How to Replace Serpentine Belt 00-07 Subaru Outback

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 45 min · Subaru Outback

Replace the serpentine belt and A/C compressor belt on a 2000-2007 Subaru Outback.

Steps

1. Remove the engine shield

   Remove the shield's three 10mm bolts and pull off the driver's side, then remove its 12mm bolt and pull off the rest, loosening the 12mm bolt under the adjusting bolt while you're in there.

2. Remove the serpentine belt

   Loosen the tensioner bolt with a 12mm socket, pull the belt off the alternator, then pull it free.

3. Remove the A/C compressor belt

   Loosen the pulley bolt, turn the A/C tensioner bolt counterclockwise, then pull the belt off.

4. Install the new A/C belt

   Back the tensioner bolt all the way off, loop the new belt around the crank pulley and stretch it onto the compressor, tighten the adjusting bolt until the belt only moves about 1/8-1/4 inch by hand, then tighten the pulley bolt.

5. Install the new serpentine belt

   Apply penetrating oil to the tensioner bolt and back it off fully, loop the belt around the two larger pulleys and bring it around the alternator and crank pulley, then tighten the tensioner until the belt only moves about 1/4 inch by hand.

6. Reinstall the engine shield

   Refit the passenger side with its 10mm and 12mm bolts, then refit the driver's side with its two 10mm bolts.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.