2017 Chevrolet Equinox Serpentine Belt Routing & Length

Quick Answer

For the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, the serpentine belt specifications vary slightly depending on the engine. This guide focuses on the common 2.4L and 3.6L engines.

2.4L EcoTec Engine

• Belt Length: Approximately 90.5 inches (2299 mm)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: GM 12656947
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060905
  • Dayco 5060905
  • Continental Elite 4060905
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Gates 38159, Dayco 89379
• Idler Pulley PN: Gates 36294, Dayco 89052

3.6L V6 Engine

• Belt Length: Approximately 82.5 inches (2095 mm)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: GM 12637213
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060825
  • Dayco 5060825
  • Continental Elite 4060825
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Gates 38320, Dayco 89337
• Idler Pulley PN: Gates 36224, Dayco 89006

Belt Routing (2.4L EcoTec Engine)

Before you begin any work, it's highly recommended to take a clear photo of the existing belt routing. This will serve as an invaluable reference during reinstallation.

The serpentine belt on the 2.4L EcoTec engine typically follows this path:

1. Starting from the crankshaft pulley (the lowest, largest pulley at the front of the engine).
2. The belt goes up and over the A/C compressor pulley (usually on the lower passenger side).
3. From the A/C compressor, it then routes under an idler pulley (a smooth pulley, often centrally located).
4. After the idler, it travels up and over the alternator pulley (typically high on the passenger side).
5. From the alternator, it goes down to route around the power steering pump pulley (if equipped, often below the alternator).
6. Next, it wraps around the water pump pulley (often a smooth, slightly smaller pulley near the center top).
7. Finally, it routes under the automatic tensioner pulley (the pulley with a spring-loaded arm that keeps tension on the belt) before returning to the crankshaft pulley.

Belt Routing (3.6L V6 Engine)

Again, always photograph your existing belt routing before removal! The 3.6L V6 engine has a slightly different accessory layout:

1. Begin at the crankshaft pulley (the large pulley at the bottom front).
2. The belt routes up and around the power steering pump pulley (often on the driver's side).
3. From the power steering pump, it travels down and under an idler pulley.
4. It then goes up and over the alternator pulley (usually located high on the driver's side).
5. Next, it routes down to the A/C compressor pulley (on the lower passenger side).
6. From the A/C compressor, it goes up and around the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, it routes under the automatic tensioner pulley before returning to the crankshaft pulley.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2017 Equinox is a DIY-friendly task for those comfortable working on vehicles, but proper precautions are essential. You will need a serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8-inch drive breaker bar and appropriate sized socket for the tensioner bolt (often 15mm).

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is OFF and cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental starting.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square hole or a bolt head where you can apply leverage.
3. Relieve Tension: Using your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar, rotate the tensioner arm away from the belt. This will release the tension.
4. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner in the loosened position, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys. Once loose, you can gently release the tensioner and remove the belt completely.
5. Inspect Pulleys: This is a good time to inspect all the pulleys (alternator, power steering, A/C compressor, idlers, water pump) for any signs of wear, wobbling, or excessive play. Spin them by hand to check for smooth operation and unusual noises. Replace any problematic pulleys or the tensioner if it's not maintaining proper tension.
6. Route New Belt: Refer to your earlier photograph and the routing descriptions above. Carefully route the new belt around all the pulleys, leaving the tensioner pulley as the last point of contact.
7. Final Tensioning: Once the belt is mostly in place, use your tool to again rotate the tensioner arm, creating enough slack to slip the belt fully onto the tensioner pulley.
8. Verify Routing: Double-check that the belt is correctly seated in all the pulley grooves.
9. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
10. Test Run: Start the engine and listen for any abnormal squealing or noises. Observe the belt's operation to ensure it runs smoothly and doesn't slip.

Replacement Interval

General recommendations suggest inspecting your serpentine belt every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or at least once a year. Replacement is typically advised every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or sooner if signs of wear are present. Always consult your Equinox owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules, as these can vary.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to a breakdown, as critical accessories like the alternator, power steering pump, and A/C compressor will stop functioning.

Signs of a Failing Belt:

• Squealing Noises: A common symptom, especially during cold starts or when turning the steering wheel (power steering). This can indicate a slipping, worn, or misaligned belt.
• Cracks and Fraying: Visible cracks running across the belt ribs, missing chunks of rubber, or frayed edges are clear indicators for replacement.
• Glazed or Shiny Appearance: The ribs of the belt may appear shiny, indicating hardening and loss of grip.
• Loss of Power Steering or A/C: If the belt slips or breaks, these systems will cease to function.
• Battery Light On: A broken belt means the alternator isn't charging, which will trigger the battery warning light.
• Overheating: While less common directly, if the water pump isn't driven, the engine can overheat.

Signs of a Failing Tensioner:

• Loud Squealing or Whining from the Tensioner Area: The internal bearing can fail.
• Belt Slippage: If the tensioner isn't applying adequate pressure, the belt can slip, causing noise and premature wear.
• Excessive Vibration or Wobble: The tensioner pulley itself might wobble significantly when the engine is running.
• Belt Flapping: If the belt appears to be vibrating or flapping excessively, especially at idle, the tensioner might be weak.
• Visible Misalignment: The tensioner pulley might visibly be misaligned with the other pulleys.

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