Honda S2000 Serpentine Belt Replacement Guide (2000-2009)
Keep your S2000's high-revving engine reliable by understanding when and how to replace its serpentine belt.
- Visually inspect the belt for cracks and fraying; this is more reliable than mileage or the tensioner's wear indicator.
- All 2000-2009 S2000 models use the same serpentine belt (OEM Part #38920-PCX-024).
- While the belt is off, spin the idler and tensioner pulleys by hand to check for bad bearings.
- A broken belt will cause the engine to overheat and stop charging the battery, so do not drive the vehicle if the belt fails.
Symptoms of a Failing Serpentine Belt on a Honda S2000
A worn or failing serpentine belt will usually give you a few warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to a sudden breakdown, as a snapped belt will cause the engine to overheat quickly and the battery to stop charging.
- Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common symptom. A high-pitched squeal, especially when starting the car or accelerating, often means the belt is loose, 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose and fix common belt squealing noises. worn, or slipping on the pulleys.
- Visible Wear and Tear: A visual inspection is the best way to check the belt's health. Look for cracks, fraying, glazing (a shiny surface), or missing chunks on the ribbed side of the belt. Any of these signs mean it's time for a replacement.
- Tensioner Wear Indicator: Your S2000 has a built-in wear indicator on the belt tensioner. There is a notch on the tensioner housing and a rectangular block on the base. If the notch is to the right of the recessed part of the block, the belt has likely stretched and should be replaced. However, many owners note this isn't always a reliable indicator, especially with aftermarket belts, making a physical inspection more important.
- Accessory Failure: If your A/C stops blowing cold air or your battery light comes on, it could be caused by a slipping or broken serpentine belt.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Serpentine Belt
While the original Honda (OEM) belt is widely considered to be of superior quality and longevity, high-quality aftermarket options from reputable brands offer a reliable and more affordable alternative. The OEM supplier has been noted as Bando, making it a strong aftermarket choice. All 2000-2009 Honda S2000 models (both AP1 and AP2) with air conditioning use the same serpentine belt.
Aftermarket Brand Quality Tiers
| Brand | General Reputation & S2000 Owner Feedback |
|---|---|
| Gates | Gates is a well-regarded brand in the aftermarket community. Some S2000 owners have reported that Gates belts can be very tight and difficult to install, with the tensioner near its limit. However, others have used them without issue. |
| Continental | Continental (formerly Goodyear Gatorback) is another top-tier brand known for quality. They are often recommended by mechanics and S2000 owners for being quiet and reliable. |
| Dayco | Dayco is a common and accessible brand. While some owners have used them for years without problems, others in the S2000 community feel they don't last as long or are more prone to making noise compared to OEM or other premium brands. |
Pro Tip: Inspect the Pulleys
When you have the serpentine belt off, it's the perfect time to check the condition of the tensioner and idler pulleys. Spin them by hand. They should spin smoothly and quietly. If you hear any grinding noises or feel roughness or wobbling, the pulley bearing is worn and the pulley should be replaced to prevent 🎬 See how to fix a noisy pulley bearing yourself. damage to your new belt.
Known Issues, Recalls, or TSBs
There are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Honda or the NHTSA related to the serpentine belt on the 2000-2009 S2000. The primary issues reported by owners are related to normal wear and tear of the belt and tensioner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I replace my S2000's serpentine belt?
Honda does not specify a strict replacement interval in the service manual, instead recommending regular inspections. A general guideline for most Honda vehicles is to replace the belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. For a high-performance car like the S2000, it is best to inspect the belt at every oil change and replace it based on its physical condition (cracks, fraying) rather than mileage alone.
Is the serpentine belt the same for AP1 (2000-2003) and AP2 (2004-2009) S2000s?
Yes. Despite the differences in engines (F20C vs. F22C), the serpentine belt part number is the same for all model years from 2000 to 2009, assuming the vehicle has air conditioning. The OEM part number is 38920-PCX-024, which supersedes older numbers like 38920-PCX-004 and 38920-PCX-014.
Should I replace the belt tensioner at the same time as the belt?
It is not required, but it is highly recommended to inspect it. A common problem is for the tensioner pulley bearing to wear out, causing a buzzing or grinding noise. If the tensioner doesn't keep proper tension, even a new belt can slip or wear out prematurely. If the tensioner pulley feels rough when spun by hand or if the tensioner arm doesn't feel firm, it should be replaced.
Is replacing the serpentine belt a difficult DIY job?
No, this is a relatively easy job for a DIY mechanic. It requires basic hand tools, primarily a 14mm wrench or socket on a ratchet to release the tensioner. The most difficult part can be routing the new belt correctly, so it's a good idea to take a picture of the belt's path 🎬 Watch this step-by-step serpentine belt replacement walkthrough. before you remove the old one.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 38920-PCX-024 38920-PCX-014 38920-PCX-004
The serpentine belt for the Honda S2000 is a 6-rib belt. Aftermarket belt lengths can vary slightly between brands, but all are designed to fit the stock pulley configuration.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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