Main Drive & AC Belt Replacement

[LeRox]

Well its time for me to replace my belts this weekend and I was looking for a few tips on removal/install....any info would be appreciated....

The only specific question I have is if its easier to do the AC belt from under the car or not...the belt tensioner seems pretty low to the ground, so I thought it might be easier from underneath.

Thanks,

Rox

[Eddie 70]

I have only had my main belt off on mine. I do think like you do on the AC belt about it coming off easier from below. Definitely let us know how you make out with this project when you get it done.

[LeRox]

Just an update on the job. Replaced the AC Belt. Not real easy, but you definately want to do it from under the car. Had to help position it from the top side thru the engine compartment, but it was definately easier to move the AC pulley from under the car.

Removed my intake (Vararam) and the old Main Belt, and during installation of the new one, found that it was about 2 inches too long. AC Delco apparently doesnt make a Main Drive belt for the C5, cause they said that since the one they sent me was too long, they didnt have one that would fit my car....Thought that was odd considering the AC Belt they sold me fit just fine.

Had to order a GM Main Drive belt and it will be here Thursday. So until then, my intake is off, which made it alot easier to do the Main belt and there is no belt on my car....finishing the job will be easy, once I get the new belt.

Just make sure when you do this that you make a quick sketch of the belt path or you will forget it most likely and it will make putting the new belts on a major pain.....

[ZO6 AL-X]

You just reminded me to have mine checked.

[bradleywrench13]

In case you need it the belt routing diagram is on page 5-95 of the 2003 owners manual, I don't know if it is in the manual for the other years or not but I would suspect it is.

[LeRox]

Thanks Wrench.....dont have a set of shop manuals yet (wish I did), but I have another C5 projects book that had the routing diagram in it....it saved my a$$ on the re-route....