How to Replace the Serpentine Belt in a Honda Accord

The Accord's serpentine belt is a single main drive belt running the alternator, air conditioner compressor and possibly other accessories. Honda recommends checking this belt for wear every 7,500 miles or 6 months. Although some older models have components that adjust toward or away from the engine for belt tension, newer Honda Accord models have an auto-adjusting belt setup that makes replacing the serpentine belt a lot easier.

Instructions

1

Find the auto-adjusting belt tensioner. The belt tensioner pulley is located generally located behind the alternator and above the crankshaft on the Honda Accord.

2

Rotate the belt tensioner bolt to release tension on the belt. Rotation direction may vary by model, and some models may have a different bolt head where a breaker bar or ratchet may be the more applicable tool. Check owner's documentation and use the appropriate size and style of tool to loosen the bolt.

3

Slip the old belt off of the pulleys, and use a routing belt diagram or sketch to install the new serpentine belt. Honda generally includes a belt routing diagram somewhere under the hood, showing where the belt goes around various pulleys.

4

Rotate the tensioner again to allow the belt to be installed on all pulleys, then slowly release it to regain tension.

5

Run the engine and observe the belt for proper functioning. Before starting, make sure the belt is seated properly on all of the pulleys.