[dubvee]

I replaced my serpentine belt yesterday, and had to loosen the alternator to get the belt on. Just curious if this is common?

 

[Paul(in NY)]

I replaced my serpentine belt yesterday, and had to loosen the alternator to get the belt on. Just curious if this is common?

No, not common. I just swing the belt tensioner up and slip on a new belt. Only takes a minute or so.
Either you have a belt that is to short, or did you not swing up the tensioner ?
Paul

 

[CrewCab59]

I replaced my serpentine belt yesterday, and had to loosen the alternator to get the belt on. Just curious if this is common?

No , Might have been 1 size to small .

 

[K204DR]

i've had a few that seemed to be tight to get on. best bet is to get it on everything else, and slip it up over the waterpump pulley. its smooth and it will slide over easier than trying to get it in the grooves of the other pulleys.

 

[Machman]

Mine was a glorious pain in the glutes the first, oh, 15 times I tried. Then, it just slid on.. I got mine on by leaving the water pump for last, too.