The 2002 Buick Rendezvous features a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine. The serpentine belt in this engine incorporates an inline multiple pulley system powered by the crankshaft. One belt operates the alternator, power steering, water pump and air conditioner. The belt routing diagram is located on the front engine compartment frame rail next to the displacement sticker. When the belt shows signs of dry rot and begins to crack, it should be replaced. Since the serpentine belt operates all the power accessories, if it breaks, the Rendezvous will be rendered inoperable.
Locate the tensioner pulley. It is directly beneath the alternator on the left side (facing the engine) of the engine compartment. Two different types of pulleys may have been used for the manufacturing of the Buick Rendezvous. Each offers a different belt release option. There will either be a bolt head on the center of the tensioner pulley or a 3/8-inch square drive.
Insert the correct adapter onto the belt tensioner tool to accommodate the bolt head or the square drive of the tensioner pulley.
Place the serpentine belt tool and adapter onto the bolt head or square drive of the tensioner pulley and then release the belt tension by turning the tool clockwise. While holding the tool to relieve the tension of the belt with one hand, slide the belt off of the alternator pulley with the other. Be careful not to allow the belt tool to slip or it can swing back and cause injury.
Allow the belt tool to return the tensioner back to its seated position once the belt has been removed from the alternator pulley. Remove the tool.
Work the belt off of all the pulleys. Since limited access is available in the 3.4-liter engine, removal of the lower splash guard may help to remove and then install the new belt. If necessary, remove the lower splash guard using a ratchet and socket set to remove the retaining bolts.
Remove the belt and then compare its length and rib count to the replacement belt to ensure that the correct belt was purchased. Since the tensioner only pivots slightly, only one belt will fit on this engine.
Install the new belt starting at the crankshaft on the bottom. Refer to the routing diagram to ensure you're placing the ribbed side of the belt appropriately into the grooved pulleys of the crankshaft, power steering pump, water pump and air conditioner unit (see Resources). The flat side of the belt will go against the surface of the upper and lower idler pulleys. Do not incorporate the belt around the alternator pulley at this time.
Hold the belt up near the alternator pulley and inspect the lower portion of the belt to ensure the ribs are aligned in the grooves. One misaligned rib on a pulley will prevent the belt from being installed on the last alternator pulley.
Reinsert the belt tool onto the bolt head or square drive of the belt tensioner while still holding the belt near the alternator. Turn the tensioner clockwise to reposition the tensioner pulley, which will allow you to slip the belt onto the alternator. If it is not fitting properly, the belt is misaligned somewhere.
Remove all the tools from the engine compartment area after the belt has been replaced. Start the engine and inspect the operation of the belt to make sure it's staying in place and no squeals or squeaks are present.
