A V-belt is a small circular belt that is shaped like a "V." The V-belt controls different accessories on the front of the engine. These accessories include the power steering pump, air conditioner pump, alternator and the water pump. The V-belt is driven around the accessory pulleys by the crankshaft pulley. Each V-belt is tensioned to the accessory pulleys by an adjustment bracket. If the V-belt becomes cut or damaged, it will need to be replaced before it breaks completely.
Open the vehicle's hood and secure it in place.
Inspect the V-belt that is in need of replacement and find out determine how the belt is tensioned. Most V-belts are tensioned to the accessory pulleys by an adjustment bracket that is attached to the alternator. The adjustment bracket will have a locking bolt on the front and an adjustment bolt on the end of the bracket.
Loosen the locking bolt in the center of the adjustment bracket. Then, turn the adjustment bolt on the end of the adjustment bracket counterclockwise to loosen the V-belt.
Pull the V-belt out of the pulleys and out of the engine compartment. Put the new V-belt inside of the accessory pulleys.
Turn the adjustment bolt clockwise until the V-belt is tight. To check the proper tension of the V-belt, push down on the belt with the palm of your hand. A properly tensioned belt will have no more than 1/2 inch of slack in it.
Tighten the locking bolt down tight in the center of the adjustment bracket.
Crank the vehicle and let it run for about one minute. Turn the engine off and recheck the tension on the V-belt. Then, close the hood.
