Changing Belt on 01 malibu

These two procedures should allay your concerns:

Document ID# 553908

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Engine Mount Inspection

Notice In order to avoid oil pan damage and possible engine failure, insert a block of wood that spans the width of the oil pan bottom between the oil pan and the jack support.

Important Before replacing any engine mount due to suspected fluid loss, make sure that the source of the fluid is the mount, not the engine or accessories.

Raise the engine in order to remove the weight from the engine mount and in order to place slight tension in the rubber. Observe the engine mount while raising the engine. If the engine mount exhibits any of the following conditions, replace it. The hard rubber surface is covered with heat check cracks. The rubber is separated from the metal plate of the engine mount. The rubber is split through the center of the engine mount. If there is movement between the metal plate of the engine mount and its attaching points, lower the engine on the engine mount. Tighten the bolts or nuts attaching the engine mount to the frame or bracket.

Document ID# 700036

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Engine Mount Replacement Removal Procedure

Support the engine by the oil pan. Remove and position cruise control module aside. Remove the engine mount to engine mount bracket bolts. Remove the engine mount to body nuts. Remove the engine mount.

Installation Procedure

Install the engine mount.

Notice Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Install the engine mount to body nuts. Tighten Tighten the engine mount to body nuts to 66 N·m (49 lb ft). Install the engine mount to engine mount bracket bolts. Tighten Tighten the engine mount to engine mount bracket bolts to 130 N·m (96 lb ft).

Install the cruise control module to bracket. Remove the floor jack.

Don't even bother with the cloth Larry. Put a piece of board - maybe 1X6 or a 1X8 under the pan and jack against that. Make sure the board is longer than the pan so that it spreads the weight. Are you sure you need to do this though? I've replaced the belt on my daughter's '98 Malibu without taking the motor mount off. Maybe they changed the design between '98 and '01. I'd double check on that. No matter though - just use the board and you'll be fine.

Thanks Mike and Silver Surfer

I,m almost positive mount has to be split to get belt thru, but that Info on the pan is the morale support I needed!!

Thanks a lot!!! Larry

Hey Larry - who told you that you had to remove the motor mount?

Hi Mike

I took an "Eyeball" at it and thats the only way I can see to get that belt out. Not like any other (My yukon) or my Old corsica. I did not look into any manuals. Its an 01 3.1L

Here's the procedure on replacing the belt:

Document ID# 553905

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Drive Belt Replacement Removal Procedure

Notice Routine inspection of the belt may reveal cracks in the belt ribs. These cracks will not impair the belt performance. The belt should be replaced if the belt slip occurs if a section of the belt ribs are missing. A single serpentine drive belt is used to drive all engine accessories. All belt driven accessories are rigidly mounted with the belt tension maintained by a spring loaded tensioner. The indicator on the movable portion of the tensioner must be within the limits of the marks of the stationary portion of the tensioner. Any reading outside of these limits indicates either a defective belt or tensioner.

Remove engine mount. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement .

Rotate the drive belt tensioner in a clockwise motion using a box end wrench. Remove the drive belt.

Installation Procedure

Rotate the drive belt tensioner in a clockwise motion using a box end wrench. Install the drive belt. Connect the serpentine drive belt last to the power steering pulley. Install engine mount. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement .

Son-of-a-gun.

Again, Thanks Silver and Mike for all the "GOOD" info. You guy's know your stuff!!!

Larry from NJ