Serpentine Belt Replacement S80

[lowufo]

For the life of me I don't know how to get the serpentine belt off of my 2.9 s80 without removing the harmonic balancer. This seems like a ridiculous design to have to go through this. What am I missing? If I have to remove the harmonic balancer, which way are the bolts threaded? Mike, Gardnerville, NV

[MadeInJapan]

Model year 2000 right? I've got instructions w/ pictures from VADIS I'll email you so send me an email: badger36-at-knology.net (replace -at- with @).

[bajaman123]

While I was replacing the alternator the other day I too thought, "Hmmmm....how FAWKED would it be to have to replace the belt (something I really wanted to do...) as I see NO WAY to get it off the harmonic balancer."

I would appreciate this information, too...if it is the same for a 1999 T6, please.

[Beachbum]

Yes, you have to take off the harmonic balancer to get the serp belt off. 4 bolts as I recall. You also have to pull back the plastic inner fender liner to get to it. Just remove a few bolts (or was it clips?) and pull it out of the way so you can get in there. I held it out of the way with a clothes hanger that I fashioned with hooks on the ends. Note that you DO NOT have to remove any of the rivets that hold the liner on to pull it back far enough to get to the HB.

And of course you have to remove the RF wheel first.

Beachbum

[537playing]

You don't have to remove anything. Use this tool to make the belt loose. It works on my 2001.www.ipdusa.com/products/5767/t70452-serpentine-belt-tool

[Beachbum]

Wrong. The tool mentioned above is only to release the tension on the belt tensioner so you can slip it off the pulleys (A/C, PS, alternator, and tensioner).

But to completely REMOVE the belt (like if you want to replace the belt) you have to take off the harmonic balancer. There is no other way.