Changing Belts on 2001 Buick Lesabre? Easy Guide with Diagram Image

Important Safety Warning: Disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting. Work only on a cold engine to prevent severe burns. Ensure the parking brake is engaged.

Tools & Materials Needed

• New serpentine belt (Correct part for 3.8L V6)
• Serpentine belt routing diagram (See below)
• 1/2" drive ratchet or breaker bar
• Long cheater bar (pipe, approx. 18-24 inches for leverage) – Essential
• Gloves (Recommended)

Serpentine Belt Removal Steps

1. Locate the spring-loaded belt tensioner pulley assembly. It's typically on the driver's side, above the alternator.
2. Place the 1/2" drive ratchet/breaker bar socket onto the tensioner's square drive stud.
3. Firmly rotate the tensioner clockwise (towards the front of the engine) using the cheater bar for leverage. This releases tension from the belt.
4. While holding tension, carefully slip the old belt off one of the smooth pulleys (idler or tensioner pulley is easiest).
5. Slowly release the tensioner and remove the old belt completely. Note the belt's path carefully.

Serpentine Belt Routing Diagram

Standard Configuration (Refer to this while installing):

• Crankshaft Pulley (Bottom center, largest)
• Alternator Pulley (Driver's side, above crank)
• Power Steering Pump Pulley (Passenger side, top)
• Air Conditioning Compressor Pulley (Passenger side, below PS pump)
• Tensioner Pulley (Driver's side, pushes against belt)
• Idler Pulley (Driver's side, often below tensioner) (Position may vary slightly)

Routing Order: Crankshaft -> A/C Compressor -> Idler Pulley -> Power Steering Pump -> Alternator -> Tensioner Pulley -> Back to Crankshaft. Verify against your engine bay or diagram sticker.

New Belt Installation Steps

1. Position the new belt over all pulleys except the tensioner pulley, following the noted/diagrammed routing precisely.
2. Place the ratchet/breaker bar back onto the tensioner's drive stud.
3. Rotate the tensioner clockwise firmly using the cheater bar until there is enough slack to slip the belt onto the tensioner pulley.
4. Carefully guide the belt onto the tensioner pulley groove.
5. Slowly and completely release the tensioner to apply tension to the new belt.

Final Verification

• Double-check the belt is fully seated in the grooves of all pulleys.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable.
• Start the engine and observe the belt for a few seconds. It should run smoothly without squealing, flapping, or slipping.
• Inspect belt alignment on all pulleys again after a brief run.

Critical Tip: Correct routing is essential. If unsure, sketch the old belt's path before removal. Replacing a worn belt prevents breakdowns.