2020 Tesla Model Y Serpentine Belt Routing & Part Numbers

As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly answer questions about vehicle maintenance, and the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has brought up some interesting inquiries. If you are looking for the serpentine belt routing, replacement intervals, or part numbers for a 2020 Tesla Model Y, there is one crucial fact you need to know right off the bat: The 2020 Tesla Model Y does not have a serpentine belt.

Because the Tesla Model Y is a fully Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), it lacks an internal combustion engine. Without an engine crankshaft to rotate, there is no need for a drive belt to power mechanical accessories. Instead, all systems that would traditionally be driven by a belt (like the A/C compressor, water pump, and power steering) are powered electrically by the vehicle's high-voltage and 12-volt battery systems.

Here is how the standard serpentine belt specifications apply (or rather, don't apply) to your Model Y.

Quick answer

Since the vehicle does not feature an internal combustion engine, the standard drive belt specifications are non-applicable:

• Belt length: N/A
• Rib count: N/A (No belt means zero ribs)
• OEM belt PN: N/A
• Aftermarket cross-refs: N/A (Gates, Dayco, and Continental Elite do not make drive belts for this vehicle)
• Auto-tensioner PN: N/A
• Idler pulley PN: N/A

Note on engine-option variation: Whether you have the Standard Range, Long Range, or Performance model, the drivetrain is fully electric. None of these configurations utilize a serpentine belt.

Belt routing

On a traditional internal combustion engine, the serpentine belt routing path usually starts at the crank pulley, wraps around the A/C compressor, glides over an idler pulley, loops around the alternator, powers the power steering pump, turns the water pump, and is held tight by the tensioner.

For a 2020 Tesla Model Y, this routing does not exist.

• Alternator: Replaced by a DC-DC converter that charges the 12V/16V low-voltage battery from the high-voltage pack.
• A/C Compressor: Powered directly by a high-voltage electric motor built into the compressor unit.
• Power Steering: Uses an Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) rack powered by the low-voltage system.
• Water Pump: The thermal management system uses electric pumps to circulate coolant through the battery, drive motors, and computer systems.

Pro-tip for families with multiple cars: If you are working on a gas-powered vehicle in your garage, always photograph the existing belt before removal so you have a visual reference of the routing!

How to replace the serpentine belt

You can put your serpentine belt tool and 3/8" breaker bar away. Because there is no tensioner or belt, this job is completely eliminated from the Tesla Model Y maintenance schedule.

If you are looking to perform preventative maintenance on your 2020 Model Y, you should instead focus on replacing the cabin air filter (recommended every 2 years), checking the brake fluid for moisture, rotating the tires, and topping off the windshield washer fluid.

Replacement interval

For a traditional gas vehicle, serpentine belts are usually replaced every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. For the 2020 Tesla Model Y, the replacement interval for the serpentine belt is never.

Signs of a failing belt or tensioner

You will never hear the classic high-pitched squeal of a slipping serpentine belt or the rattling of a failing tensioner pulley on a Model Y. However, you should still listen for signs of wear in the vehicle's electric accessories:

• A loud whining or grinding noise when the climate control is on could indicate a failing electric A/C compressor or condenser fan.
• Heavy steering or a warning message on the dash points to an issue with the electric power steering rack.
• Whirring noises from the front or rear of the vehicle during Supercharging or heavy acceleration can indicate a worn electric coolant pump.

If you are experiencing any abnormal noises, warning lights, or mechanical issues with your Tesla Model Y, it is best to have it inspected by a technician qualified to work on high-voltage systems. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.