2017 Honda Odyssey Serpentine Belt Routing & Part Numbers

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: 1980 mm (77.95 inches)
• Rib Count: 7-rib
• OEM Belt PN: Honda 31110-RV0-A01
• Aftermarket Cross-References:
  • Gates K070780
  • Dayco 5070780
  • Continental Elite 4070780
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Honda 31170-RV0-A01 (cross-ref: Gates 38338, Dayco 89333)
• Idler Pulley PN: Honda 31180-R70-A01 (cross-ref: Gates 36209, Dayco 89007)

Belt Routing (J35Z8 Engine)

The 2017 Honda Odyssey is equipped with the J35Z8 V6 engine. Before you begin any work, always take a clear photograph of the existing belt routing. This will serve as an invaluable reference during reassembly. The serpentine belt on your Odyssey follows a specific path to drive various accessories:

1. Crankshaft Pulley: The journey begins at the lowest, largest pulley – the crankshaft pulley. This pulley receives power directly from the engine.
2. A/C Compressor Pulley: From the crankshaft, the belt travels upward to the air conditioning compressor pulley, typically located on the lower passenger side of the engine.
3. Idler Pulley: Next, the belt typically goes over an idler pulley. This pulley helps guide the belt and maintain tension, often found above the A/C compressor or in a central location.
4. Alternator Pulley: The belt then snakes its way up to the alternator pulley, which is usually positioned higher on the passenger side or towards the front of the engine, responsible for charging your battery and powering electrical components.
5. Power Steering Pump Pulley: From the alternator, the belt moves to the power steering pump pulley, commonly located on the upper driver's side of the engine. This pulley drives the hydraulic pump for your power steering system.
6. Water Pump Pulley: The belt often then routes around the water pump pulley, which circulates coolant through your engine. Its position can vary, but it's typically near the center or upper driver's side.
7. Auto-Tensioner Pulley: Finally, the belt loops around the auto-tensioner pulley. This spring-loaded pulley applies constant tension to the belt, ensuring proper grip and preventing slippage. It's crucial for belt longevity and performance.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2017 Honda Odyssey is a manageable DIY task for those with some mechanical experience. You will typically need a serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8-inch drive breaker bar to release the tensioner.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Document Routing: As mentioned, photograph the existing belt routing from multiple angles.
3. Release Tension: Locate the automatic belt tensioner. Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square drive hole on the tensioner. Rotate the tensioner clockwise (in most cases for Honda) to release the tension on the belt.
4. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys.
5. Inspect Pulleys: With the belt off, take this opportunity to inspect all pulleys (alternator, A/C compressor, power steering, idlers, water pump). Spin them by hand to check for unusual noise, excessive wobble, or resistance, which could indicate a failing bearing. Check that the idler pulley and tensioner rotate smoothly and firmly without excessive play. Replace any faulty pulleys.
6. Install New Belt: Route the new belt following your photograph and the description above, making sure to leave the auto-tensioner pulley for last. Once properly routed, use your tool to again rotate the tensioner, allowing you to slip the new belt onto the tensioner pulley.
7. Verify Routing: Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt seats correctly in all pulley grooves. Double-check that all ribs are perfectly aligned. Incorrect seating can lead to premature belt wear or failure.
8. Reconnect Battery & Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, observing the new belt for proper operation and listening for any unusual noises. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock a few times to ensure the power steering system is bleeding any air, if applicable.

Replacement Interval

Honda typically recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at regular service intervals, usually every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or annually. Replacement is generally advised around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or if signs of wear are observed during inspection, whichever comes first. However, driving conditions and climate can affect belt lifespan.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

It's crucial to be aware of the warning signs that indicate a failing serpentine belt or tensioner. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to inconvenient breakdowns and potentially more costly repairs.

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common indicators. A high-pitched squeal, especially on startup, acceleration, or when turning the steering wheel, can mean the belt is slipping due to wear or improper tension.
• Visible Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing: Physically inspect the belt. Look for cracks along the ribs, fraying edges, chunks missing, or a shiny, glazed appearance. These are all signs of a worn belt that needs replacement.
• Loss of Power Steering: If the power steering pump isn't being adequately driven, you'll notice that turning the steering wheel becomes much harder.
• Lack of A/C Cooling: A slipping or broken belt means the A/C compressor won't engage, leading to a lack of cold air from your vents.
• Battery Not Charging (Discharge Warning Light): If the alternator isn't being driven, your battery won't charge, and the battery warning light (often a red icon that looks like a battery) will illuminate on your dashboard.
• Engine Overheating: While less common than a broken timing belt, a broken serpentine belt can sometimes prevent the water pump from circulating coolant, leading to engine overheating.
• Vibrations or Wobbling from Pulleys: This can indicate a failing tensioner or idler pulley, which can lead to belt misalignment and premature wear.
• Grinding or Growling Noises: These sounds, often originating from the tensioner or idler pulleys, usually point to worn bearings within those components.

Catching these signs early and addressing them promptly will save you from being stranded on the side of the road.

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