How do you replace serpentine belt on a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier?

Answer 1

Here's an answer from the Pontiac Sunfire group. The cars are basically the same as your Cav. Be aware that your procedures may vary from those used on the Sunfire.

Ah yes, the old serpentine belt raises her ugly head again. These belts are among the most talked about things in this group. We don't mind having at it again for you though.

Because you're asking about belt routing, I'm guessing that maybe your belt has failed already. If it hasn't, DON'T TAKE IT OFF .....yet! Raise the hood of the car and look on the bottom side of the hood for a belt routing diagram. With any luck it's still there. Or, you may find it on the fender well or nearby. If there's no diagram and the belt is still on the car, grab a pen and paper and make your own diagram. You'll need it.

Now, if the belt is gone, you're a little hosed. I've Google'D my "you know what" off trying to find belt routing diagrams for our Sunfires. I've had little luck. The best bet in this case is to go to a GM dealership to see if they can provide you with the diagram. They'll want to know if the car has AC or not. I guess all Sunfires have Power Steering, so that shouldn't enter into the equation. Presuming you've come up with a diagram, you're ready to change or replace the belt. The easiest way to get an old one off is with a knife, or some other instrument of destruction. You'll probably have to take the alternator loose to gain a bit of slack in the belt. When I replaced my alternator, it helped to have it loose while I got the belt back on.
In addition to the alternator adjustment, there is a spring loaded tensioner in the belt path. It looks a little different than all the other pulleys, in that the surface is very shiny as it contacts the BACK side of the belt. It's basically just a wheel that rotates with the belt.
The tensioner has a squared off portion on the front surface. This is where you put a wrench or socket or whatever you can make fit on it. Then you rotate it, generally forward, to gain slack, then let it rotate back to take up that slack.

I've found that it helps to have a friend with you when you do this job. The belt is unwieldy and 4 hands work so much better than two at getting and holding it in place. Once it's on, don't forget to adjust and tighten up your alternator if you've taken it loose. If all is well, the belt should be pretty tight. Eyeball everything to make sure it looks right, then start the car. Observe the belt for a minute or two just to ensure that you have it all working correctly and that you don't throw the belt. NOTE: if your car's AC is dead, you can use the belt for the cars without AC and just bypass the compressor. Understand though, that this will involve a slightly different belt routing.

SAVE AND PROTECT your diagram!


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