GM 12596249 Belt, Water Pump & A/C Compressor & Generator & P/S Pump

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A single serpentine drivebelt located at the front of the engine is crucial for the engine's operation and its components, and due to its function and material composition, it is susceptible to wear, necessitating periodic inspections. The belt drives the alternator and air conditioning compressor, and while it should be checked at recommended intervals, replacement may not be needed for over 100,000 miles. With the engine stopped, inspect the entire length of the drivebelt for cracks and separation of the belt plies, turning the engine to move the belt from the pulleys for thorough inspection. Twist the belt to view both sides and check for fraying and glazing, while also examining the pulleys for nicks, cracks, distortion, and corrosion. Small cracks in the edges of the belt ribs are not unusual, and unless they are extensive or very deep, replacement is not essential. For VB models, a special tool (EN-47988) is required to release the drivebelt tension. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery, and for V6 models, remove the air filter housing and engine cover, while for V8 engines, remove the passenger side diagonal brace and, if necessary, unbolt the underhood fuse box. For V8 engines, insert the special tool into the tensioner hole and pull the handle clockwise to release the drivebelt tension, while for V6 models, use a 3/8-inch drive ratchet or breaker bar to do the same. Note the routing of the drivebelt before removing it from the pulleys. Fit the new drivebelt onto the crankshaft, alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor pulleys as applicable, then turn to release the tensioner and ensure the drivebelt is correctly seated in all pulley grooves before releasing the tensioner. Installation follows the reverse order of removal.

A single serpentine drivebelt located at the front of the engine is crucial for the engine's operation and its components, and due to its function and material composition, it is susceptible to wear, necessitating periodic inspections. The belt drives the alternator and air conditioning compressor, and while it should be checked at recommended intervals, replacement may not be needed for over 100,000 miles. With the engine stopped, inspect the entire length of the drivebelt for cracks and separation of the belt plies, turning the engine to move the belt from the pulleys for thorough inspection. Twist the belt to view both sides and check for fraying and glazing, while also examining the pulleys for nicks, cracks, distortion, and corrosion. Small cracks in the edges of the belt ribs are not unusual, and unless they are extensive or very deep, replacement is not essential. For VB models, a special tool (EN-47988) is required to release the drivebelt tension. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery, and for V6 models, remove the air filter housing and engine cover, while for V8 engines, remove the passenger side diagonal brace and, if necessary, unbolt the underhood fuse box. For V8 engines, insert the special tool into the tensioner hole and pull the handle clockwise to release the drivebelt tension, while for V6 models, use a 3/8-inch drive ratchet or breaker bar to do the same. Note the routing of the drivebelt before removing it from the pulleys. Fit the new drivebelt onto the crankshaft, alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor pulleys as applicable, then turn to release the tensioner and ensure the drivebelt is correctly seated in all pulley grooves before releasing the tensioner. Installation follows the reverse order of removal.