How to Change the Belt for a Honda Pilot

The belt on the engine of your Honda Pilot is responsible for making sure the alternator, air conditioning, power steering and other drive accessories are operating in harmony. When the belt loses tension or starts to fail, the accessories won't turn with the engine, and may cause failures in those parts.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2-inch ratchet and socket
  • Replacement belt
  • Pop the hood and locate the auto tensioner on the center of the engine, which has a bolt on the top that allows you to mount a ratchet.

  • Note the sticker under the hood that shows the correct routing of the belt.

  • Place the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket on the tensioner and turn it to the left, which will release tension on the belt and allow you to slide it off the alternator and other accessories with your hand, so you can remove the belt entirely.

  • Position the replacement belt onto the accessories per the sticker under the hood. (You won't be able to do this to all accessories, but you can start the process.) Pull the tensioner to the left again using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket, then route the belt the rest of the way around the accessories.

  • Release the tensioner using the ratchet and allow it to contact the drive belt. Examine all the points where the belt contacts an accessory, and make sure the belt is sitting squarely.