2019 Honda Pilot Serpentine Belt: Routing, Replacement, and Part Numbers

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: Approximately 2030-2035mm (80.0-80.1 inches) for 3.5L V6 engine.
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: 31110-RLV-A02 (for 3.5L V6 engine)
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060800
  • Dayco 5060800
  • Continental Elite 4060800
• Auto-Tensioner PN: 31170-5G0-A02 (for 3.5L V6 engine)
• Idler Pulley PN: 31180-5G0-A01 (for 3.5L V6 engine)

Belt Routing (3.5L V6 Engine)

The serpentine belt on your 2019 Honda Pilot, equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine, snakes its way around several crucial components. Before you even think about removing the old belt, it is highly recommended to take a clear photograph of the current belt routing. This will serve as an invaluable reference during installation.

Here's a typical routing path, assuming the standard accessory layout:

1. Begin at the crankshaft pulley, which is the large pulley at the bottom, directly connected to the engine.
2. From the crankshaft, the belt typically goes up and to the left (driver's side), routing around the A/C compressor pulley.
3. After the A/C compressor, the belt may pass over or under an idler pulley, which helps guide the belt.
4. Next, the belt will wrap around the alternator pulley, usually located towards the top and front of the engine compartment.
5. From the alternator, it will continue to the power steering pump pulley. (Note: some models may have electric power steering, eliminating this pulley).
6. The belt then typically routes to the water pump pulley, which is often located in the central or upper-central part of the engine.
7. Finally, the belt will pass around the automatic belt tensioner pulley, which maintains proper belt tension, before returning to the crankshaft pulley to complete the loop.

Remember: This is a general guide. Always refer to your vehicle-specific diagram or a photo of your existing setup.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2019 Honda Pilot requires a few basic tools and a bit of patience. The key is to relieve the tension on the automatic belt tensioner.

1. Gather your tools: You'll need a serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8" drive breaker bar (or ratchet with sufficient leverage) to fit into the square opening on the belt tensioner.
2. Locate the tensioner: The automatic belt tensioner is easily identifiable by its spring-loaded mechanism and the square opening designed for a wrench or breaker bar.
3. Relieve tension: Insert your tool into the square opening on the tensioner. Apply steady clockwise (or counter-clockwise, depending on the tensioner design – you'll feel which way releases tension) pressure to pivot the tensioner arm, releasing tension on the belt.
4. Remove the old belt: While holding the tensioner in the loosened position, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys (the easiest one to access).
5. Inspect pulleys: Before installing the new belt, take this opportunity to inspect all pulleys for any signs of wear, damage, or excessive play. Worn pulleys can quickly ruin a new belt.
6. Install the new belt: Following your photo or the routing diagram, carefully route the new belt around all pulleys except for the last one you removed it from. Ensure the ribs on the belt align perfectly with the grooves on all pulleys.
7. Release tensioner and verify: Once the new belt is properly seated on all other pulleys, again apply pressure to the tensioner to create slack, and slip the new belt onto the final pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt remains correctly seated on all pulleys.
8. Double-check: After installation, visually inspect the entire belt path to confirm it's correctly aligned and seated in all pulley grooves. Start the engine briefly and listen for any abnormal noises. Turn off the engine and re-inspect.

Replacement Interval

Honda generally recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at regular service intervals, typically every 15,000 miles or 12 months. While there isn't a universally strict replacement interval for serpentine belts, most manufacturers suggest replacement around 50,000 to 100,000 miles, or sooner if signs of wear are present. Factors like driving conditions, extreme temperatures, and oil/fluid leaks can accelerate wear. It's always best to follow your owner's manual recommendations and have the belt inspected by a qualified technician during routine maintenance.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a worn serpentine belt or a failing tensioner can lead to serious issues, as these components drive many essential accessories. Look out for these warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common signs, especially during cold starts, acceleration, or when turning the steering wheel. It indicates belt slippage, which can be due to a worn belt, misaligned pulleys, or a failing tensioner.
• Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing on the Belt: Visually inspect the belt's ribs and back. Cracks, missing chunks, or a shiny, glazed appearance on the ribbed side indicate a worn belt that needs immediate replacement.
• Loss of Power Steering, A/C, or Charging System: If the belt breaks, all components it drives will stop functioning. This means loss of power steering assist, no cold air from the A/C, and the battery warning light will illuminate as the alternator stops charging.
• Vibration or Engine Misfires (rarely): A severely worn or damaged belt can sometimes cause vibrations, though this is less common than noise.
• Tensioner Sagging or Excessive Movement: Observe the belt tensioner while the engine is running (from a safe distance). If the tensioner arm is vibrating excessively, appears to sag, or doesn't maintain consistent tension, it may be failing.
• Fluid Leaks on the Belt: Oil, coolant, or power steering fluid leaking onto the belt can degrade the rubber prematurely, leading to slippage and accelerated wear.

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