2022 Chevrolet Equinox Serpentine Belt Routing & Length

Quick Answer

For the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, the serpentine belt system can vary slightly depending on the engine. The most common engine options generally utilize a single serpentine belt to drive all accessories.

• Belt Length (2.0L Turbo): Approximately 1980mm (77.95 inches)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN (2.0L Turbo): GM #12689365
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060779
  • Dayco 5060780
  • Continental Elite 4060780
• Auto-Tensioner PN (2.0L Turbo): GM #12674341 (Aftermarket: Gates 38166)
• Idler Pulley PN (2.0L Turbo) (If Applicable/Separate): GM #12629683 (often included with tensioner or as an assembly)

Note: Always verify part numbers with your VIN for exact fitment, as variations can occur.

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, take a clear photograph of your existing serpentine belt routing. This will be your invaluable guide for reinstallation.

Here's a common text-based routing path for the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox (2.0L Turbo engine, common configuration):

1. Begin by routing the belt around the Crankshaft Pulley (the largest, lowest pulley).
2. From the crankshaft pulley, the belt typically goes up and over the A/C Compressor Pulley (usually located on the lower passenger side).
3. From the A/C compressor, the belt often routes to an Idler Pulley (a smooth pulley, helping to guide the belt, usually located above the A/C compressor or in a central position).
4. The belt then travels to the Alternator Pulley (usually one of the highest pulleys on the passenger or driver side, with electrical connections).
5. From the alternator, it may route to the Power Steering Pump Pulley (if equipped and not electric, often on the driver's side, but some Equinox models have electric power steering, eliminating this pulley).
6. Next, the belt wraps around the Water Pump Pulley (often centrally located, usually smaller than the crankshaft pulley).
7. Finally, the belt will wrap around the Automatic Belt Tensioner Pulley. This pulley has a spring-loaded arm that keeps tension on the belt. You'll need to rotate this arm to release tension for removal and installation. Ensure the belt is properly seated in all grooves on every pulley.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Tools Needed:

• Serpentine belt tool or a 3/8-inch breaker bar (or ratchet, depending on the tensioner design)
• Socket (if the tensioner has a hex head)

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent accidental starting.
2. Document: As mentioned, take a clear photo of the belt routing.
3. Release Tension: Locate the automatic belt tensioner. Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square drive hole or onto the hex head of the tensioner arm. Rotate the tensioner arm to relieve tension on the belt. Slowly rotate the tensioner until you can slip the belt off one of the smooth pulleys (often the idler or alternator).
4. Remove Old Belt: Carefully remove the old belt from all pulleys.
5. Inspect: While the belt is off, inspect all pulleys for any signs of wear, damage, or excessive play. Ensure they spin freely and smoothly. Also, check the automatic tensioner for proper spring tension and smooth operation.
6. Route New Belt: Following your photograph and the routing description above, carefully route the new belt around all pulleys, leaving the tensioner pulley or an accessible smooth pulley for last.
7. Final Installation: With the belt mostly routed, use your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar to again rotate the tensioner arm, creating slack. Slip the new belt over the last pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt is seated correctly in all grooves on every pulley.
8. Double-Check: Visually inspect the entire belt path to confirm it's correctly routed and fully seated in all grooves. Start the engine briefly (after reconnecting the battery) and check for any squealing or wobbling. Turn off the engine and re-inspect.

Replacement Interval

Chevrolet generally recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at regular service intervals, typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Replacement is usually suggested around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or sooner if signs of wear are observed. Aggressive driving, extreme temperatures, and contamination can shorten belt life. Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to significant issues, as the belt drives critical components. Look out for these warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common symptom. It can indicate a worn or stretched belt, misalignment, or a failing tensioner/pulley.
• Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing on the Belt: Visually inspect the belt. Deep cracks, missing chunks, fraying edges, or a shiny, glazed appearance on the ribbed side all indicate significant wear.
• Loss of Power to Accessories: If the belt is slipping or broken, you might notice issues with power steering (if hydraulic), a dead battery (alternator not charging), or ineffective A/C.
• Warning Lights: A battery warning light might illuminate if the alternator isn't turning correctly.
• Wobbling Pulley: If any pulley (especially the tensioner) is wobbling excessively while the engine is running, it indicates a failing bearing or tensioner.
• Loose or Sluggish Tensioner: If the automatic tensioner doesn't hold adequate tension, the belt will be loose and can slip.

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