Maintaining the multiple ribbed drive belt and pulleys extends the life of the drive belt.

Pulley Inspection

Examine the pulleys for the following:

The following procedure checks for a bent pulley:

1. Place a straightedge or pull a cord taught, across the two pulleys, so that it touches at all points.
2. Turn each pulley one-half revolution.
3. Recheck with the straightedge or the cord. Full contact must be made at all points. If not, the pulley is warped or the shaft is bent. Replace any damaged parts.
4. If the belt loosens, squeals, or comes off the engine drive pulleys, refer to Drive Belt Diagnosis .

Routine inspection reveals cracks in the belt ribs. The cracks do not impair the performance of the belt. The cracks are not a basis for belt replacement. However, if sections of the belt are missing, the belt should be replaced.

Do not use belt dressings to extend the drive belt life. The belt dressing will soften the belt and cause deterioration. Oil or grease contamination also causes drive belt deterioration.

A new drive belt allows the line on the belt tensioner gauge to be in the small range. As shown, a used belt is in the large area of the tensioner gauge.

Notice: Allowing the drive belt tensioner to snap into the free position may result in damage to the tensioner.




1. Use a ½-inch breaker bar with a socket placed on the tensioner pulley axis bolt and rotate the tensioner to the left (counterclockwise).
2. Remove the Accessory drive belt.

1. Route the drive belt over all of the pulleys except the tensioner. Use a ½-inch breaker bar with a socket placed on the tensioner pulley axis bolt and rotate the tensioner to the left (counterclockwise).
2. Install the belt over the tensioner pulley.
3. Check the belt for good tracking around each pulley.

Notice: Allowing the drive belt tensioner to snap into the free position may result in damage to the tensioner.

4. Allow the belt tensioner to relax.