2015 Chevrolet Equinox Serpentine Belt: Routing, Replacement & Part Numbers

Quick Answer

For the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox, the serpentine belt specifications vary slightly depending on the engine. Please verify your engine type before purchasing parts.

2.4L ECOTEC I4 Engine:

• Belt Length: Approximately 90.5 inches
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt P/N: 12636227 (ACDelco)
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060905
  • Dayco 5060905
  • Continental Elite 4060905
• Auto-Tensioner P/N: 12628080 (ACDelco)
• Idler Pulley P/N: 12622442 (ACDelco)

3.6L V6 Engine:

• Belt Length: Approximately 92.5 inches
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt P/N: 12639148 (ACDelco)
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060925
  • Dayco 5060925
  • Continental Elite 4060925
• Auto-Tensioner P/N: 12639150 (ACDelco)
• Idler Pulley P/N: 12622442 (ACDelco) - Note: The idler pulley P/N is often the same for both engines, but always double-check.

Belt Routing

It is highly recommended to take a clear photograph of your existing serpentine belt routing before you remove it. This will serve as an invaluable guide during reinstallation.

General Routing (May vary slightly by engine, follow your photo!):

The serpentine belt on your 2015 Chevrolet Equinox typically follows a path that connects all the essential engine accessories. Here's a common routing sequence:

1. Begin at the Crankshaft Pulley (the large pulley at the bottom, usually the main drive pulley).
2. From the crankshaft, the belt typically goes down and to the left to the A/C Compressor Pulley.
3. From the A/C compressor, it will often travel up and to the right to an Idler Pulley (a smooth, non-driven pulley).
4. After the idler, it usually routes up to the Alternator Pulley.
5. From the alternator, it may move left or right to the Power Steering Pump Pulley.
6. Next, the belt often wraps around the Water Pump Pulley.
7. Finally, the belt routes to the Automatic Tensioner Pulley, which applies constant tension to the belt. To remove or install the belt, you will need to rotate this tensioner.

Please remember that this is a general description, and the exact path can have minor variations based on your specific engine and accessory layout. Your pre-removal photograph is your best friend!

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2015 Chevrolet Equinox is a DIY task that can be accomplished with basic tools.

Tools Needed:

• Serpentine belt tool or a 3/8-inch breaker bar/ratchet (specific size may vary; check your tensioner for the correct drive)
• New serpentine belt

Steps:

1. Locate the Automatic Tensioner: Identify the pulley that is mounted on a spring-loaded arm. This is your auto-tensioner.
2. Relieve Tension: Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square drive hole on the tensioner arm. Rotate the tensioner arm to release the tension on the belt. Note: Most tensioners rotate clockwise to loosen, but some may be counter-clockwise. Apply steady pressure.
3. Remove the Old Belt: While holding the tensioner in the loosened position, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys (usually the idler or a smooth pulley). Once it's off one pulley, you can fully release the tensioner and remove the belt from all accessories.
4. Confirm Routing: Double-check your photograph of the old belt's routing one last time to ensure you have the correct path.
5. Install the New Belt: Following your routing diagram, start by placing the belt around all the stationary pulleys. Leave the tensioner pulley (or another easily accessible pulley) for last.
6. Apply Tension Again: Using your tool, rotate the tensioner arm again to create slack. Slip the new belt over the final pulley.
7. Release Tensioner: Slowly release the tensioner, allowing it to apply proper tension to the new belt.
8. Verify Seating: Inspect the entire belt to ensure it is properly seated in all the grooves of all the pulleys. Start the engine briefly (a few seconds) and check again to make sure the belt is running true.

Replacement Interval

Chevrolet generally recommends inspecting the serpentine belt on your 2015 Equinox approximately every 50,000 miles or sooner if you notice any visible wear. Most manufacturers suggest replacing the serpentine belt between 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or every 4–5 years, whichever comes first. However, driving conditions and climate can affect its lifespan. It's wise to perform a visual inspection at every oil change.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to significant issues, as these components drive crucial accessories like your alternator, power steering pump, and A/C compressor.

Signs of a Failing Serpentine Belt:

• Squealing Noises: A persistent squealing, chirping, or grinding noise, especially on startup or when turning the steering wheel, is a common indicator.
• Cracks or Fraying: Visible cracks, dry rot, fraying edges, missing ribs, or chunks of rubber missing from the belt's surface are clear signs it needs replacement.
• Glazed or Shiny Spots: The belt surface should be dull. Shiny spots indicate slipping.
• Loss of Power Steering, A/C, or Charging: If the belt breaks, you will immediately lose power steering assist, your air conditioning will stop working, and your battery will no longer charge.

Signs of a Failing Automatic Belt Tensioner:

• Excessive Belt Vibrations/Flapping: If the belt appears to be vibrating excessively or flapping, the tensioner might not be maintaining proper tension.
• Grinding or Growling Noises: A failing tensioner pulley bearing can produce grinding or growling sounds.
• Incorrect Belt Tension: The tensioner arm should have a range of motion. If it's stuck in one position or feels very loose, it's likely failing.
• Worn Pulley: The tensioner pulley itself can wear out, developing play or losing its smooth surface.

Address these symptoms promptly to avoid breakdowns and potential damage to other components.

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