Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

While cleaning up my engine bay on my 99 I notice the serpentine belt seemed to have a little more play then I would have thought. The belt is probably original and there are no cracks or corrosion that I see. She only has 78,000 miles. How much play should the belt have when you push on it?

DesertLS

I just changed mine a few months ago. I believe there is an arrow above the tensioner pulley that shows the current tension. After installing a new belt, the arrow should line up with the first dash mark. If it is the original, or it hasn't been changed in a while, there will definitely be more play in the belt. The pulley itself could also be giving too much play but it is likely a worn out belt.

It is pretty inexpensive and quick to change the belt yourself. Lexls.com has a great tutorial.