2015 Honda Accord Serpentine Belt: Routing, Replacement, and Part Numbers

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: 69.5 inches (1765 mm)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt Part Number: 31110-5A2-A01 (for 2.4L engines)
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060695
  • Dayco 5060695
  • Continental Elite 4060695
• Auto-Tensioner Part Number: 31170-5A2-A01 (for 2.4L engines)
• Idler Pulley Part Number: 31180-5A2-A01 (for 2.4L engines)

Note: Part numbers are for the 2.4L engine. The 3.5L V6 engine utilizes a different serpentine belt system. Always verify part numbers for your specific vehicle configuration.

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, take a clear photograph of the existing serpentine belt routing. This will serve as an invaluable reference during reinstallation.

The serpentine belt on the 2015 Honda Accord (2.4L engine) winds its way through several critical components. Starting from the crankshaft pulley, the belt typically follows this path:

1. Crankshaft Pulley: The main drive pulley, located at the bottom of the engine.
2. A/C Compressor: From the crankshaft, the belt usually travels to the air conditioning compressor pulley, often located on the lower passenger side of the engine.
3. Idler Pulley: After the A/C compressor, the belt may pass over an idler pulley, which helps guide the belt and maintain proper tension. This pulley is typically smooth.
4. Alternator: The belt then proceeds to the alternator pulley, usually positioned higher up on the engine, often near the top passenger side.
5. Power Steering Pump: Next, the belt typically engages the power steering pump pulley. On many models, this is located above the crankshaft pulley towards the driver's side.
6. Water Pump: The belt then goes around the water pump pulley, which is crucial for engine cooling.
7. Automatic Tensioner: Finally, the belt loops around the automatic tensioner pulley. This spring-loaded mechanism maintains constant tension on the belt, preventing slippage and ensuring proper operation of all accessories.

Remember, this is a general routing description. Always refer to your photographic reference or a vehicle-specific diagram to confirm the exact path for your 2015 Honda Accord.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2015 Honda Accord (2.4L engine) is a moderately challenging DIY task. Here's a general overview of the steps:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for added safety.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square opening (often 3/8-inch) designed to accept a breaker bar or a specialized serpentine belt tool.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert a 3/8-inch breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the square opening on the tensioner. Apply steady pressure to rotate the tensioner, relieving the pressure on the belt. This will allow you to slip the belt off the pulleys.
4. Remove Old Belt: Carefully remove the old belt from all the pulleys, noting its path one last time if you haven't taken a photo.
5. Inspect Pulleys: While the belt is off, inspect all the pulleys (alternator, A/C compressor, power steering, water pump, idler) for any signs of wear, wobbling, or excessive noise when spun by hand. Also, check the tensioner for proper spring action and any looseness.
6. Route New Belt: Using your photograph or a diagram, carefully route the new serpentine belt around all the pulleys, leaving the tensioner pulley for last or a readily accessible pulley that makes it easiest to slip on.
7. Tension the Belt: Once the belt is mostly in place, use your breaker bar or serpentine belt tool to rotate the tensioner again and slip the belt onto its final pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt is seated correctly in all the pulley grooves.
8. Double-Check: Visually inspect the entire belt path to ensure it is correctly routed and seated in all pulley grooves. Start the engine briefly and listen for any unusual noises.

Replacement Interval

Most manufacturers, including Honda, recommend inspecting the serpentine belt every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or every 3 to 5 years, whichever comes first. Replacement is typically recommended around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or if signs of wear are observed during inspection. However, severe conditions or aggressive driving may warrant more frequent inspection and replacement.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to significant problems, including loss of power steering, air conditioning, and even engine overheating due to a non-functioning water pump. Here are common signs to watch for:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common indicators of a slipping or worn belt. The noise may be more prominent during cold starts or when turning the steering wheel.
• Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing: Visually inspect the belt for physical damage. Cracks on the ribbed side, fraying along the edges, or a shiny, glazed appearance on the belt indicate wear.
• Loss of Accessory Function: If your air conditioning stops blowing cold, your power steering becomes heavy, or your battery light comes on (indicating the alternator isn't charging), it could be due to a broken or slipping serpentine belt.
• Vibration or Shaking: A worn tensioner can cause the belt to vibrate excessively, which might be felt as a vibration in the steering wheel or through the vehicle's chassis.
• Fluctuating Tensioner Arm: With the engine off and cool, observe the tensioner arm. If it appears loose or excessively wobbly, or if it doesn't maintain consistent tension on the belt, the tensioner itself may be failing.
• Loose or Wobbly Pulleys: While inspecting the belt, also check the condition of all the pulleys. Any wobbly, noisy, or excessively loose pulley can indicate a failing bearing and will eventually damage the belt.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the reliable operation of your 2015 Honda Accord.

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