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Acura TL 2009-2014 and MDX: How to Replace Serpentine Belt

Changing out the serpentine belt really is straightforward. Figuring out how it routes around the accessories may be a bit of a challenge, but all it takes is a little bit of "get-it-done" to accomplish the task.

By Paul Johnson - April 27, 2016

This article applies to the Acura TL/MDX 3.5L V6 (2009-2014).

The serpentine belt is the multi-grooved rubber and cord device which goes on the main part of the engine. It stretches around from the crankshaft to the rest of the accessories, such as the alternator, power steering pump, and A/C compressor. Changing the serpentine belt out is usually fairly simple on most vehicles, as long as you remember how the belt routes around the accessories. Doing the job yourself will cost you the amount of the belt, whereas the labor involved to change it out can add up quick. If you don't have the right tools, this may not be a job for you to accomplish.

Acura TL 2009-2014 and MDX: How to Replace Serpentine Belt

Material Needed

  • 14mm combination wrench or socket/rachet

Step 1 – Remove engine cover

Raise the hood. Remove the passenger side portion of the cover over the engine (Figure 1). Start by lifting up at where the red star is, then towards the fender, and on up around following the fender until the cover comes off. Be careful not to lose the friction clips that keep the engine cover in place. These pins will fall out of the cover if not careful. By removing this cover, it should give you complete access to the engine where the drive belt is located.

Engine cover removal
Figure 1. Engine cover removal.

Step 2 – Remove the belt

The serpentine belt is located on the front of the engine, which was made accessible by removing the engine cover. Place the closed end of the 14mm combination wrench on the tensioner pulley (caption A on Figure 2). Place the wrench as far clockwise as you can on the tensioner pulley to allow for enough arc travel to remove the belt. Move the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the tension on the serpentine belt (caption B on Figure 2). Remove the belt.

Remove Serpentine Belt
Figure 2. Remove serpentine belt.

Step 3 – Place new belt

Place the new belt along side the old belt to ensure they are the same general length. The old belt will most likely be a little longer due to stretching over time. Ensure the rib count is the same as well. Place the new belt by starting at the crankshaft pulley.

Replace Serpentine Belt
Figure 3. Replace serpentine belt.

Looping the belt first with enough to fit over the pulley helps get it in place. Place the belt up over the rest of the pulleys, leaving the tensioner for last. Place the combination wrench at nearly the same angle as was accomplished when removing the belt. The wrench should be inside the belt as it is fitted to the tensioner pulley, then turn the tensioner pulley counterclockwise, slipping the belt onto the pulley as doing so. Release tension on the pulley, which will take up the slack in the belt. Before pulling the wrench off of the pulley, ensure the belt is fully engaged correctly on all of the pulleys. When happy with the belt engagement, remove the wrench. Start the car and observe proper operation of the belt. When satisfied, shut the engine off and replace the engine cover. Shut the hood.

Featured Video: Serpentine Belt Replacement Acura MDX

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