Replacing serpentine belt
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 139
Likes: 3
From: Warrington, Pennsylvania
Replacing serpentine belt
I bought my ‘01 ‘vert new, and after almost twenty years it’s just about to turn 60,000 miles.
According to the Owner’s Manual, I should be replacing the serpentine belt about now.
I visually inspected the belt and it does show minute cracks in the ribs every quarter of an inch, or so, although it still seems pliable and doesn’t squeal.
I intend to do the job myself, but have a few questions about the process:
I’ve replaced s. belts a half-dozen times over the years on different cars, but never on a C5 ‘Vette. Can this be done with the radiator in place, or does that have to be removed to gain access?
Is it recommended to replace the tensioner at the same time the belt is changed?
Is there anything else I should do while I’m in there?
Lastly, I notice a bit of wobble or eccentricity in the crankshaft pulley with the engine running. Is that normal on an LS1? I attached a brief video that I hope demonstrates that.
As always, thanks in advance for any advice.
According to the Owner’s Manual, I should be replacing the serpentine belt about now.
I visually inspected the belt and it does show minute cracks in the ribs every quarter of an inch, or so, although it still seems pliable and doesn’t squeal.
I intend to do the job myself, but have a few questions about the process:
I’ve replaced s. belts a half-dozen times over the years on different cars, but never on a C5 ‘Vette. Can this be done with the radiator in place, or does that have to be removed to gain access?
Is it recommended to replace the tensioner at the same time the belt is changed?
Is there anything else I should do while I’m in there?
Lastly, I notice a bit of wobble or eccentricity in the crankshaft pulley with the engine running. Is that normal on an LS1? I attached a brief video that I hope demonstrates that.
As always, thanks in advance for any advice.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,984
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
The C5's harmonic balancer is a well known problem. I watched your video and if it was my C5, it would be getting a new one and soon. Replacing the belt is easy but replacing the balancer is not. Do NOT replace with a GM part, get a PowerBond or ATI. While you got everything apart, I'd replace tensioners and idlers. Good time to do water pump too. Best wishes on your repairs 
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,037
Likes: 24,727
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Moved to C5 Tech.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 413
Likes: 24
From: Bloomfield Hills Michigan
I need to do the same thing - is there a place to find the part numbers for the idlers and tensioners? Does anyone sell these as a whole kit by any chance?
I'll probably do the A/C ones as well while in there as well...
Any info greatly appreciated!
Jeff
I'll probably do the A/C ones as well while in there as well...
Any info greatly appreciated!
Jeff
Last edited by kalayaan12; Jul 7, 2020 at 10:07 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,754
Likes: 1,214
From: Wisconsin
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 437
Likes: 182
From: Renton WA
Is there a way to differentiate the stock balancer from a replacement? I have 80,000 on my 1998 and it looks fine (no wobble) but I wonder if the previous owner had already replaced it as the car came with the fuel pumps done already which seems really proactive!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 113
Likes: 28
If you're going to be elbow deep in the balancer, I'd recommend all the tensioners, to include the A/C, and maybe the water pump all get done at the same time. I just did my balancer. PS rack had to come out to do it, so I had to get an alignment as well. I figured that since I had the car that far apart anyway, I might as well make all the accessory pulleys and belts new. Cost me more than I initially expected, but was worth it. Also, just in case you didn't already know, the factory balancer bolt is not reusable. It is torque to yield. I recommend getting the ARP bolt, especially is you plan on modding the engine later or ever need to change the oil pump.