2012 Buick Lacrosse Serpentine Belt Diagram (2024)

FAQs

Where is the serpentine belt diagram? ›

Some vehicles have the serpentine belt diagram located on a decal somewhere in the engine compartment. But if your car does not have a decal, you can easily look up the diagram in a repair manual or repair database. Another option is to take a photo of the old belt before removal.

If the belt is wobbling back and forth or the pulley is not spinning straight and wobbling, the pulley may be misaligned, which can cause the belt to squeal. Also, check if the belt is running in the center of the pulley and is not running off to the side.

A: Commonly a belt routing diagram sticker is on the underside of the hood or in the engine compartment. If there is no diagram, make a sketch of the belt and pulleys before removing the belt.

If you do notice your belt needs replacing, you can do it yourself if you're mechanically minded and have the time. It'll take about 1 or 2 hours, but they're relatively inexpensive and straightforward to repair.

Depending on the engine in your vehicle, the serpentine belt may be located at the front of the engine bay, or it may be along one side. There may be engine covers in the way, so be prepared to remove them if need be.

The timing belt is inside the engine and keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in sync. It ensures that the engine intake and exhaust valves open and close in time with the pistons so the engine runs smoothly. The serpentine belt is what keeps the engine accessories running smoothly and efficiently.

One of the earliest signs of a failing serpentine belt is a high-pitched squealing or whining noise, especially during engine startup or when turning the steering wheel. This noise is typically caused by the belt slipping on the pulleys due to reduced tension or deterioration.

It does not HAVE to be replaced many time but it is always recommended as the spring inside gets worn out and the bearing in the pulley also gets worn. Installing a new belt on an old tensioner can put more strain on the unit.

Common symptoms of a malfunctioning idler pulley include corrosion on the pulley's surface, chattering and squealing noises, and slow spinning. Recommended idler pulley brands include Replacement, Gates, and Dayco.

Excessive Wear: A serpentine belt that is too tight can cause excessive wear on the belt and other components, leading to premature failure. The added tension can cause the rubber on the belt to wear down more quickly, which can cause the belt to crack or break.

How to test serpentine belt by hand? ›

Use a ruler to check the belt's tension.

In many applications, the serpentine belt needs only to be reasonably tight. Because of this, a belt tension gauge is not necessary for most vehicles. Instead, use a ruler to measure the distance between the two furthest pulleys and find the midway point.

The average cost for serpentine belt replacement is between $109 and $134. Labor costs are estimated between $57 and $72, while parts range between $52 and $62. Whether you go to the mechanic or do it yourself, replacing a serpentine belt costs $58 to $126.

You spot visual signs of wear: Cracks, splits, and fraying are visual indicators of a worn belt. If the belt's sides are glazed over, the belt won't last much longer.