Chevrolet Repair: 2001 Chevy Express Van Serpentine Belt, grooved pulleys, tensioner pulley

Question
Could you tell me how to replace the serpentine belt on a 2001 Chevy Express Van?

Answer
Hi Debra,

The most important thing is getting it on right.  You need to route the belt around the pulleys in the correct direction.  There should be a belt diagram under the hood, maybe on the hood itself (overhead), or on the cooling fan area.  Ribbed areas go to grooved pulleys and smooth areas go to smooth pulleys.  If no diagram, take a pic, draw a picture and the belt routing.

Once you know the correct pathway and routing of the belt, you will see a pulley that looks like it is on an arm.  This pulley swings, but you need a wrench.  You can do it with standard tools, but may need a leverage bar to help.  It is better with a serpentine belt tensioner tool.  It is a long bar with various interchangeable fittings on the end.  

If there is a square hole in the pulley 'arm', then use a ratchet to swing the 'arm'.  If there is not, and probably isn't, use a socket or wrench that fits the bolt in the center of the pulley.  Swing the pulley away from the belt.  While holding the tensioner pulley away, take the belt off of the nearest pulley.  The alternator is a good one to unhook from.  Slowly release the tensioner pulley until you can let go of the wrench.  Then take the old belt out.  Put the new one exactly the same way the old one came out.  Swing the tensioner again and place the belt on the last pulley (the one you started with) and release the tensioner.  

THAT'S IT!!!!

Simple

C J S