2017 Honda Pilot Serpentine Belt Routing, Length & Part Numbers

As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly see third-generation Honda Pilots in the shop for routine maintenance. The 2017 Honda Pilot, equipped with the reliable 3.5L J35 V6 engine, utilizes a single serpentine belt (also known as a drive belt) to operate its engine accessories. Because this vehicle uses Electric Power Steering (EPS) and a timing-belt-driven water pump, the serpentine belt setup is simpler than older models, but maintaining it is just as critical to keep your A/C blowing cold and your alternator charging.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the serpentine belt routing, part numbers, and replacement intervals for the 2017 Honda Pilot.

Quick answer

• Belt length: 84.1 inches (approximate effective length)
• Rib count: 6-rib
• OEM belt PN: Honda 31110-RLV-A01 (or 31110-RLV-A02)
• Aftermarket cross-reference: Gates K060841, Continental 4060841, Dayco 5060840
• Auto-tensioner PN: Honda 31170-RLV-A01 (Aftermarket: Gates 39366)
• Idler pulley PN: Honda 31190-RLV-A00

Belt routing

Pro tip: Always take a clear photograph of your existing belt routing with your smartphone before you remove the old belt. It is the best reference you can have.

Because the 2017 Pilot features electric power steering, there is no power steering pump pulley. Additionally, the water pump is driven internally by the timing belt. Therefore, the routing for the 3.5L V6 drive belt is relatively straightforward.

Starting from the bottom and working clockwise, the correct text-based routing order is:

1. Crankshaft Pulley (bottom center)
2. Under and around the A/C Compressor (bottom front towards the radiator)
3. Up and over the Idler Pulley
4. Around the Alternator Pulley (top front)
5. Down and across the flat side of the Auto-Tensioner Pulley
6. Back down to the Crankshaft Pulley

Ensure the ribbed side of the belt sits cleanly inside the grooves of the crank, A/C, and alternator pulleys, while the smooth backside of the belt rides against the tensioner and idler pulleys.

How to replace the serpentine belt

Replacing the belt on the 2017 Honda Pilot is a manageable DIY job for those with basic mechanical experience.

1. Locate the tensioner: The automatic belt tensioner is located on the passenger side of the engine bay, situated slightly below the alternator.
2. Release belt tension: You will need a specialized long-reach serpentine belt tool or a standard 3/8" drive breaker bar. Insert the 3/8" square drive directly into the square receptacle hole cast into the tensioner arm (or use the designated hex bolt depending on your tool).
3. Remove the old belt: Slowly rotate the tensioner counterclockwise (towards the front of the vehicle) to relieve tension. Slip the belt off the alternator pulley first, then carefully release the tensioner back to its resting position. Route the belt off the remaining pulleys.
4. Route the new belt: Follow your reference photo and the routing path described above. Leave the alternator for last.
5. Install: Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise again, slip the new belt over the alternator pulley, and slowly release the tensioner.
6. Verify: Visually inspect every pulley using a flashlight. Make absolutely sure the belt ribs are perfectly aligned in the pulley grooves before starting the engine.

Replacement interval

Honda does not specify a strict mileage interval for the serpentine belt in the 2017 Pilot; rather, it is inspected via the Maintenance Minder system. However, as an industry standard, plan to replace the serpentine belt every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, or around the 5- to 7-year mark. We highly recommend replacing the auto-tensioner and idler pulley at the same time (or every second belt change) because the bearings in these pulleys wear out at a similar rate to the belt itself.

Signs of a failing belt or tensioner

Don't wait for the belt to snap on the highway. Look out for these warning signs:

• Squealing or chirping noises: Especially on cold startups or when the A/C compressor engages. This indicates belt slippage or a weak auto-tensioner spring.
• Visible wear: Look for fraying edges, chunks missing from the ribs, or more than three cracks per inch on the ribbed side of the belt. (Note: Modern EPDM belts often wear out the rib depth before they crack. A belt depth gauge is highly recommended).
• Battery warning light: If the belt slips badly, the alternator won't charge the battery properly.
• Loss of Air Conditioning: If the belt snaps, the A/C compressor will no longer turn.
• Tensioner rattle: A rattling noise from the passenger side of the engine often points to a failing tensioner bearing or a collapsed tensioner hydraulic strut.

If you are not comfortable performing this maintenance yourself, don't risk a breakdown. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.