2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Serpentine Belt Guide

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: Varies by engine. (See below for details)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: Varies by engine. (See below for details)
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K06xxxx (Varies by engine)
  • Dayco 506xxxx (Varies by engine)
  • Continental Elite 406xxxx (Varies by engine)
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Varies by engine.
• Idler Pulley PN: Varies by engine.

The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 came with several engine options, and the serpentine belt, tensioner, and idler pulley part numbers will vary depending on which engine your truck is equipped with. Always verify part numbers with your VIN for accuracy.

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, always take a photograph of your current serpentine belt routing! This will be an invaluable reference when installing the new belt.

Here's a general description of the serpentine belt routing for the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, though specific paths can vary slightly by engine:

The belt typically starts at the crankshaft pulley at the bottom, which powers all other accessories. From there, it usually goes up and around the A/C compressor pulley. Next, it may loop around an idler pulley to direct the belt to the alternator pulley (often located higher up on the engine). The belt then typically routes down to the power steering pump pulley, and then to the water pump pulley. Finally, the belt will wrap around the automatic tensioner pulley before returning to the crankshaft pulley, completing the path. The tensioner maintains proper belt tension.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 is a common maintenance task that can be done at home with the right tools.

Tools Needed:

• Serpentine belt tool or a 3/8-inch drive breaker bar/ratchet
• New serpentine belt

Steps:

1. Safety First: Ensure your engine is cool, and disconnect the negative terminal of your battery to prevent accidental starting.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic serpentine belt tensioner. It will have a square hole for your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square hole on the tensioner. Rotate the tensioner clockwise or counter-clockwise (depending on the engine configuration) to relieve the tension on the belt. Hold it in this position.
4. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner in the loosened position, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys (usually the idler or a smooth pulley that's easy to access).
5. Inspect Pulleys: Once the old belt is off, inspect all the pulleys (crankshaft, A/C compressor, alternator, power steering, water pump, idlers) for any signs of wear, wobbling, or excessive play. Also, check the tensioner for proper function – it should rotate smoothly and spring back when released.
6. Route New Belt: Refer to the photograph you took earlier (or the routing description above) and carefully route the new belt around all the pulleys, leaving the tensioner pulley or a readily accessible idler pulley for last.
7. Final Tensioning: Once the new belt is mostly in place, use your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar to again pivot the tensioner and slip the belt onto its final pulley.
8. Verify Routing: Double-check that the belt is correctly seated in all the grooves of all the pulleys and that the routing matches your diagram or mental image.
9. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
10. Test: Start the engine and listen for any abnormal noises. Let it run for a few minutes and re-check the belt's position.

Replacement Interval

GMC generally recommends inspecting your serpentine belt at every oil change and replacing it if any signs of wear, cracking, fraying, or glazing are present. A common replacement interval for serpentine belts is typically between 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but this can vary significantly based on driving conditions and engine type. It's always best to consult your owner's manual for precise recommendations for your specific 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 model.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Don't wait for your belt to break before replacing it. Watch out for these warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common signs. A slipping or worn belt will often create a loud squealing sound, especially on cold starts, during turns (power steering), or when the A/C is engaged. A worn out tensioner may also cause these noises if it's not maintaining proper belt tension.
• Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing: Visually inspect the belt. If you see cracks (especially across the ribs), fraying edges, or a shiny, glazed appearance on the ribbed side, it's time for replacement.
• Loss of Power Steering, A/C, or Charging: If the belt breaks or slips severely, you’ll immediately lose power to your accessories. Your power steering will become extremely difficult, your air conditioning will stop working, and your battery warning light will illuminate as the alternator stops charging.
• Wobbling or Misaligned Pulleys: A failing tensioner can cause pulleys to wobble or the belt to track improperly, leading to premature belt wear.
• Excessive Belt Slack: If the belt feels very loose or has too much play, the automatic tensioner may be failing and no longer providing adequate tension.

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