gether and thats it!!
My DYI projects: Difficulty level
1.) ignition switch "4 out of 10"
2.) Serpentine belt "3 out of 10"
3.) replaced my rear bumper "3 out of 10"
Next:
Spark plugs
fuel filter
Oil change
auto fluid flush
brake flush
clean all 3 radiators out(
)
Good luck and if you have questions let me know.
I just changed my serpentine belt :) pretty easy
Hybrid Mode
