How to Change Serpentine Belt Subaru Forester
How to Change Serpentine Belt Subaru Forester: New serpentine belt costs about $30 or so, depending on where you buy it. Old belt was squeaking, time for a new one. It’s an easy DIY which requires few tools and an hour of your time.
Vehicle: 2009 Subaru Forester, 4 cylinders 2.5L flat engine.
Tools: 12mm/10mm socket, a ratchet, 12mm wrench and a screwdriver.
How to Remove Serpentine Belt Subaru Forester
Remove air intake duct and belt cover. Air intake duct is held in place with plastic clips while belt cover has one 10mm bolt (image below) on one side and a plastic clip on the other side.
Serpentine belt on Subaru engine powers alternator and power steering pump. Air conditioning has a separate belt and doesn’t have to be removed.
Subaru serpentine belt does not have a dedicated tensioner instead alternator pulley is used to create belt tension. Alternator as a unit moves up and down and creates serpentine belt tension.
All bolts are to be loosen only, none should be removed completely.
Start by loosening alternator bolt (arrow on the right), only loosen it and do not remove it completely. Loosen alternator tensioner bottom bolt first and then loosen alternator tensioning bolt.
Keep loosing alternator tensioning bolt until alternator can be lowered enough so serpentine belt can be removed.
Push alternator down and remove old serpentine belt. Clean up if you see any dirt on pulleys or thereabout.
How to Install Serpentine Belt
Install new belt by placing it on all three pulleys. Make sure ribs on belt line up with ribs on pulleys.
How to Change Serpentine Belt Subaru Forester:
Install tensioning bolt (top arrow) and turn it clockwise until belt is under tension. Do not over tighten serpentine belt as might cause problems if too tight. Serpentine belt needs to be tight but not piano wire tight, just tight enough.
Tighten alternator bolt at the bottom of alternator tensioner. Lastly tighten alternator bolt on engine block. Start the car and check all is working properly. Put back belt cover and air intake duct.
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