2020 Chevrolet Malibu Serpentine Belt Routing & Replacement Guide

The serpentine belt is a critical component of your 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, driving essential accessories like the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. Maintaining a healthy serpentine belt and tensioner is crucial for your vehicle's reliable operation.

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: Varies by engine option. (See below for details)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: Varies by engine option. (Consult your dealer or a parts specialist for your specific engine.)
• Aftermarket Cross-References (Examples - always verify for your specific engine):
  • Gates K06xxxx (exact number depends on engine)
  • Dayco 506xxxx (exact number depends on engine)
  • Continental Elite 406xxxx (exact number depends on engine)
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Varies by engine option. (Consult your dealer or a parts specialist for your specific engine.)
• Idler Pulley PN: Varies by engine option. (Consult your dealer or a parts specialist for your specific engine.)

Belt Routing

Always take a clear photograph of your existing serpentine belt routing before attempting removal. This will serve as an invaluable reference during installation.

The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu can come with different engine configurations, which may slightly alter the belt routing. However, a common routing path for a 6-rib serpentine belt on many Malibu models generally follows this sequence:

1. Starting from the crankshaft pulley (the largest pulley at the bottom, directly driven by the engine).
2. The belt then travels upwards to the A/C compressor pulley.
3. From the A/C compressor, it will typically route to an idler pulley (a smooth, non-driven pulley that helps guide the belt).
4. The belt then moves to the alternator pulley.
5. From the alternator, it may wrap around the power steering pump pulley (if equipped and hydraulically assisted).
6. Next, it will go to the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, the belt runs around the automatic tensioner pulley before returning to the crankshaft pulley, completing the loop.

Important Note on Engine Variation: Exact routing can vary between the 1.5L turbocharged engine and the 2.0L turbocharged engine options. Always consult your vehicle's service manual or a professional diagram specific to your engine for precise routing.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2020 Chevrolet Malibu generally requires basic hand tools and a specialized serpentine belt removal tool or a 3/8-inch breaker bar. The automatic tensioner is designed to maintain proper belt tension, and you'll need to rotate it to release the tension for belt removal and installation.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent accidental starting.
2. Document Routing: As mentioned, take a photograph of the current belt routing for reference.
3. Locate Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square opening, typically 3/8-inch, for a breaker bar or a hex/torx head for a wrench.
4. Release Tension: Insert your serpentine belt tool or 3/8-inch breaker bar into the tensioner's square opening. Rotate the tensioner arm to release tension on the belt. While holding the tensioner in the released position, carefully slip the belt off one of the pulleys (usually an idler or smooth pulley is easiest).
5. Remove Old Belt: Once loose, carefully remove the old serpentine belt from all pulleys.
6. Inspect Pulleys: While the belt is off, inspect all pulleys for any signs of wear, such as wobbling, excessive play, or grinding noises when spun by hand. Also, check the tensioner for proper function and smooth movement.
7. Install New Belt: Route the new belt around all pulleys according to your photograph or diagram, leaving the last pulley (usually the tensioner or an idler) until the end.
8. Tension Belt: Use your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar to again rotate the tensioner arm, creating slack. Carefully slip the new belt onto the final pulley.
9. Release Tensioner: Slowly release the tensioner, allowing it to apply tension to the new belt. Double-check that the belt is properly seated in all the grooves of every pulley.
10. Reconnect Battery & Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and visually inspect the belt for proper operation, ensuring it tracks correctly and there are no unusual noises.

Replacement Interval

For most modern vehicles like the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, serpentine belts are designed for longevity. However, they are still wear items. It's generally recommended to inspect your serpentine belt every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or during routine maintenance. Replacement is often suggested around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or sooner if signs of wear are present. Always refer to your Malibu's owner's manual for the most accurate manufacturer-recommended inspection and replacement intervals.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to a breakdown and potential damage to other components. Be aware of these common signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common indicators of a worn or misaligned belt, or a failing tensioner/pulley bearing. The noise may be more prominent on cold starts and diminish as the engine warms.
• Visible Cracks or Fraying: Inspect the belt's ribbed side for cracks, splits, fraying edges, or chunking (pieces of rubber missing). A glossy or glazed appearance can also indicate a worn belt.
• Loss of Power to Accessories: If your power steering suddenly becomes difficult, the air conditioning stops blowing cold, or the battery light illuminates (due to the alternator not charging), it could be a sign of a slipping or broken serpentine belt.
• Overheating Engine: A malfunctioning serpentine belt can prevent the water pump from circulating coolant, leading to engine overheating.
• Hard Steering: If your Malibu has hydraulic power steering, a slipping or broken belt will result in very stiff steering.
• Battery Warning Light: The alternator charges the battery, and if the belt driving it fails or slips, the battery warning light will illuminate on your dashboard.
• Tensioner Wobble or Noise: While the engine is running, observe the tensioner. Excessive wobble or a grinding/squealing noise coming from the tensioner itself indicates a failing tensioner or its bearing.

Addressing these symptoms promptly can prevent more extensive and costly repairs.

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