Disclaimer: Changing your belt can be tricky and should only be attempted by those with mechanical experience and skill who have the proper tools.
The first time I tried to change a serpentine belt on a Saab, I put in about forty minutes or so, so take adequate time to get the job done. Mind you, much of that time was spent cursing Scandinavian engineers, who decided that a half-inch of clearance in the engine compartment for their hands was enough to replace the belt.
Things you will need:
- a new belt
- 1/2 inch long extension
- a sturdy floor jack (not the one in your trunk!)
- a set of jack stands, a set of sockets
- a flat space to work
To get started, let’s get your Saab ready. Raise the hood (to the left of the driver’s seat toward the petals). You will need to lift the front passenger end of your car and remove the wheel from the passenger side. Locate your fulcrum and lift the car until the wheel is in the air. Remember to be safe and fit the jack stand before removing the wheel. Always work safe.
You will notice that your serpentine belt is on the left side when you are standing in front of your car looking at your engine. You will need to remove the air filter box and the hose connected to it should be moved out of the way so you can better access the belt underneath. Detach the air filter and pull the case straight up, it will slide out smoothly and then set it aside. Next, take the side of the hose and bend it towards the transmission dipstick and secure it with a rope or bungee cord.
At this point, I highly recommend that you look at and diagram your belt path. It should look like a “W”. Take your long half-inch extension and insert it into the hole at the top of your boarder belt. Pull slightly towards you and you will notice the old strap loosen. At this point, you can slide the strap off the small plastic roller and free the pensioner. Now start to remove the belt. Now you know why we removed the wheel, those lower pulleys would be impossible otherwise.
Replacing the belt is the reverse of the procedure I just described. I would recommend that you start at the top and with the side closest to the bumper, as these are the most difficult to get. Once you have them, go to the wheel and pull the A / C compressor belt and place the belt over the motor drive pulley. From there you need to loop the belt over the large metal idler pulley and back down to get the alternator. At this point, you are ready to reinsert the extension, and while taking the tension off the belt, slide your new belt over the plastic pulley.
As long as you are careful, pay close attention to detail and find the exact belt for your Saab make and model, you will save a lot of money on mechanical labor fees and spend just one hour of your own day. In these tough economic times, it is better to know what we are capable of and do what we can in our vehicles. Vehicles generally rank lower on the priority list, but the serpentine belt is a crucial part of the engine assembly, an important component for your Saab to run smoothly and should be replaced when it gets thinner or when you can see cracks. on the sides (at least check every 6-12 months)
** Remember! Always check your work !! Make sure the new belt is on ALL pulleys correctly and fully seated in the grooves before starting your car **
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