I have a very old Lifefitness Lifestride 5500. It ran great until I moved it to a new location. The belt is now sticking. Adjusting the tension helped but it still sticks every 10 seconds. Any suggestions? Thanks!

1989 Belts

• INSPECTION
• ADJUSTING
• REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

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INSPECTION

All Models
Belt tension is very important, as a belt that is too tight will put too much stress on the bearings of the components it drives, causing them to wear out prematurely. A belt that is too loose will slip, causing (1) the belt to wear out quickly due to friction heat, and (2) inefficient alternator, air pump, cooling fan or air conditioner operation because much of the turning power supplied by the main drive pulley is lost.
The belts should be inspected and/or adjusted at 2,000 miles (3,221 km) and then every 4,000 miles (6,441 km). First, make sure that the belt is properly positioned in the pulley. Check the pulleys for damage. Inspect the belts for cracks and signs of fraying. These usually develop on the inner surface and extend into the backing or outer surface of the belt. Check also for glazing, a completely smooth appearance which indicates slippage. A belt that is in good shape will have a slightly grainy appearance like cloth. Replace belts that show cracks or glazing.
Check belt tension. Apply pressure with your thumb at the mid-point between two pulleys, and the belt should stretch or deflect about 1 / 4 - 1 / 2 in. (6-13mm). If the belt is too tight or too loose, adjust/replace as necessary.

ADJUSTING

Except RX-7
See Figures 1, 2 and 3
To adjust belts, first locate the mounting bolt on the air pump or alternator (each has its own belt and adjusts to permit that belt to be tensioned correctly). This bolt attaches the unit to the engine and has a nut on the end. Put a wrench on either end and loosen the bolt until there is practically no tension on it. Then, loosen the adjusting bolt, which is located on the opposite side of the unit and which passes through a slot. Pull the alternator or air pump away from the engine and tighten the adjusting bolt just enough to hold the unit while you check tension. Repeat the adjustment procedure until the belt deflects the proper amount, then fully tighten the adjusting and mounting bolts. Avoid too much belt tension or overtightening of bolts. A new belt should be tensioned just slightly more (about 0.4 in. or 10mm deflection) and checked after several hundred miles of operation to make sure that tension is still adequate. (Tension is lost very rapidly until a new belt is broken in.)

Fig. Fig. 1: Some engines utilize an idler pulley with a locknut at its center

Fig. Fig. 2: After loosening the idler adjuster locknut, turn the adjusting bolt clockwise to increase belt tension or counterclockwise to decrease it

Fig. Fig. 3: On some GLC engines equipped with power steering, the pump pulley uses a slotted adjusting bar, adjusting bolt and locknut to adjust belt tension
Late model GLCs, 323s, 626s, MX-6s and 929s may use an adjusting bolt on either the idler pulley (a pulley which is not directly associated with any of the accessories) or on the power steering pump itself. This bolt makes adjustment much easier because you don't have to hold the accessory under a great deal of tension while tightening the mounting bolts.
On models where the idler pulley has a locknut at its center, simply loosen the locknut, then turn the adjusting bolt clockwise to increase belt tension or counterclockwise to decrease it or remove the belt. Do not forget to retighten the locknut when tension is correct, or vibration may cause it to fall off. Recheck the tension with the locknut tightened and readjust if necessary.
To adjust the power steering pump pulley on the GLC, loosen the slotted adjusting bar bolt, the mounting bolt across from it, and the locknut at the bottom of the adjusting bolt. Turn the adjusting bolt counterclockwise to remove the belt or reduce tension, and clockwise to increase it. When tension is correct, tighten the adjusting bolt locknut, adjusting bar bolt, and pump mounting bolt.
On 626, MX-6 and 929 models with a 4-ridge or 5-ridge ribbed type V-belt driving both the air conditioner and power steering pump, belt tension is much greater. With a used belt, deflection should only be about 1 / 4 in. (6.35mm).
RX-7
See Figures 4, 5 and 6
The RX-7 may be equipped with as many as three or four separate drive belts. The belts are arranged at the front of the engine and drive the cooling fan/water pump, alternator, power steering pump, emission control air pump and air conditioner compressor (if so equipped).

Fig. Fig. 4: Checking belt tension on 1979-85 RX-7
Check the tension of each belt at the arrows numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4 (depending on year) shown in the illustration. Press on the belt with your thumb using moderate pressure (about 22 lbs.). The belts should give or deflect the amounts shown in the chart.

