How to Change the Serpentine Belt on a Mitsubishi Montero
by Dan Ferrell
Periodical inspection of the serpentine belt on your Mitsubishi Montero is an important part your vehicle maintenance schedule. Once you notice signs of glazing, cracking or damage on the drive belt, it is time to replace it to keep engine-driven accessories running properly. Make sure to have the exact replacement for your particular Mitsubishi Montero model and follow this guide to change the belt.
Removing the Drive Belt
Step 1
Open the hood and locate the drive-belt auto tensioner. You will find the tensioner on the upper engine section along the route of the belt. It has a metal tab on top with a square hole in it.
Step 2
Make a note of the drive belt routing on your particular Mitsubishi model or find the belt routing label in front of the radiator frame or around the engine compartment. Use it as a guide during re-installation.
Step 3
Insert the drive of a 1/2-inch drive breaker bar into the auto tensioner square hole.
Step 4
Rotate the tensioner clockwise until the tensioner hits the stopper or the holes on the two metal tabs-on the back of the tensioner-align.
Step 5
Insert a 5.0 mm Allen wrench in the tab holes to hold the tensioner in place.
Step 6
Slip the serpentine belt off the pulleys and off the engine compartment.
Step 7
Compare the old drive belt with the new one and make sure it matches in size, width and configuration.
Installing the Drive Belt
Step 1
Mount the new drive belt around the pulleys starting with the crankshaft pulley at the bottom of the engine.
Step 2
Follow the drive belt routing label or your own notes to make sure the belt is properly installed.
Step 3
Make sure the belt is properly centered on each pulley.
Step 4
Rotate the auto tensioner clockwise using the breaker bar, just enough to remove the Allen wrench from the metal tab holes.
Step 5
Release the auto tensioner slowly to let it tighten the drive belt.
Tips
- If you need specific information regarding the location of the auto tensioner on your particular Mitsubishi model, consult your owner's manual or the service manual for your vehicle. You can buy a service manual on most auto parts stores or consult one in your local public library.
Things You'll Need
- 1/2-inch drive breaker bar
- 5.0 mm Allen wrench
Writer Bio
Since 2003 Dan Ferrell has contributed general and consumer-oriented news to television and the Web. His work has appeared in Texas, New Mexico and Miami and on various websites. Ferrell is a certified automation and control technician from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, Texas.
