How do you replace serpentine belt on 2004 Saturn L300?

Answer 1

1. Jack up the front of the vehicle.

2. Remove the drivers side tire.

3. Remove the fender liner by pulling the retainer pins. (you might want to get some replacement pins since they often break)

4. Pay attention to the current routing of the serpentine belt; it can be confusing when you try to figure out where the new one goes. It might be a good idea to make a drawing of the current routing.

5. Release tension on the idler pulley. It's spring loaded and it might be a good idea to have someone help at this point.

6. While the tension is off, pull the old belt off one of the pulleys. (that's where the help is handy)

7. Completely remove the old belt then examine all of the pulleys. Especially check the idler pulley bearings (spin and listen for noise or roughness in turning), examine the power steering pump and water pump for leakage and check the alternator for noisy bearings.

8. Replace any faulty components.

9. Replace the belt in the reverse order.

10. Put the fender cover back on.

11. Put the tire back on.

12. Lower the jack.