How to Replace the Belt That Drives Power Steering in a 1992 Grand Am

Pontiac introduced the Grand Am in 1973. The 2.3-liter DOHC, 2.3-liter DOHC high output, and 2.3-liter SOHC were the "Quad 4" engines available for the 1992 Grand Am. There was also an option for a 3.3-liter V-6 engine for the 1992 Grand Am. Several of the intricate parts on the 1992 Grand Am are propelled by a serpentine belt, or drive belt, as it is sometimes called. The serpentine belt moves the power steering pump on the 1992 Grand Am. Replacing the serpentine belt can be somewhat difficult due to the restricted working space in the engine compartment.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Grand Am and set the prop to hold the hood up for the duration of this project. Visually inspect beneath the hood for a sticker labeled "Belt Routing Diagram." If you do not see a belt routing diagram, draw a box on a piece of paper to represent the front of the engine. Draw circles to represent the pulleys in relatively the same position as they appear on the front of the engine. Draw a thick line between the circles to represent the routing of the belt amongst all of the different engine pulleys.

2

Turn the tensioner assembly, using the belt removal tool or an open end wrench on the tensioner pulley -- the tensioner resembles a large metal "teardrop," with a pulley mounted onto the narrow end of the "teardrop" shape. Pull the pulley upward as you are facing the front of the engine compartment. Remove the serpentine belt with your free hand.

3

Begin routing the new belt from the top rear of the back to the tensioner assembly. Loop the belt over the topmost and rearmost pulley, which should be the power steering pulley. Follow your belt routing diagram to install the belt around the crank pulley, water pump pulley, alternator pulley and the air conditioner pulley (if an air conditioner is installed). Hold the belt near the tensioner assembly, applying some tension yourself to ensure that the belt does not slip off any of the other pulleys.

4

Pull the tensioner assembly back up with the appropriate tool and slide the serpentine belt underneath the tensioner pulley. Release the tensioner assembly slowly, so as not to damage the new belt.

5

Visually inspect the belt routing versus the belt routing diagram. Make sure the belt is also centered on each pulley, within the allotted grooves of the pulleys. If you need to center the belt on any pulley, pull the tensioner up about halfway with one hand, and push the belt onto the pulley that needs to be corrected.