2020 Chevrolet Equinox — Serpentine Belt Routing & Length

Quick answer

• Belt length: approximately 81.5 in (2070 mm) for the common 1.5L turbo (LYX) with A/C; 2.0L turbo (LTG) uses a longer belt (approx. mid‑80s in). Always verify by VIN.
• Rib count: 6‑rib
• OEM belt PN: ACDelco/GM varies by VIN for 2020 Equinox; for 1.5L w/ A/C, the commonly cataloged ACDelco size is 6K815 (confirm fitment before ordering)
• Aftermarket cross‑refs (1.5L w/ A/C):
  • Gates K060815
  • Dayco 5060815
  • Continental/ContiTech 4060815
• Auto‑tensioner PN: VIN/engine specific. Verify by VIN; use catalog part matched to your engine (1.5L LYX vs 2.0L LTG) and A/C configuration.
• Idler pulley PN: VIN/engine specific. Verify by VIN; select the idler matched to your engine and belt layout.

Note: 2020 Equinox in North America is predominantly the 1.5L turbo (LYX) and nearly all are equipped with A/C. Diesel option was discontinued after 2019. The Equinox uses electric power steering, so there is no belt‑driven PS pump on most models.

Belt routing

Before removing your old belt, take a clear photo of the existing routing. If a decal is present under the hood, reference it as well. On Equinox models equipped with a traditional accessory layout (and for general belt‑path understanding), the routing follows this order:

Crankshaft pulley → A/C compressor → idler pulley → alternator → power steering pump → water pump → automatic tensioner → back to crankshaft.

Important Equinox notes:

• Most 2020 Equinox models use electric power steering (no belt‑driven PS pump). In that case, the belt path simply bypasses a PS pulley; the route will go from alternator directly to the next driven accessory in the loop (typically the water pump or tensioner, depending on bracket design).
• The water pump on these engines is belt‑driven; ensure the belt tracks squarely on its pulley and that the pump spins freely during reassembly.

Generic step‑by‑step visualizing the path (clockwise example):

1. From the crankshaft harmonic balancer, wrap the belt under/around the A/C compressor.
2. Up over the smooth or grooved idler (match ribbed side of belt to grooved pulleys, back side to smooth pulleys).
3. Across the top to the alternator.
4. If equipped with a belt‑driven PS pump, down and around the PS pulley. If not equipped, proceed to the next pulley in your bracket’s path (typically water pump).
5. Around the water pump.
6. Under the automatic tensioner pulley.
7. Back to the crankshaft, confirming the belt is fully seated in all grooves.

How to replace the serpentine belt

Tools: serpentine belt tool or a 3/8 in breaker bar/ratchet to unload the tensioner; basic hand tools; a small mirror/flashlight can help confirm rib seating.

1. Photograph the existing belt routing. Note pulley types (grooved vs smooth).
2. Insert the 3/8 in drive into the tensioner (or use a serpentine belt tool on the hex). Rotate the tensioner to relieve tension. On most GM four‑cylinders the tensioner rotates clockwise to unload, but verify on yours.
3. Slip the belt off the easiest‑access pulley (often the alternator or idler) while holding the tensioner.
4. Slowly release the tensioner to its rest position.
5. Compare the old belt to the new one (length and rib count). If they differ significantly, re‑verify part numbers by VIN/engine code.
6. Route the new belt according to your photo/diagram, leaving the easiest‑access pulley for last. Ensure the ribbed side rides only on grooved pulleys and the back side only on smooth pulleys.
7. Rotate the tensioner again and slip the belt onto the final pulley. Release the tensioner slowly.
8. Visually confirm each pulley has the belt fully seated in all grooves. Spin the idler(s) and observe the tensioner—there should be steady tension without binding.
9. Start the engine and watch the belt track for 30–60 seconds. Shut off and recheck alignment.

Tip: While the belt is off, spin and feel the idler and tensioner pulleys. Any roughness, wobble, or noise means replace them together with the belt.

Replacement interval

• Normal service: inspect every oil change; replace around 60,000–100,000 miles (96,000–160,000 km) or 6–8 years, whichever comes first.
• Severe service (extreme heat, dust, frequent short trips): expect shorter intervals; inspect closely after 45,000–60,000 miles.

Always replace the belt sooner if you see wear or if any accessory/tensioner issue is present.

Signs of a failing belt or tensioner

• Belt noise: cold‑start squeal, chirp at idle, or squeak when turning on A/C.
• Visible belt wear: cracks across ribs, missing chunks, frayed edges, glazing/shiny ribs, contamination (oil/coolant).
• Electrical symptoms: battery/charging light on, dimming lights—alternator may be slipping.
• Cooling/A/C symptoms: engine running hotter than normal or A/C weak at idle—water pump or A/C compressor drive may be slipping.
• Tensioner issues: belt flutter, tensioner arm bouncing, pulley wobble, or grinding/rumbling from the tensioner/idler bearings.

Engine/option variations to note

• 1.5L LYX (most 2020 Equinox): typically a 6‑rib belt ~81.5 in with A/C. Electric power steering means no PS pulley in the route.
• 2.0L LTG (if equipped): uses a longer 6‑rib belt. Bracket geometry and belt length differ. Always confirm by VIN, engine RPO, and with/without A/C.

Because GM catalogs list multiple part numbers by VIN/build date, confirm the exact belt, tensioner, and idler part numbers with your VIN before purchase. The aftermarket cross‑references above (e.g., Gates K060815, Dayco 5060815, Continental 4060815) are common for 1.5L LYX with A/C, but verify fitment.

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