chippern73

A real basic question. I could not find a topic / thread answering my question.

I need to change the serpentine belt on my LS400 1993 (145,000 milage). How is this done and what tools do I need. The diagram taped to the inside of my hood looks straight forward, however, I just never have done this before. I bought a OEM belt and NAPA.

I am unemployed and do not want to pay $200 for a mechanic to do it for me.

Any advice would be grateful .

Chuck

ArmyofOne

OK, This is so easy you will never even believe it. Loosen the alternator in its mount, under the power steering pump, slide inward, towards the center of the engine. The belt should fall loose. Change the belt, reposition the alternator, and tighten it down.

I am unsure if the first gen LS's have Serpentine belt tensioners, I know the 2LS did, but not sure on the 93. If it does have a tensioner, a 3/8 ratchet is needed to insert into the tensioner (no socket, just the ratchet), rotate it till the belt falls loose, remove old and install new, and always double check your belt routing with your diagram . Serp belts are a snap.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

No need to loosen the alternator at all... Just get a wrench (probably 14, 15 or 17mm, I don't recall, but, in a pinch, an adjustable wrench will work too) on the serpentine belt tensioner and rotate it to loosen the belt... then swap belts and let it tension itself...

Here's the deal though... It shouldn't cost more than $25-$50 for a technician to change it... labor rates should run between $60 and $120 per hour... Labor rate for the belt is either .3 or .5 hours, I can't recall... At minimum, that is $18 labor, at maximum, that is $60... Shop around and I bet you can get it done most places for the low side of that, $25-$30...

chippern73

I got it changed thanks to your advice. It was easier than I thought. I needed a 10mm to remove the plastic guards on top of the radiator so I had better access to the tenson pulley. Then a 14mm to loosen the tenson pulley. I routed it correctly and appears to be working great.

Thanks. Chuck

ArmyofOne

This is what we like to hear!

Josh and Cody>Click and Clack.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)