2024 GMC Acadia Serpentine Belt Routing & Part Numbers

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: 2064 mm (81.26 inches)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: GM 12690802
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060813
  • Dayco 5060813
  • Continental Elite 4060813
• Auto-Tensioner PN: GM 12690803 (or equivalent aftermarket)
• Idler Pulley PN: GM 12628469 (often replaced with tensioner)

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, take a clear photograph of the existing belt routing. This will serve as an invaluable guide during reinstallation. The 2024 GMC Acadia's serpentine belt typically follows this path for models with the 2.0L or 3.6L engine:

1. Starting from the crankshaft pulley (the lowest, largest pulley at the front of the engine).
2. The belt travels upward to the air conditioning (A/C) compressor pulley.
3. From the A/C compressor, it goes across to an idler pulley.
4. The belt then wraps around the alternator pulley.
5. Next, it goes down to the power steering pump pulley.
6. From the power steering pump, it wraps around the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, it routes around the automatic tensioner pulley before returning to the crankshaft pulley, completing the loop.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2024 GMC Acadia is a moderately difficult task that can be done with basic hand tools.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool and the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands if you need to access it from underneath. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square hole (often 3/8-inch) or a hex bolt head where you can apply leverage.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert a serpentine belt tool or a 3/8-inch breaker bar into the square hole of the tensioner. Slowly rotate the tensioner to relieve tension on the belt. If there's a hex head, use an appropriately sized wrench or socket.
4. Remove the Belt: While holding the tensioner in the loosened position, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys (usually the idler or the A/C compressor is easiest).
5. Inspect Pulleys: With the old belt removed, take this opportunity to inspect all pulleys for any play, wobbling, or grinding noises. Replace any faulty pulleys or the tensioner if necessary.
6. Route the New Belt: Referring to your photograph, meticulously route the new belt around all pulleys except for one (again, usually the idler or A/C compressor is easiest to leave till last).
7. Apply Tension: Once the belt is mostly routed, again use your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar to release the tensioner. Slip the new belt onto the remaining pulley.
8. Verify Routing: Double-check that the belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves and that its routing matches your photo.
9. Start Engine: Briefly start the engine and observe the belt's operation. Listen for any squealing or unusual noises. Turn the engine off and re-check the belt tension and seating after a few minutes.

Replacement Interval

While there isn't a universally strict replacement interval for serpentine belts, manufacturers typically recommend inspection every 60,000 miles and replacement around 75,000 to 100,000 miles, or if signs of wear are present. However, it's crucial to consult your 2024 GMC Acadia's owner's manual for the most accurate and manufacturer-specific recommendations. Factors like driving conditions (extreme heat/cold, dusty environments) can accelerate wear.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to a breakdown, as the belt drives critical accessories. Look out for these signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is often the most common symptom. It can indicate a worn belt, a misaligned pulley, or a failing tensioner that isn't maintaining proper tension.
• Cracks, Fraying, Glazing, or Missing Ribs: Visually inspect the belt. Any of these signs mean the belt is nearing the end of its life and should be replaced immediately.
• Loose Steering: If your power steering pump is belt-driven and the belt is failing, you might notice increased effort required to steer.
• Battery Light On/Dim Headlights: A failing belt could mean the alternator isn't charging the battery effectively.
• Overheating: If the water pump is belt-driven, a failing belt could lead to the engine overheating.
• Accessory Malfunction: Any component driven by the serpentine belt (A/C, power steering, alternator, water pump) may stop working or perform poorly.
• Tensioner Issues: The automatic tensioner might show signs of weakness, such as excessive vibration, a grinding noise, or not maintaining sufficient tension, leading to belt slippage.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.