Has anyone tried to change the serpentine belt on their HHR? If so, I'd like to know the secret to getting the old one off and a new one on. If no one has tried yet, I'll keep searching.

 

http://cobaltss.net/forums/showthrea...erpentine+belt


Heres some info, I found so far .. This is a 2.0 engine , possible the princples are the same.. Wrench size for ours might be in question.. But you will need a good flat wrench (and long) . I'm investigating the correct wrench size...

Let us know what else is found out....

 

Got this from a GM tech for a Cobalt 2.4

GM Replacement instructions:

Drive Belt Replacement
Removal Procedure
Important: The drive belt tensioner is a hydraulic tensioner and will have a high initial torque to compress. Release slowly to ensure proper operation.





Notice: In order to avoid damage to the tensioner or the wrench, ensure that care is taken so the wrench does not slip off of the lug.

Install a tight fitting 15 mm open end wrench (1) to the drive belt tensioner lug on the rear of the tensioner.



Very slowly push down and towards the back of the vehicle in order to slowly compress the drive belt tensioner.



Remove the drive belt from over the drive belt tensioner.
Very slowly, allow the drive belt tensioner to return to the extended position.
Remove the drive belt from around the pulleys.
Remove the right front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement .
Remove the drive belt from under the idler pulley and around the air conditioning (A/C) compressor and crankshaft balancer.
From through the wheel house opening, remove the drive belt.
Installation Procedure




From through the wheel house opening, install the drive belt.
Route the drive belt around the A/C compressor and crankshaft balancer and under the idler pulley.
Install the right front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement .
Route the drive belt around the pulleys.
Ensure that the drive belt is still properly seated in the pulley grooves.



Very slowly push down and towards the back of the vehicle in order to slowly compress the drive belt tensioner.
Install the drive belt over the drive belt tensioner.
Very slowly, allow the drive belt tensioner to return to the extended position until tension is applied to the drive belt.



Remove the 15 mm open end wrench (1) from the drive belt tensioner lug on the rear of the tensioner.

 

After reading the post by hvrod, I decided to confirm that noted method by checking on my HHR.

The METHOD listed is essentially the same from the day GM started using the surpentine belt.....way better than 15 years ago.

After looking at the HHR, I would suggest having the dealer do the work. The method is the same but the area is very close, which will make it very difficult to change. It's probably an hour "book" time for the dealer. But, i would bet that it will take us "shade tree" guys a couple of hours.

Your choice.....which raises the question....why are you asking, "HOW"??