I'm talking about the alternator belt and air conditioning compressor belt. Taking them off wasn't a big deal, but half way through the job I got stuck on stupid. I had bolts B & C all the way up and the belt was still loose, any ideas? The process sounds simple enough in theory, so what am I missing?

 

In the first image for the alternator belt, bolt B is the locking bolt; leave it loose until you have everything properly tightened. Tighten the belt by screwing in (clockwise) bolt C until deemed tight enough. Once this is done, torque bolt B to spec. Afterwards, if bolt A was loosened at all it should be re-tightened. Loosening it would have only made it easier to move the alternator.

In the second image for the AC belt, bolt A is the locking bolt. Screw in bolt B (clockwise) until the belt is appropriately tight. After this, torque bolt A to spec.

 

Got them on the pulleys

( sorry man..couldn't resist )

 

Hell ... I thought he needed a sowing kit.

 

why would he be working on his car in a field why he was planting seeds?

 

I think he meant "sewing", and taking that in the ... lewd manner ... I think he meant, it freaked me out a bit.

Pardon me if I ruin the double entendre jokes. :P

 

i thought this thread was going to be epic judging by the title!!

that said, this is quite helpful b/c i may need to do this soon! i've never done ANY engine work...it changing these belts something average joe can do at home so i don't have to take my car in??

 

Yes; it's fairly easy enough to do with a socket wrench. The AC locking bolt may require a breaker bar.

 

Some other people would say, "drop lemon juice in there"

 

Apparently if you have after market pulley like I do, you need smaller belts than OEM. This is what I got at first but I needed a smaller belt for the AC.


Loosen the locking bolt, just enough.



Then the alternator, again, just enough




Then drop the alternator unscrewing the tension bolt.

YOu may want to remove the battery to have more room to work with. I didn't have to.



Used a 17mm off-set ratcheting wrench to loosen the AC tensioner pulley.



and a 10mm socket with extensions for the bolt



And these are the items I used. Remember, I needed a smaller AC belt because I have aftermarket pulleys.