2016 Chevrolet Equinox: Serpentine Belt Routing & Length

Quick answer

• Engine Option: 2.4L I4
  • Belt Length & Rib Count: 93.3 inches, 6-rib
  • OEM Belt Part Number: 12658175
  • Aftermarket Cross-References: Gates K060933, Dayco 5060933, Continental 4060933
  • Automatic Tensioner Part Number: 12660377
  • Idler Pulley Part Number: 24576547
• Engine Option: 3.6L V6
  • Belt Length & Rib Count: 57.09 inches, 6-rib
  • OEM Belt Part Number: 12636231
  • Aftermarket Cross-References: Gates K060565, Dayco 5060565, Continental 4060565
  • Automatic Tensioner Part Number: 12668974
  • Idler Pulley Part Number: 12664537

Belt routing

Before you remove the old serpentine belt, it is crucial to photograph the existing belt path from a few different angles. This will serve as a definitive guide for installing the new belt, eliminating any guesswork. The routing can be complex, and a photo is the most reliable way to ensure all pulleys are correctly wrapped.

For the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox with the 2.4L I4 engine, the belt follows this general path:

1. Starts at the bottom crankshaft pulley.
2. Wraps up and around the A/C compressor pulley.
3. Goes down and around the smooth idler pulley.
4. Travels up to the alternator pulley at the top of the engine.
5. Comes down to the power steering pump pulley.
6. Goes around the smooth water pump pulley.
7. Finishes by wrapping under the spring-loaded tensioner pulley, which maintains the belt's grip.

For the 3.6L V6 engine, the routing is simpler due to a different accessory layout. Always refer to your pre-removal photograph to confirm the exact path for your specific vehicle.

How to replace the serpentine belt

Replacing the serpentine belt is a manageable task for a DIYer with the right tool. You will need a serpentine belt tool, which is a long, thin bar with various socket and wrench attachments, or a long-handled 3/8" drive breaker bar.

1. Safety First: Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface, the engine is cool, and the parking brake is engaged.
2. Access the Tensioner: Locate the automatic belt tensioner. It is a spring-loaded pulley designed to keep the belt tight. On the body of the tensioner, there will be a square 3/8" drive hole or a hex-shaped lug on the pulley bolt.
3. Release Tension: Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the designated spot on the tensioner. Rotate the tensioner against its spring pressure to loosen the belt. This does not require removing any bolts; you are simply pivoting the entire tensioner arm.
4. Remove the Old Belt: While holding the tensioner in the released position, carefully slip the old belt off one of the smooth, non-lipped pulleys, like the idler or water pump pulley. Then, slowly release the tensioner and remove the belt from the engine bay.
5. Install the New Belt: Referring to your photos, route the new belt around all the pulleys, saving the tensioner or another smooth pulley for last. Double-check that the ribs on the belt are correctly seated in the grooves of each ribbed pulley.
6. Apply Tension: Use your tool to rotate the tensioner again, and slide the belt into place over the final pulley. Once the belt is on, slowly release the tensioner, allowing it to apply pressure to the new belt.
7. Final Check: Visually inspect the entire belt path one last time to ensure it is properly aligned and seated in every pulley. Start the engine and let it run for a minute to confirm the belt is tracking correctly.

Replacement interval

While there is no universally mandated replacement interval, a general guideline for modern serpentine belts is to inspect them regularly after 60,000 miles and plan for replacement between 75,000 and 100,000 miles. Environmental factors like extreme heat or cold can shorten the belt's lifespan. Proactive replacement is a wise investment to avoid being stranded by a snapped belt, which will cause an immediate loss of power steering, charging system function, and, critically, coolant circulation via the water pump.

Signs of a failing belt or tensioner

Pay attention to these warning signs, as they can indicate a problem with the belt, tensioner, or an accessory pulley:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common symptom, often indicating a worn, glazed, or misaligned belt. It can also be a sign of a failing bearing in the tensioner, idler, or an accessory.
• Visible Wear: Inspect the belt for cracks, fraying, glazing (shiny surface), or missing chunks of the ribbed section. Any visible damage warrants immediate replacement.
• Tensioner Pulley Flutter: With the engine running, watch the tensioner pulley. If it is vibrating or fluttering rapidly instead of remaining steady, the spring mechanism is likely weak and failing to provide adequate tension.
• Accessory Malfunctions: If you experience intermittent power steering assist, dimming headlights (alternator issue), or rising engine temperatures, the belt could be slipping and failing to drive these critical components effectively.

If you notice any of these symptoms, a thorough inspection is necessary. Remember that a worn-out tensioner can cause a new belt to fail prematurely.

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