What are the steps in tightening the alternator belt?

I usually use like a broom handle as a lever against the block and pull it away from the motor until its tight. Once It's tight I torque down the adjustment bolt. I then measure the play in the belt using a a straight edge and a ruler. It shouldn't have more then a 1/4 inch of play. This is straight from chapter one of the Haynes Repair manual.

This post was last modified: 06-01-2008 09:15 PM by Zor_Primo.

How do you get to the adjustment bolt? Can this be done through the engine bay?

yes it can be done and is easy here is a pick the loose bolt is the tensioner bolt just slide the alt belt back(i use a pry bar to get more leverage) and tighten the 14 mm bolt

perfect answers.

Oh god, details please. Are you having to get new alternator, or just replace belt?
Praying for the latter.

Thanks for the pic turbo-2nr. Do you have to loosen the pivot bolt at all?

Oh god, details please. Are you having to get new alternator, or just replace belt?
Praying for the latter.

I have a loud squeal going on and I'm hoping it's just a loose belt.

This post was last modified: 06-02-2008 07:13 AM by gimmezell.

You may have to loosen it just a little enough to get it to move if you have never changed it before.

An easy way to see if its your alt belt is to drip water onto it, if the noise stops then its obviously that belt. Also, like stated ealier, it should be 1/2" of freeplay. 1/4 up n 1/4 down.

I'm sure the alternator belt is bad. I do not think I've ever replaced it in the eight years I've owned the coupe. It looks like a pain-in-the-butt to replace though. Since I've never replaced the A/C belt either and it would probably take me longer than is should to replace them. I may pony up $133 to have all three replaced.