2017 Chevrolet Tahoe Serpentine Belt Routing, Length & Part Numbers

As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. Whether your Tahoe is equipped with the standard 5.3L V8 or the optional 6.2L V8, maintaining the serpentine belt (also known as the main drive belt) is critical to keeping your alternator charging and your engine cooling system operating correctly.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe serpentine belt, including part numbers, routing instructions, and replacement intervals.

Quick answer

Here are the essential specifications and part numbers for the main serpentine drive belt on a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe (5.3L/6.2L V8):

• Belt Length: 37.6 inches (955 mm)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt Part Number: GM 12626222 (ACDelco 6K376)
• Aftermarket Cross-References: Gates K060373, Dayco 5060375, Continental Elite 4060375
• Auto-Tensioner Part Number: GM 12628025 (ACDelco 38328)
• Idler Pulley Part Number: ACDelco 38018

(Note: The 2017 Tahoe also utilizes a separate, smaller stretch-fit belt for the A/C compressor or vacuum pump depending on the exact engine configuration, but the specs above apply to the main primary accessory drive belt).

Belt routing

Because we cannot render an image of the engine bay here, it is highly recommended that you take a clear photograph of your existing belt with your smartphone before you remove it.

If your belt has already snapped or been removed, follow this text-based step-by-step routing path. Start at the bottom of the engine and work your way around:

1. Start by looping the ribbed side of the belt around the bottom of the Crankshaft Pulley (the largest pulley at the bottom center of the engine).
2. Route the belt up and around the A/C Compressor (if on the main drive for your specific accessory package).
3. Pass the smooth back side of the belt under the Idler Pulley.
4. Pull the belt up and wrap the ribbed side over the top of the Alternator (located at the top left/passenger side).
5. Route the belt down and around the Power Steering pump pulley (note: while many newer Tahoes use electric power steering, models with hydraulic accessory drives will have the pump here).
6. Bring the smooth back side of the belt across the large, smooth Water Pump pulley in the center of the engine block.
7. Finally, slip the belt under the Auto-Tensioner pulley. You will need to compress the tensioner to slide the belt onto this final pulley.

How to replace the serpentine belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on a 2017 Chevy Tahoe is a straightforward job that can usually be completed in under 30 minutes.

Tools required:

• Serpentine belt tool or a standard 3/8" drive breaker bar / long ratchet.
• Safety glasses and mechanics gloves.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Locate the automatic belt tensioner on the front of the engine block. It features a square 3/8-inch drive hole cast right into the tensioner arm.
2. Insert your 3/8" breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the square hole.
3. Rotate the tensioner arm clockwise (verify the tension release direction on your specific block) to relieve the tension on the belt.
4. While holding the tensioner open, carefully slide the old belt off the easiest accessible pulley (usually the alternator or the idler pulley).
5. Release the tensioner slowly. Never let it snap back freely, as this can damage the internal spring.
6. Remove the old belt from the engine bay.
7. Route the new belt following the path described in the section above, leaving the tensioner or alternator for last.
8. Compress the tensioner again with your breaker bar, slip the new belt onto the final pulley, and slowly release the tensioner to apply tension to the new belt.
9. Double-check every pulley to ensure the belt ribs are perfectly seated in the pulley grooves. Start the engine and observe the belt for a few seconds to ensure smooth operation.

Replacement interval

For the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, the original equipment EPDM serpentine belt is highly durable. However, I recommend inspecting the belt every oil change once the vehicle surpasses 50,000 miles.

A proactive replacement should be performed every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, or roughly every 5 to 7 years, regardless of mileage, as rubber compounds degrade over time. The tensioner and idler pulley should typically be replaced at the same time as the belt to prevent premature wear on the new belt.

Signs of a failing belt or tensioner

Don't wait for the belt to snap and leave you stranded. Look out for these common warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: A high-pitched squeal on startup or during heavy acceleration usually indicates a stretched belt, a weak tensioner spring, or a failing pulley bearing.
• Visible Cracks or Missing Chunks: Inspect the ribbed side of the belt. If you see deep cracks, missing rib sections, or exposed internal cords, replace it immediately.
• Battery Warning Light: If the belt slips, the alternator won't spin fast enough to charge the battery, triggering a dashboard warning.
• Overheating Engine or Heavy Steering: A snapped or slipping belt will stop driving the water pump and power steering, leading to rapid engine overheating and a sudden loss of steering assist.
• Uneven Wear or Fraying Edges: This usually indicates a misaligned pulley or a failing tensioner bearing that is pushing the belt off-center.

If you don't feel comfortable tackling this job in your own driveway, don't worry. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.