Fig. Fig. 5: Checking belt tension on 1986-89 RX-7

Fig. Fig. 6: RX-7 belt deflection limits
Use the following appropriate procedure and illustration to make drive belt adjustment(s).
ALTERNATOR AND AIR PUMP
See Figure 7

1. Slightly loosen the stationary pivot bolt on the alternator or air pump.
2. Loosen the adjusting bolt.
3. Using a piece of wood (tool handle, etc.) as a prybar, move the alternator or air pump outward or inward until the proper deflection is obtained.

Fig. Fig. 7: Adjusting alternator drive belt tension on 1986-89 RX-7
When prying on the alternator or air pump, make sure the prybar is anchored against the engine case and not against a component (distributor cap, etc.) which could break.

1. Tighten the adjusting bolt. Remove the prybar and tighten the pivot bolt.

AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR AND POWER STEERING PUMP
See Figures 8 and 9

1. Loosen the locknut on the idler pulley, if so equipped.
2. Turn the adjusting bolt until the proper tension is reached.

Fig. Fig. 8: Adjusting air conditioning compressor drive belt tension on 1986-89 RX-7

1. Tighten the locknut and recheck the belt tension.

Fig. Fig. 9: Adjusting power steering pump drive belt tension on 1986-89 RX-7

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

All Models

1. Loosen the accessory being driven and move it on its pivot point to free the belt.
2. Remove the belt. If an idler pulley is used, it is often only necessary to loosen the idler pulley to provide enough slack to remove the belt.

To install:

1. After the new belt is in place and properly tensioned, start the engine and allow it to run for about five minutes to seat the new belt.
2. Stop the engine and recheck the belt tension. Adjust as necessary.

On engines with many driven accessories, other belts may have to be removed to access the one being replaced.

Hi, it appears there are other belts in front of the alternator belt. In this case, the other belts have to come off first. There are adjusting mechanisms on each the air pump, compressor, and alternator to loosen and tighten the belts. The power steering belt is adjusted by sliding the idler pulley. Please follow the instructions below and let me know if you have any questions.

ADJUSTING

See Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11

Fig. Fig. 6: Loosen the pivot bolt ...

Fig. Fig. 7: ... push the component inwards ...

Fig. Fig. 8: ... slip the old belt off and install a new one

Fig. Fig. 9: Pull outwards to tension the belt

Fig. Fig. 10: Belt routing on the 20R, 22R and 22R-EC engines

Fig. Fig. 11: Belt routing on the 4ME, 5ME and 5MG-E engines

Alternator
To adjust the tension of the alternator drive belt on all models, loosen the pivot and mounting bolts on the alternator. Using a wooden hammer handle, a broomstick or your hand, move the alternator one way or the other until the proper tension is achieved.

WARNING Do not use a screwdriver or any other metal device (such as a prybar) as a lever.
Tighten the mounting bolts securely. If a new belt has been installed, recheck the tension after about 200 miles (480 km) of driving.

Air Conditioning Compressor
A/C compressor belt tension can be adjusted by turning the tension adjusting bolt which is located on the compressor tensioner bracket. Turn the bolt clockwise to tighten the belt and counterclockwise to loosen it.

Air Pump
See Figures 12
To adjust the tension of the air pump drive belt, loosen the adjusting lever bolt and the pivot bolt. Move the pump in or out until the desired tension is felt.
The tension should be checked between the air pump and the crankshaft pulley on cars without air conditioning. On cars with A/C, the tension should be checked between the A/C compressor and the crankshaft pulley.

Fig. Fig. 12: Moving the air pump to tension the drive belt

Power Steering Pump
Tension on the power steering belt is adjusted by means of an idler pulley. Turn the adjusting bolt on the idler pulley until the desired tension is felt and then retighten the lockbolt.

When the old belt was on was it moving the mower if it was the tension spring is not working if you you installed the belt right.

It appears that your car is equipped with multiple v-belts, rather than a serpentine belt so there most likely aren't tensioner pullies. Here is some general info that may help.

