Drive Belt: Service and Repair

Removal Procedure
The supercharged 3800 engine uses two drive belts. The outer belt drives the supercharger. The inner belt drives the generator, power steering pump, coolant pump and air conditioning compressor. All driven accessories are rigidly mounted to the engine. Drive belt tension is maintained by the spring loaded belt tensioners. Each belt has its own tensioner.
A belt squeak when the engine is started or stopped is normal and has no effect on belt durability. The drive belt tensioner can control belt tension over a broad range of belt lengths due to stretching; however, there are limits to the tensioners ability to compensate. Using the tensioner outside of its operating range can result in poor tension control and/or damage to the tensioner. The belt should be replaced when this condition occurs.





1. Remove the engine mount to engine mount bracket nuts.

Important: Ensure that the wood block extends past the width of the oil pan in order to avoid damage.

2. Use a jack with a block of wood on the jack under the oil pan in order to support the engine.





3. Remove the engine mount bracket front upper and lower nuts.
4. Remove the engine mount bracket front upper and lower studs and spacer.
5. Lower the engine as necessary and rotate the tensioner to remove the drive belt.





6. Remove the supercharger belt.





7. Remove the drive belt.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the drive belt.





2. Install the supercharger belt.





3. Install the engine mount bracket front upper and lower studs and spacers.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





4. Install the engine mount bracket front upper and lower nuts.
Tighten the nuts to 78 Nm (58 ft. lbs.).





5. Install the engine mount bracket nuts.
^ Tighten the nuts to 87 Nm (64 ft. lbs.).

6. Remove the floor jack.