2018 Honda CR-V Serpentine Belt and Tensioner Replacement

Quick Answer

• Serpentine Belt Length: 1,321 mm (52 inches)
• Rib Count: 7-rib
• OEM Belt Part Number: 31110-5PA-A02
• Aftermarket Belt Cross-References:
  • Gates: K070520
  • Dayco: 5070520
  • Continental: 4070520
• Auto-Tensioner Part Number: 31170-5PA-A02
• Idler Pulley Part Number: 31190-5PA-A01

Belt Routing

Before you remove the old serpentine belt, it's a good idea to take a quick photo of the belt routing for reference. The 2018 Honda CR-V with the 1.5L turbocharged engine has a straightforward serpentine belt routing. The belt wraps around seven pulleys in the following order:

1. Crankshaft Pulley: The belt starts at the bottom of the engine, wrapped around the crankshaft pulley.
2. Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor: From the crankshaft, the belt moves up to the A/C compressor.
3. Idler Pulley: Next, it goes around the idler pulley.
4. Alternator: The belt then routes to the alternator.
5. Power Steering (P/S) Pump: From the alternator, it continues to the power steering pump.
6. Water Pump: After the power steering pump, the belt wraps around the water pump.
7. Tensioner: Finally, the belt goes under the auto-tensioner pulley, which maintains the correct belt tension.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

To replace the serpentine belt on your 2018 Honda CR-V, you'll need a serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8" breaker bar. Locate the auto-tensioner, which is typically found near the alternator. The tensioner has a square-shaped hole where you can insert your tool.

Rotate the tensioner to release the tension on the belt. While holding the tensioner, carefully slip the old belt off the pulleys. Once the old belt is off, you can slowly release the tensioner.

Route the new belt according to the diagram you photographed earlier. Make sure the belt is properly seated in the grooves of each pulley. Once the belt is in place, apply tension with your tool and slide the new belt onto the last pulley. Double-check that the belt is correctly aligned on all the pulleys before starting the engine.

Replacement Interval

Honda recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at regular intervals, typically during routine maintenance. While there is no specific replacement interval, it is generally a good idea to replace the belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or if you notice any signs of wear.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

A failing serpentine belt or tensioner can cause a variety of issues. Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is often the first sign of a worn belt. The noise may be more noticeable on cold starts or during acceleration.
• Visible Wear: Inspect the belt for cracks, fraying, glazing, or any other signs of deterioration.
• Tensioner Pulley Misalignment: If the tensioner pulley is not aligned with the other pulleys, it can cause the belt to slip or wear unevenly.
• Excessive Belt Vibration: A worn tensioner can cause the belt to vibrate, which can lead to premature wear of other components.

If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to have your serpentine belt and tensioner inspected by a qualified technician.

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