I was driving yesterday and my serpentine belt was half way off. But I was able to get home. So today I bought a new belt. It is the same size belt. So I am reading the picture to install on the top of the hood. But for the life of me I cannot loop the new belt onto the crankshaft. I am starting like this hook the belt to the alternator then to the power steering pump, then to water pump, then to crankshaft. Whenever I loop it around then the belt falls off the water pump. I know this is supposed to be a 5-10 job looks like I need some help so thats why I am here. 1995 Mark 8

Cliff notes:

changing serpentine belt wont loop around crankshaft and water pump

try doing it around the crank first

^What he said

I usually do the alternator last.

i'll assume your "releasing" the belt tensioner

At first, release the tensioner, and if you can't hold the tension while guiding the belt - go to alternator last, holding tension and doing alternator is quite easy.

i'll assume your "releasing" the belt tensioner
What he said.

The easiest way is to loop it all around everything except the water pump, and then use a breaker bar to flex the tensioner arm in and slide the belt over the water pump.

I always slip it around the AC first, around everything else, release tension with a 1/2 drive ratchet and alternator last

I wrap it around everything first, then release the tension, then wrap it around the blowers snout then push it under the blowers idler pulley. :wrench

LaserSVT, It seems to be not a stock Mark...:D

I am releasing belt tensioner but its not helping. even when releasing the belt tensioner i still cant get the belt around the crank and water pump

i wrap it around everything first, then release the tension, then wrap it around the blowers snout then push it under the blowers idler pulley then fire it up and snap important timing gears.

fail

Abbens, can you compare the new belt and the old one? What is the difference?

They are the same length. New belt has numbers on it and I know the old belt should but the old belt has no numbers on it. Also new belt is thicker

or you could do what this guy dose

YouTube- The Original Fast Volkswagen Belt Change. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhfcdQf1QA)

You have to have it around crankshaft pulley first. You'll notice the water pump pulley is smooth which is much easier to get the belt to catch on, without cutting the belt.

i always do the alternaotr last

so do i changing the belt is easy if you leave the alt for last.

i can change the belt in about 10 seconds...it's stupid easy

i usually cut the belt in 3 sections and then duct tape them back together after threading them on

i usually cut the belt in 3 sections and then duct tape them back together after threading them on

you beat me to a silly comment.