How to Adjust a Belt on a 1998 Chevrolet S-10

The 1998 Chevrolet S-10 is available in two engines: the 2.2-liter four cylinder and the 4.3-liter V-6. Both engines use a serpentine belt with an automatic belt tensioner. This type of belt has a series of V-shaped grooves on the underside of the belt. When installed, the grooved side always engages grooved pulleys, while the top flat side rides against smooth pulleys. The belt stretches over time, and the automatic tensioner eliminates the necessity to manually adjust the belt.

Instructions

Checking the Belt

1

Check the belt tension using the indicator arrow and the pair of raised marks cast into the tensioner housing and arm. This is designed to allow you to determine the amount of belt stretch at a glance. As long as the arrow is between the two marks, the belt is acceptable. Replace the belt if the arrow meets or passes one of the marks.

2

Check the belt for cracks in the area of the bottom grooves. Replace the belt if cracks are evident or you see any outside fraying of the belt. If fraying is discovered, it is likely that a pulley bearing or pulley itself has worn badly and no longer aligns properly with the rest of the pulleys.

3

Place the ratchet with a socket on the tensioner pulley bolt. Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise and allow it to return to its original position. The tensioner is working properly if it moves without hesitating or sticking and exhibits substantial spring pressure. Replace the tensioner if it sticks or if the spring does not provide any resistance.

Changing the Serpentine Belt and Tensioner

4

Check to see if there is a belt-routing diagram on the radiator support shroud. If its missing, make a diagram for reference in installation. Place a ratchet with a socket on the tensioner pulley bolt, then pull the tensioner counterclockwise to relieve tension on the belt. Remove the belt from under the tensioner.

5

Remove the bolt from the center of the tensioner housing using a socket and ratchet.

6

Install the new tensioner, placing the locating pin on the back of the housing into the corresponding hole in the engine block. The locating pin prevents the tensioner from spinning when tension is applied.

7

Install the center bolt and torque it to 37 foot-pounds using a torque wrench. Install the belt according to the belt routing diagram, starting at the crankshaft pulley. Place the belt over all the pulleys except the tensioner. Place the ratchet and socket on the tensioner pulley bolt and turn the tensioner counterclockwise. Install the remainder of the belt under the tensioner pulley. Let the tensioner return to its original position and remove the ratchet.