I changed my 08 Alpha's "stretch fit" belt out today. Ever since I bought my Alpha nearly 2 years ago during moist or cooler weather I'd hear a little bit of belt noise, but once it warmed up the noise went away. I knew it wasn't from the main serpentine belt because I replaced it shortly after buying it (didn't replace the HVAC belt because I didn't have the tool to mess with it). Well I've been giving my Alpha a bit of TLC since it's at the 125K mark replacing worn out swaybar links and small stuff like that which the TX heat has taken it's toll on.
I ordered a Dayco replacement "stretch fit" belt and the Gates tool. I've installed these type of belts on several other vehicles, but nothing was as of tight of fit as the Alpha's to get access to! I simply cut the old belt off once I had removed the main serpentine belt. The lower coolant hose and steering cooler are right in the way of gaining access to the crank. Thank goodness I have smaller hands, but I still managed to chew my arms up pretty good in the process. The Gates tool has a bolt on it to secure it to the crank, but on our 5.3L engines the bolt doesn't do any good. The best way I found to do it was to route the belt as much as possible and then slide the gates tool as far as it will go under the belt, then with a 15/16 socket rotate the crank (directions say counter clockwise, but I had to rotate it counterclockwise in order for it to start routing the belt properly). Once the tool falls out of the way check to see if your belt is properly seated. I had to turn the crank clockwise and then back to where I had it for it to seat properly.
Also be warned once you get the belt on your tool will fall, and just my luck it went completely into the front crossmember..... I should have gone and bought a lottery ticket lol. I was able to get it out, but I just found it funny that I hit a hole in one with the tool.
I ordered a Dayco replacement "stretch fit" belt and the Gates tool. I've installed these type of belts on several other vehicles, but nothing was as of tight of fit as the Alpha's to get access to! I simply cut the old belt off once I had removed the main serpentine belt. The lower coolant hose and steering cooler are right in the way of gaining access to the crank. Thank goodness I have smaller hands, but I still managed to chew my arms up pretty good in the process. The Gates tool has a bolt on it to secure it to the crank, but on our 5.3L engines the bolt doesn't do any good. The best way I found to do it was to route the belt as much as possible and then slide the gates tool as far as it will go under the belt, then with a 15/16 socket rotate the crank (directions say counter clockwise, but I had to rotate it counterclockwise in order for it to start routing the belt properly). Once the tool falls out of the way check to see if your belt is properly seated. I had to turn the crank clockwise and then back to where I had it for it to seat properly.
Also be warned once you get the belt on your tool will fall, and just my luck it went completely into the front crossmember..... I should have gone and bought a lottery ticket lol. I was able to get it out, but I just found it funny that I hit a hole in one with the tool.
