Whipple tensioner question - AC belt replacement - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

SSlim · 12-31-2012, 02:35 PM

My AC belt gave up and need to replace it, but not sure how to get the serp belt off with the Whipple tensioner. I don't want to mess anything up. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Whipped416 · 12-31-2012, 03:19 PM

the ac belt is a stretch belt should just be able to throw the other one on..
if im thinking right

SSlim · 12-31-2012, 03:25 PM

It is, but you have to take the serpentine belt off to get the AC belt on the crank pulley.

simon.w · 12-31-2012, 10:58 PM

Put a 3/8" drive breaker bar or long ratchet handle into the square hole at end of the tensioner and push it downwards. That will loosen the serpentine belt enough for you to slide it off one of the pulleys.

If you don't have the whipple install instructions, before you remove the belt, draw yourself a pic that shows all of the pulleys and draw the path of the serpentine belt around them. The correct route is not always as easy to figure out when it's off.

The AC belt is tight and you must make sure it doesn't have any twists in it once you get it on, otherwise it will either simply throw off again or shred itself, cutting through the ribs.

If you get stuck pm me and I'll scan the pages from the whipple install manual the show the belt fitting.

Ps ... When you get it back on, you may as well take the opportunity to check the adjustment of the serpentine and tensioner. If its adjusted correctly the two casting lines on the top of the tensioner where it rotates should line up. If the belt has stretched, you'll need to get a large Allen key and move in the lower idler pulleys on the tensioner. Be careful not to move the one closest to the center of the engine in too far or the pulley can rub on the hose for your intake.

Good luck.

SSlim · 01-01-2013, 05:58 AM

Muchos Gracias! I had a sneaky suspicion that was what the square hole was for but didn't want to jack with it until I knew for sure.

12-31-2012, 02:35 PM	#1
SSlim Drives: 2011 Cyber Grey 1SS/RS A6 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Needville TX Posts: 228	Whipple tensioner question - AC belt replacement My AC belt gave up and need to replace it, but not sure how to get the serp belt off with the Whipple tensioner. I don't want to mess anything up. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! __________________ Whipple, GT9 cam, LS3 conversion, ZL1 pistons, ZL1 rods, Circle D converter, Stage 3 trans, Tuned by Pat G, CAI inc, TPS headers, posi mod, Dynomax bullet cat back, VMAX TB, ADM Scoop, RX catch can, Eibach prokit plus, Eurotek Mesh 33 wheels, P13w DRLs, Pioneer/Massive Audio/Vibe/JL interior goodies. 613 RWHP/596 TQ

12-31-2012, 03:25 PM	#3
SSlim Drives: 2011 Cyber Grey 1SS/RS A6 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Needville TX Posts: 228	It is, but you have to take the serpentine belt off to get the AC belt on the crank pulley. __________________ Whipple, GT9 cam, LS3 conversion, ZL1 pistons, ZL1 rods, Circle D converter, Stage 3 trans, Tuned by Pat G, CAI inc, TPS headers, posi mod, Dynomax bullet cat back, VMAX TB, ADM Scoop, RX catch can, Eibach prokit plus, Eurotek Mesh 33 wheels, P13w DRLs, Pioneer/Massive Audio/Vibe/JL interior goodies. 613 RWHP/596 TQ

01-01-2013, 05:58 AM	#5
SSlim Drives: 2011 Cyber Grey 1SS/RS A6 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Needville TX Posts: 228	Muchos Gracias! I had a sneaky suspicion that was what the square hole was for but didn't want to jack with it until I knew for sure. __________________ Whipple, GT9 cam, LS3 conversion, ZL1 pistons, ZL1 rods, Circle D converter, Stage 3 trans, Tuned by Pat G, CAI inc, TPS headers, posi mod, Dynomax bullet cat back, VMAX TB, ADM Scoop, RX catch can, Eibach prokit plus, Eurotek Mesh 33 wheels, P13w DRLs, Pioneer/Massive Audio/Vibe/JL interior goodies. 613 RWHP/596 TQ

12-31-2012, 03:19 PM	#2
Whipped416 Drives: 2010 CAMARO SS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 1,515 View My Garage	the ac belt is a stretch belt should just be able to throw the other one on.. if im thinking right

12-31-2012, 10:58 PM	#4
simon.w Account Suspended Drives: 2011 2SS RS 6M Inferno Orange Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Clemente CA Posts: 309	Put a 3/8" drive breaker bar or long ratchet handle into the square hole at end of the tensioner and push it downwards. That will loosen the serpentine belt enough for you to slide it off one of the pulleys. If you don't have the whipple install instructions, before you remove the belt, draw yourself a pic that shows all of the pulleys and draw the path of the serpentine belt around them. The correct route is not always as easy to figure out when it's off. The AC belt is tight and you must make sure it doesn't have any twists in it once you get it on, otherwise it will either simply throw off again or shred itself, cutting through the ribs. If you get stuck pm me and I'll scan the pages from the whipple install manual the show the belt fitting. Ps ... When you get it back on, you may as well take the opportunity to check the adjustment of the serpentine and tensioner. If its adjusted correctly the two casting lines on the top of the tensioner where it rotates should line up. If the belt has stretched, you'll need to get a large Allen key and move in the lower idler pulleys on the tensioner. Be careful not to move the one closest to the center of the engine in too far or the pulley can rub on the hose for your intake. Good luck.