DIY Guide: Replace Serpentine & Power Steering Belt on Scion XB

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Preparing to Replace the Serpentine Belt
   1. Opening the Hood
   2. Jacking up the Vehicle
   3. Removing the Wheel and Tire
   4. Removing the Splash Shield
3. Removing the Serpentine Belt
   1. Relieving Tension on the Belt
   2. Loosening the Alternator Bolt
   3. Loosening the Lower Bolt
   4. Removing the Old Belt
4. Installing the New Belts
   1. Installing the Power Steering Belt
   2. Adjusting the Tension on the Power Steering Belt
   3. Installing the Serpentine Belt
   4. Adjusting the Tension on the Serpentine Belt
5. Checking and Testing
   1. Starting the Vehicle
   2. Checking for Proper Belt Alignment and Tension
6. Reassembling and Finishing Up
   1. Installing the Splash Shield
   2. Mounting the Wheel and Tire
7. Conclusion

🛠️ DIY: How to Replace the Serpentine Belt on a 2006 CCI XB

Is your 2006 CCI XB's serpentine belt showing signs of wear and tear? Are you experiencing power steering belt issues as well? Don't worry, replacing these belts is a relatively straightforward task that you can do yourself. In this guide, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of replacing both the serpentine belt and the power steering belt on a 2006 CCI XB. With a few tools and some time, you'll have your belts replaced in no time.

1. Introduction

The serpentine belt plays a crucial role in powering multiple components of your vehicle, such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. Over time, the belt can become worn, cracked, or damaged, affecting the performance of these components. Additionally, the power steering belt operates the power steering pump, allowing for smooth and effortless steering. If either of these belts shows signs of wear or begins to fail, it's essential to replace them promptly.

2. Preparing to Replace the Serpentine Belt

2.1 Opening the Hood

To begin the process of replacing the serpentine belt, first, pop open the hood of your 2006 CCI XB. This will allow you to access the engine compartment and locate the belts that need to be replaced.

2.2 Jacking up the Vehicle

Before you can access the power steering belt, you'll need to lift the front of your vehicle. Place a block behind the driver rear wheel to prevent any movement, then use a jack to raise the passenger front end. Once the tire is off the ground, secure the vehicle with a jack stand on the pinch weld for added safety.

2.3 Removing the Wheel and Tire

With the vehicle raised and supported securely, remove the four lug nuts using a 21mm socket. Carefully remove the wheel and tire from the vehicle, ensuring that it is clear from any obstructions.

2.4 Removing the Splash Shield

To gain access to the belts, the splash shield needs to be removed. There are two 10mm bolts located towards the front of the vehicle that need to be removed. Bend the splash shield down and out of the way, allowing you to reach the belts.

3. Removing the Serpentine Belt

3.1 Relieving Tension on the Belt

Unlike vehicles with belt tensioners, the tension on the serpentine belt of the 2006 CCI XB is adjusted by moving the alternator towards the front of the car. To relieve tension on the belt, loosen the top 12mm bolt on the alternator. Additionally, there is a 14mm bolt located below the alternator that needs to be loosened. These bolts can be accessed from the top of the engine compartment.

3.2 Loosening the Alternator Bolt

Using a 12mm socket, loosen the top bolt on the alternator. It may be hard to see or access, but ensure that it is loosened enough to push the alternator towards the front of the car. This will relieve tension on the serpentine belt.

3.3 Loosening the Lower Bolt

To further release tension on the belt, locate the 14mm bolt below the alternator. This bolt may be difficult to access due to the frame being in the way. Use a breaker bar or socket wrench to loosen this bolt, allowing you to push the alternator towards the firewall and relieve tension on the belt.

3.4 Removing the Old Belt

Once the tension on the belt has been relieved, go back to the top of the engine compartment and slip the belt off the alternator. You may need to position yourself underneath the vehicle to fully remove the belt from the alternator. Take note of the routing of the belt before removal to ensure proper installation of the new belt.

4. Installing the New Belts

4.1 Installing the Power Steering Belt

Begin by placing the new power steering belt around the pulleys. Ensure that it goes around the backside of the crankshaft pulley and onto the power steering pulley. This may require going off of feel due to limited visibility. Take your time to make sure the belt is fully around each pulley.

4.2 Adjusting the Tension on the Power Steering Belt

To adjust the tension on the power steering belt, use a pry bar to push the alternator towards the front of the car. This will tighten the power steering belt. Be cautious not to overtighten, as it could result in damage to the power steering pump. Check the deflection of the belt to ensure proper tension.

4.3 Installing the Serpentine Belt

Place the new serpentine belt onto the pulleys, following the routing pattern of the old belt. Start by positioning it around the alternator pulley, then move it along the crankshaft, AC compressor, and finally the smooth pulley of the water pump. Take your time to ensure that the belt is properly seated on each pulley.

4.4 Adjusting the Tension on the Serpentine Belt

Using the pry bar, push the alternator towards the front of the car to tighten the serpentine belt. Check the deflection of the belt to ensure proper tension. Remember not to overtighten, as it can lead to premature wear on the components.

5. Checking and Testing

5.1 Starting the Vehicle

With both belts installed and tensioned properly, start the vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. Listen for any abnormal noises or vibrations that may indicate a problem with the belt installation.

5.2 Checking for Proper Belt Alignment and Tension

After the vehicle has run for a few minutes, visually inspect the belts to ensure proper alignment and tension. Double-check that the belts are seated correctly on all pulleys and that there is sufficient deflection for each belt.

6. Reassembling and Finishing Up

6.1 Installing the Splash Shield

Once you have verified that the belts are functioning correctly, reattach the splash shield. Secure it with the two 10mm bolts that were removed earlier.

6.2 Mounting the Wheel and Tire

Carefully place the wheel and tire back onto the vehicle, aligning the lug nut holes with the wheel studs. Tighten the lug nuts until they are hand-tight, then lower the vehicle. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to 76 ft-lbs in a star pattern for even tightening.

7. Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully replaced the serpentine belt and power steering belt on your 2006 CCI XB. Replacing these belts is an essential maintenance task that ensures the longevity and efficiency of various components in your vehicle's engine system. Regularly inspecting and replacing belts as needed will help prevent unexpected breakdowns and potentially more costly repairs in the future. Remember to double-check all your work and verify proper belt alignment and tension before completing the task.