Loosen the auto-tensioner or alternator bolts with a breaker bar or socket wrench. Locate the alternator or. . Regardless of which design your vehicle uses, you will likely have to replace the belt that powers your alternator at some point in the lifetime of your vehicle. Auto technician Jason Shackelford says to listen for squealing or squeaking. . How to replace alternator belt if the air conditioner is broken, you can use a short serpentine belt without air conditioning. . There have been a few posts lately with folks changing the 3 drive belts and including the unneccessary steps of removing the battery, the battery tray, the lower engine bay skidplate and even the fan (!?). seksan Mongkhonkhamsao/Getty Images A serpentine belt (aka alternator belt) sounds cool, right? All slithery and snaky. An alternator belt also known as a serpentine belt is a continuous, solitary belt that is used to drive numerous devices in an automotive engine, such as power steering pump, alternator, air conditioner compressor, air pump, water. . Fortunately, alternator belt replacement is usually a simple job, although it's sometimes complicated by other engine components being very close. It's critical to disconnect the battery. .
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