Hello,

I just attached a procedure (Word doc) that I use for changing the serpentine belt on my 2009 Fit. Hope it helps someone out.

Brs,

Don V.

 

@Outfit Thanks, Out.

By the way, what's an Ancra strap?

 

Hey Mister C,

An Ancra (brand name) strap is basically a tie-down without the ratchet.

In the procedure I wrap it around the lower shelf of my workbench creating a "loop" that I can hook one end of the ratcheting tie down and the other end goes to the 19 mm wrench hanging down in the wheel well. Using the ratchet pulls the 19 mm wrench and causes the serpentine tensioner to release its tension on the belt.

Here is a link to an Ancra:

 

You did a good write-up, but I'm having a little trouble visualizing the procedure. Maybe I need more (or less) coffee this morning.

 

I'll try again

I'm reducing tension on the serpentine belt by placing a 19 mm box end wrench on the tensioner; the wrench hangs down in the wheel well pointing approx at the 8 o'clock position (looking at the wheel well). I need to swing the end of that 19 mm wrench back to the 6 o'clock and hold it there. To do that I need some pulling force on the wrench. I chose to use a ratcheting tie-down. I hooked the end of the 19 mm wrench with the hook of the ratcheting tie down and then led the other end of the tie down out the front of the car, under the bumper. But I need somewhere to anchor the other hook end of the ratcheting tie down. I have a monster (heavy) tool bench in front of the car. So I wrapped the Ancra around the bottom shelf of the workbench to make a tight loop. Next I took the hook from the ratcheting tie down and snagged the Ancra loop. I then started ratcheting to take up the slack and finally swinging the 19 mm to 6 o'clock. I then easily installed the new belt.

Is that any better? Maybe I had too much coffee...

 

As a matter of safety, be sure that the 19mm wrench is squared on the bolt and well seated. If the wrench were to twist and come away with the tension upon it, some serious personal injury could result. A useful write up and explanation @Outfit . Thanks!

 

I got it and I dig it.

Are you leaving the wrench and Ancra strap in place throughout the procedure? I'm thinking that you would have to 1) relieve the tension on the tensioner, 2) slide the belt off one (or more) of the rollers, then 3) remove the wrench/Ancra to get the belt free of the wrench/Ancra . . . ?

@Alco RS-1 Alco has a good point. There's nothing holding that wrench in place except the power of prayer. Which is a mighty power, but still.

 

Yep, I'm leaving the tie down apparatus in place and engaged the whole time I'm removing and then installing the belt.

To Alco's point, on the tensioner the 19 mm nut onto which the wrench is placed is extra wide to help prevent the wrench from cocking and slipping. As a further mitigation the placement of the ratcheting tie-down should be in a direct line to the swing of the 19 mm wrench.

 

I basically use the 19mm wrench the same way....except I don't use the strap or the workbench.
Cut a length of 1X2 wood to the correct length and use it to prop the wrench back. One end on the wrench...the other end of the wood on the front tray of the car.
Works perfect.
Plus the wrench is oriented up from the tensioner.

 

Hello, what mileage are you at for replacing the serpentine belt?

Can others weigh in too -- how did you know when to replace it?

 

Mine was at 250K when it popped in my garage at start-up.......Very fortunate.
I changed it myself with a wrench and a block of wood....no straps needed.

 

That's fantastic! Mine is only at 105K and I'm thinking I may be changing it too early

 

Mine is at 90k. Haven't changed it yet.


I'm not an expert, but here is what I understand: Visually inspect the belt for cracks, abrasions or deterioration. Don't over-think it. Just common sense-type stuff. If there is noise, hobble, weird-ness, you might have a belt issue or a tensioner issue. Inspect your belt today with the engine on and the engine off. If it seems to be okay, use that as your benchmark. Take a look at it regularly. If something changes, you'll note it. I think the degradation of the belt is a slow, rather than a sudden, process, so you will probably notice something before a catastrophic failure occurs. @steve37 is maybe an unusual case. I wouldn't push it that long.

Note: Buy a new belt now and have it on hand. If something happens, you can slap the new belt on with no down-time to the car. I have a new belt and a tensioner ready to go.

 

Replaced mine around 100k km (~60k miles). It was still good.

For the price, better replace it too soon then too late.

 

The maintenance intervals I use for the serpentine is:

1. Inspect belt every 18 months or 30,000 miles
2. Replace belt every 96 months or 60,000 miles

 

@Outfit I did not know this. What is your source for this information? All I have is the Honda Service Manual, which goes by Maintenance Minder intervals.

@Frenzal 60k miles seems early. What service recommendation are you going by?

Thanks.

 

My own! As I don't drive the car that much, time is also a matter. One belt replacement in 10.5 years is not too bad! And as I said, I prefer to do it too early then too late. Also had experience with my serpentine belt on my Accord, which needed an early replacement...

I also replace the transmission fluid a bit too often, but I see it as preventive maintenance.

 

My service intervals are also my own, based on a variety of cars over more years than I care to mention. Did you know that Desoto's had serpentine belts too (ha ha)?

If you are interested, I have attached my complete maintenance interval spreadsheet that I use on my 2009 Fit.

 

Hmm. I don't know. It seems like many times I think I'm doing something wonderful for my car, only to bring myself some unnecessary grief. (I just did a valve check . . . none of my valves needed adjustment.) I'll keep an eye on my belt. I can change it next month if necessary.

I have an MT. I change the transmission fluid approx. every 9-10k miles. It's not preventative. It needs to be changed.

 

I just changed my drive belt all from the top. Used open end 19mm combination wrench and attached at around 4 o’clock position and pulled until it was against upper mount. Was able to pull off drive belt and install new, however needed mirror for back pulley to insure that belt was correctly installed in pulley grooves. Always double check belt is centered in all pulleys before starting. Installation was reverse.