Serpentine Belt

Replacement of the serpentine belt on the 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, including tensioner release and belt routing verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Serpentine belt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 1 hour after last operation)
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Take a clear photo of the belt routing diagram on the engine compartment or document the routing pattern before removal
5. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retaining clips

Procedure

1. 1

   Access serpentine belt area
   Remove any plastic covers or shields obstructing access to the front of the engine. On the Levante 3.0L V6, remove the upper engine acoustic cover and any air intake ducts that limit access to the belt tensioner area. The belt is accessed from the top of the engine bay.
2. 2

   Inspect belt and pulleys
   Before removal, inspect the current belt for wear patterns, cracking, glazing, or fraying. Check all pulleys for proper alignment and smooth rotation. Note any abnormal wear that might indicate a misaligned pulley or bearing failure. Rotate each pulley by hand to check for roughness or noise.
3. 3

   Locate and identify belt tensioner
   Identify the automatic belt tensioner assembly on the front of the engine. The tensioner is spring-loaded and has a square 3/8" or hex drive socket in the tensioner arm. Verify the routing path and confirm your documentation matches the current installation.
4. 4

   Release belt tension
   Insert a 3/8" ratchet or serpentine belt tool into the tensioner arm socket. Rotate the tensioner clockwise (toward the front of the vehicle) to release tension on the belt. The tensioner will move approximately 90 degrees. Have an assistant help or use a belt tool with a locking pin if available to hold tensioner in released position.
5. 5

   Remove old serpentine belt
   With tension released, slip the belt off one of the smooth idler pulleys or the water pump pulley. Carefully release the tensioner back to its resting position. Route the old belt out from around the pulleys and remove it from the engine bay. Keep the old belt nearby for routing reference.
6. 6

   Inspect tensioner and idler pulleys
   With belt removed, manually rotate the tensioner pulley and all idler pulleys. Check for bearing noise, resistance, or wobble. Inspect pulley faces for wear grooves or damage. If any pulley shows signs of failure, replacement is required before installing the new belt. Check tensioner spring action by pushing on the arm - it should return smoothly with firm resistance.
7. 7

   Route new serpentine belt
   Begin routing the new belt following your documented routing pattern or the belt routing diagram. Start at the crankshaft pulley (lowest pulley) and work upward. Route the belt around all accessories EXCEPT the final pulley (typically a smooth idler or alternator). Ensure the belt ribs engage properly in all grooved pulleys and the smooth back side contacts any flat idler pulleys.
8. 8

   Install belt with tensioner
   Using your ratchet or belt tool, rotate the tensioner clockwise again to release tension. Route the belt over the final pulley while holding the tensioner in the released position. Verify the belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves before slowly releasing the tensioner. The belt should sit centered in all pulleys without rubbing on any flanges.
9. 9

   Verify belt routing and seating
   Carefully inspect each pulley to confirm the belt is properly seated in all grooves and centered on all smooth pulleys. Compare the routing to your diagram or photo. The belt should follow the exact same path as the original installation. Check that no portion of the belt is twisted or pinched.
10. 10

    Rotate engine manually
    Using a socket on the crankshaft bolt, rotate the engine two complete revolutions in the normal direction of rotation (clockwise from the front). Watch the belt carefully during rotation to ensure it stays properly seated and aligned on all pulleys. Stop immediately if the belt begins to walk off any pulley or shows signs of misalignment.
11. 11

    Final inspection and reinstallation
    Perform a final visual inspection of belt routing and seating. Reinstall the engine cover and any removed air ducts or shields. Ensure all fasteners are tightened and no tools remain in the engine bay.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine acoustic cover by aligning clips and pressing down firmly until seated
2. Reconnect any air intake components removed during access
3. Close hood and remove any fender covers or protective materials

Verification

• Start the engine and observe belt operation for the first 30 seconds. Listen for any squealing, chirping, or unusual noises
• Check that all accessories are functioning properly (alternator charging, air conditioning compressor engaging if selected)
• Observe belt tracking on all pulleys - the belt should remain centered without walking to either side
• Allow engine to idle for 2-3 minutes and recheck belt alignment after initial run-in
• After test drive, recheck belt condition and seating when engine is cool

More procedures for this vehicle