Hey fellow HHR owners
First post here ever...
I have to replace my serpentine belt and noticed last night that there isn't a whole lot of room in there to move around. I thought I might limit my frustration a bit and ask the experts first. Any tips or tricks or secret passageways?? My dealer wanted $130.00 to do the job, thought it was kinda high as I used to do this work on my old little jimmy all the time.
Thanks from Canada
no canadian jokes eh!

 

Welcome.... Not sure where the experts are at the moment, but here goes..
Perhaps the illustration will help, Yes it is tight conditions.

I would start at the crank pulley & then go over the A/C pulley, pull back the tensioner, & loop it over Alternator & gently release the belt tensioner..
IIRC a 3/8" drive rachet will fit the tensioner square hole (see pic) to pull up on it.

 

Thanks Sleeper
That is kinda what I thought too, now I just have to make my arms a little thinner and I think I'll be able to do it!
HHReh

 

Need to remove the passenger side access panel under the vehicle and come in from the bottom.

 

Thanks ChevyMgr
See I knew there was a secret hole!

 

Not sure where you are going to do this, but a lift makes this an easy job. On your back won't be so easy.

 

After you remove excess amounts of accumulated snow....oh sorry , you said no jokes.........

 

easiest way of doing it is with 2 people....one pushes up on tensioner while other slides belt off the alternator....and then to put it back on...go from the bottom up....crank, a/c, tensioner...then push up on tensioner and have second person loop onto the alternator...no more than 2 minutes to remove and reinstall

 

mrsilent13 is spot on with his suggestions. Did mine exactly that way @ 75K miles and it literally was no more than 2 minutes.

Wheel was off for another reason so that made it easier but we didn't remove any panels.

 

Is the proper way to relieve tension by using the 3/8 square hole in the tensioner or the 15mm bolt that holds the tensioner on?