2018 Chevrolet Equinox Serpentine Belt Routing, Length & Part Numbers

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve replaced countless drive belts on GM vehicles. If you are tackling a serpentine belt replacement on a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, it is critical to have the correct part numbers, routing diagram, and belt specs before you start wrenching.

The 2018 Equinox features a few different engine options (1.5L Turbo, 2.0L Turbo, and a 1.6L Diesel). The specifications below focus on the most common powerplant: the 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder (LYX). Always verify with your parts supplier if you have the 2.0L or the 1.6L diesel, as lengths and part numbers will vary.

Quick answer

Here are the key specifications and part numbers for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox (1.5L engine):

• Rib Count: 6-rib
• Belt Length: 38.8 inches (985 mm)
• OEM Belt Part Number: ACDelco 6K388 (GM 12663515)
• Gates Cross-Reference: Gates K060388
• Dayco Cross-Reference: Dayco 5060388
• Continental Cross-Reference: Continental Elite 4060388
• Auto-Tensioner Assembly Part Number: ACDelco 12692223 (includes pulley)
• Idler Pulley Part Number: ACDelco 12663516

Belt routing

Because the engine bay in the Equinox is tight and we cannot render an image here, a text-based routing path is your best friend. Pro-tip: Always photograph your existing belt with your smartphone before you remove it! It takes two seconds and saves a lot of headaches.

For standard accessory drives following a traditional layout, the grooved side of the belt will ride on grooved pulleys, while the smooth back side rides on smooth pulleys (like the idler and tensioner).

Follow this routing order starting from the bottom:

1. Crankshaft Pulley: Loop the belt around the bottom of the main crank pulley.
2. A/C Compressor: Route the belt up and around the A/C compressor pulley.
3. Idler Pulley: Pass the back (smooth) side of the belt under the idler pulley.
4. Alternator: Pull the belt up and over the alternator pulley at the top of the engine.
5. Power Steering / Water Pump: Route down past the accessory cluster (note: while older standard setups included a hydraulic power steering pump, your 2018 Equinox utilizes Electric Power Steering, meaning this spot in the traditional loop goes straight to the water pump).
6. Tensioner Pulley: Finally, slip the smooth back of the belt over the auto-tensioner pulley to complete the loop.

How to replace the serpentine belt

Replacing the belt on the 2018 Equinox 1.5L is a straightforward job if you have the right tools. Because of clearance, a dedicated serpentine belt tool or a long-handled 3/8-inch drive breaker bar is highly recommended.

1. Locate the auto-tensioner on the passenger side of the engine block.
2. Insert your 3/8-inch breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the square receptacle on the tensioner arm.
3. Rotate the tensioner counter-clockwise (or push in the direction that relieves tension on the belt).
4. With the tension relieved, slide the old belt off the easiest-to-reach pulley (usually the alternator or idler).
5. Carefully release the tensioner and remove the old belt from the engine bay.
6. Route the new belt following the path described above, leaving the tensioner pulley for last.
7. Crank the tensioner open again, slip the belt over the tensioner pulley, and slowly release the tool. Double-check that the belt is seated properly in all the pulley grooves before starting the engine.

Replacement interval

For the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, the general recommendation for serpentine belt replacement is between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. Modern belts are made of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber, which doesn't crack as noticeably as older neoprene belts. Instead, they lose material much like a tire loses tread. You should inspect the belt every 15,000 miles for wear.

Signs of a failing belt or tensioner

Don't wait for your belt to snap on the highway. Look out for these common warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping: A high-pitched noise on startup or during acceleration usually points to a stretched belt or a weak tensioner spring.
• Visual Wear: Look for missing ribs, glazing (a shiny appearance on the ribbed side), or heavy fraying on the edges. EPDM belts can be checked with a cheap belt wear gauge.
• Loss of Accessories: If the A/C suddenly blows warm or the battery warning light comes on, the belt may be slipping badly or broken.
• Tensioner Bounce: If you look at the auto-tensioner while the engine is idling and see it vibrating or bouncing aggressively, the internal spring or dampener has failed and the whole assembly needs to be replaced.

If you don't have the tools, time, or workspace to tackle this repair yourself, don't sweat it. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.