How to Replace the Serpentine Belt on a 1990 Chevy Silverado

by Christian Killian

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 1990 Silverado pickup will help prevent an accidental belt failure when you least expect it. The belt turns every accessory on the front of the engine, including the water pump and alternator. If the belt breaks, the truck will overheat and lose electrical power for the ignition system. Check the belt for damage every time you change the oil in your truck. Replace the belt at the first sign of a problem.

Step 1

Raise the hood of your truck and prop it open. Locate the negative cable on the battery. Remove the retaining bolt with a wrench. Lift the cable off the terminal and set it aside.

Step 2

Locate the serpentine belt tensioner on the front of the engine. Place a socket and breaker bar on the tensioner center bolt. Rotate it counterclockwise to loosen the belt. Remove the belt. Rotate the tensioner back to the home position. Discard the old belt.

Step 3

Install a new belt over the pulleys on the front of the engine. Leave it off the tensioner for now. Routing the belt correctly is important, so check the diagram on the radiator support under the hood to verify the belt path.

Step 4

Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise with the breaker bar and socket. Install the belt over the tensioner pulley and rotate the tensioner clockwise to tighten the belt. Remove the socket and breaker bar from the engine compartment.