The Buick Regal shares the "W" body platform with the Chevrolet Lumina, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Pontiac Grand Prix. The V-6 engine is the 3800 cc, or 3.8L V-6. This engine uses a single serpentine belt with a spring-loaded, automatic tensioner to drive the water pump, AC compressor, alternator and power steering pump. Compared to other vehicles, replacing the serpentine belt on W body cars is less taxing, a job you can perform in less than 30 minutes.
Find the belt routing diagram on the fan shroud. If it is not there, draw a diagram of the serpentine belt's path around the pulleys with pencil and paper so you can get the new belt on right.
Find the automatic tensioner. It is located just above and to the right of the crankshaft pulley. If the tensioner has an arm on top of it with a square hole, insert a 1/2-inch ratchet into the hole and rotate the tensioner counterclockwise to release tension on the belt. If there is no arm, use the box end of a wrench on the bolt in the center of the tensioner to rotate it counterclockwise to release tension.
Slide the belt off the pulleys while keeping the tensioner rotated. After you have removed the belt, slowly let the tensioner rotate back.
Begin sliding the new belt onto the pulleys. Rotate the tensioner again to finish installation. Make sure the belt is centered on all pulleys.