Alternator To adjust the tension of the alternator drive belt on older models, loosen the pivot and mounting bolts on the alternator. Using a wooden hammer handle, or a broomstick as a prying device, move the alternator one way or the other until the proper tension is achieved. Do not use a screwdriver or any other metal device such as a pry bar, as a lever. Newer models use a tension adjusting bolt. Loosen the pivot bolt and the locking bolt, then turn the tension adjusting bolt until proper tension is achieved. Tighten the bolts securely, run the engine about minute, stop the engine then recheck the belt tension. Air Conditioning Compressor A/C compressor (always use caution when working near the A/C compressor to avoid damaging the refrigerant lines) belt tension can be adjusted by turning the tension adjusting bolt which is located on the compressor tensioner bracket. Turn the bolt clockwise to tighten the belt and counterclockwise to loosen it. Air Pump To adjust the tension of the air pump drive belt, loosen the adjusting lever bolt and the pivot bolt. Move the pump in or out until the desired tension is reached. NOTE: The tension should be checked between the air pump and the crankshaft pulley on cars without air conditioning. On cars with A/C the tension should be checked between the compressor and the crankshaft pulley. Power Steering Pump Tension on the power steering belt is adjusted by means of an idler pulley (some models may use just a lower adjusting bracket setup, similar to the alternator adjustment service procedure). Loosen the lock bolt and turn the adjusting bolt on the idler pulley until the desired tension is felt, then tighten the lock bolt.

V-BELT ADJUSTMENT CAUTION
On models equipped with an electric cooling fan, disconnect the negative battery cable or fan motor wiring harness connector before replacing or adjusting drive belts. The fan may come on, under certain circumstances, even though the ignition is OFF. Alternator Drive Belt

1. Position a ruler perpendicular to the drive belt at its longest run. Test the tightness of the belt by pressing it firmly with your thumb. The deflection should not exceed 1?4 in. (6mm).
2. If the deflection exceeds 1?4 in. (6mm), loosen the alternator mounting and adjusting arm bolts.
3. On 1968-72 V8 and 6 cylinder models, use a prytool to move the alternator toward or away from the engine until the proper tension is reached. NOTE: Apply tension to the front of the alternator only. Positioning the prytool against the rear end housing will damage the alternator.
   
4. On 1973 and later V8 models, place a 1 in. (25.4mm) open-end or equivalent wrench on the adjusting arm bolt and pull on the wrench until the proper tension is achieved.
5. Holding the alternator in place, tighten the adjusting arm bolt. Inspect the belt tension. When the belt is properly tensioned, tighten the alternator mounting bolt. Fig. 1: Alternator belt adjustment
   

Power Steering Drive Belt ALL 6-CYLINDER AND 1971-72 V8 MODELS

1. Holding a ruler perpendicular to the drive belt at its longest run, test the tightness of the belt by pressing it firmly with your thumb. The deflection should not exceed 1?4 in. (6mm).
2. To adjust the belt tension, loosen the adjusting and mounting bolts on the front face of the steering pump cover plate (hub side).
3. Using a prytool on the pump hub, move the power steering pump toward or away from the engine until the proper tension is reached. Do not pry against the reservoir as it is relatively soft and easily deformed.
4. Hold the pump in place, tighten the adjusting arm bolt and then inspect the belt tension. When the belt is properly tensioned tighten the mounting bolts.

1973 AND LATER V8 MODELS

1. Position a ruler perpendicular to the drive belt at its longest run. Test the tightness of the belt by pressing it firmly with your thumb. The deflection should be about 1?4 in. (6mm).
2. To adjust the belt tension, loosen the three bolts in the three elongated adjusting slots at the power steering pump attaching bracket.
3. Turn the steering pump drive belt adjusting nut as required until the proper deflection is obtained. Turning the adjusting nut clockwise will increase tension and decrease deflection; counterclockwise will decrease tension and increase deflection.
4. Without disturbing the pump, tighten the three attaching bolts. Fig. 2: Power steering belt adjustment (slider type)
   

Air Conditioning Compressor Drive Belt

1. Position a ruler perpendicular to the drive belt at its longest run. Test the tightness of the belt by pressing it firmly with your thumb. The deflection should not exceed 1?4 in. (6mm).
2. If the engine is equipped with an idler pulley, loosen the idler pulley adjusting boot, insert a prytool between the pulley and the engine (or in the idler pulley adjusting slot), and adjust the tension accordingly. If the engine is not equipped with an idler pulley, the alternator must be moved to adjust, as outlined under Alternator Drive Belt.
3. When the proper tension is reached, tighten the idler pulley adjusting bolt (if so equipped) or the alternator adjusting and mounting bolts. Fig. 3: Air conditioning belt adjustment
   

Thermactor® Air Pump Drive Belt

1. Position a ruler perpendicular to the drive belt at its longest run. Test the tightness of the belt by pressing it firmly with your thumb. The deflection should be about 1?4 in. (6mm).
2. To adjust the belt tension, loosen the adjusting arm bolt slightly. If necessary, also loosen the mounting belt slightly.
3. Using a prytool, pry against the pump rear cover to move the pump toward or away from the engine as necessary. WARNING
   Do not pry against the pump housing itself, as damage to the housing may result.
   
