How to replace the Power Steering Belt?

2010 CHEVROLET AVEO
175,000 MILES • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CHAPPYSTRUCK23
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
My power steering belt snapped on my car listed above. I used the car as a work car to save money. I was hoping to reach out to someone for questions regarding changing the power steering belt. I’m not sure how to do it and would like to do it myself to save money and feel better about myself. Hoping someone could help me out. Last time I asked a question I had a really helpful mechanic reach back out to me. He or she even added pictures of step by step of how to change the part out at the time (water pump).
Jan 30, 2025 at 7:30 AM
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BORIS K
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 836 POSTS
Hello,

The power steering belt is a "stretch to fit " belt from the water pump pulley to power steering pump. This means that the belt has no tensioner and needs to be guided on to the pulleys.
Factory information suggests to remove loosen and remove the main serpentine belt, remove the right hand headlight and air filter housing to gain access.

Image 2 shows how to loosen the serpentine belt tensioner by rotating the tensioner star nut, To access the belt you will have to raise the vehicle.
It is recommended to remove the serpentine belt as it will take load off the water pump pulley when rotating the power steering pump pulley when installing the new belt.
See the link to a video below, the power steering belt is replaced without removing the serpentine belt

As the belt has snapped I will not document the removal procedure

Installation Procedure
Route the power steering pump drive belt.
Align the drive belt on the water pump pulley first.
Position one of the three power steering pulley holes on top point.
Through the pulley hole tie the drive belt to the pump pulley using the rope or cable tie, see image 1 below
To rotate the pulley put the 3/8inch hex bit socket in the power steering pump pulley shaft hole.
Rotate the power steering pump pulley clockwise until the belt is fully installed on the pulley.
Remove the rope or cable tie.
Inspect for correct belt installation. If the belt is not installed correctly try to install after removing the belt.

Once belt is correctly fitted reinstall the air filter housing and headlight.

A video showing belt installation with headlight in place, without removing the serpentine belt
https://youtu.be/NToxlfzdTug?si=58NVfIRqE-zoTmgJ

Hope this helps

Cheers, Boris
Jan 31, 2025 at 1:19 AM