4. Holding the pump in place, tighten the adjusting arm bolt and recheck the tension. When the belt is properly tensioned, tighten the mounting bolt. Fig. 4: Air pump adjustment points
   

there is no spring tensioner on some of the 3.0 engines. See instructions below. I will paste a pic on the version that DOES have a tensioner at the bottom of this post.

3.0L Engine-Except SHO
ALTERNATOR BELT WITHOUT AUTOMATIC TENSIONER

1. Loosen the adjusting arm and pivot bolts.
2. Turn the alternator belt adjusting screw counterclockwise until the old belt can be removed.
3. Remove the belt.

To install:

1. Install the new belt over the pulleys. Check that all the V-grooves make proper contact with the pulleys.
2. Adjust the belt tension, then tighten the adjusting arm and pivot bolts.

3.0L SHO Engine
ALTERNATOR BELT
See Figure 2

1. Loosen the nut in the center of the idler pulley.
2. Loosen the idler adjusting screw until the old belt can be removed, then remove the belt.

To install:

1. Install the new belt over the pulleys in proper contact with the pulleys.
2. Adjust the new belt to specifications as follows: Turn the idler pulley nut to the right to tighten the belt to a specification of 220-265 lbs. (980-1180 N). Torque the idler pulley nut to 25-37 ft. lbs. (34-50 Nm).

POWER STEERING AND AIR CONDITIONING BELT
See Figure 2

1. Remove the alternator belt.
2. Loosen the nut on the tensioner pulley.
3. Turn the belt adjusting screw on the tensioner counterclockwise until the belt can be removed, then remove the belt.

To install:

1. Position the new belt over the proper pulleys, making sure the V-grooves are properly seated.
2. Install the alternator belt.
3. Adjust the power steering and air conditioning belt to a specification of 154-198 lbs. (690-980 N) with a belt tension gauge.
4. Adjust the alternator belt.

3.0L Engine (Except SHO) and 3.8L Engine
VEHICLES THROUGH 1993 WITH AUTOMATIC TENSIONER
See Figures 4 and 5

1. Insert a 1 / 2 in. breaker bar into the square hole in the tensioner.

On the 3.8L engine, the tensioner has a1/2in. square hole cast into the rear of the tension arm directly behind the pulley. On the 3.0L engine, the1/2in. square hole is cast into the spring housing on the front of the tensioner.

1. Rotate the tensioner clockwise and remove the belt.

Fig. Fig. 5: 3.8L belt schematic-1993 shown

To install:

1. Install the drive belt over all the pulleys, except for the alternator pulley on the 3.0L engine for vehicles through 1992, or the idler pulley for 1993 3.0L vehicles.
2. Rotate tensioner counterclockwise and install the belt over the alternator pulley. Make sure that all the V-grooves make proper contact with the pulleys.
3. On the 3.0L engine, install the alternator belt for vehicles through 1992.
4. For 1993 3.0L vehicles, install the drive belt over the idler pulley.

1. Remove all necessary components for access to the timing belt cover, then remove the cover.
2. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise and align the timing marks so No. 1 piston will be at Top Dead Center (TDC) of the compression stroke.
3. Loosen the tensioning bolt and the pivot bolt on the timing belt tensioner. Move the tensioner as far as it will go toward the water pump. Tighten the adjusting bolt.
4. Mark the timing belt with an arrow showing direction of rotation.
5. Remove the timing belt.
6. If defective, remove the timing belt tensioner.
7. Align the timing marks of the camshaft sprocket and check that the crankshaft timing marks are still in alignment.
8. If removed, install the timing belt tensioner, spring and spacer with the bottom end of the spring free. Tighten the adjusting bolt slightly with the tensioner moved as far as possible away from the water pump.
9. Install the free end of the spring into the locating tang on the front case.
10. Position the timing belt over the crankshaft sprocket, then over the camshaft sprocket. Slip the back of the belt over the tensioner wheel.
11. Turn the camshaft sprocket in the opposite of its normal direction of rotation until the straight side of the belt is tight and be sure the timing marks align.
    NOTE If the timing marks are not properly aligned, shift the belt 1 tooth at a time in the appropriate direction until they are aligned.
    
12. Loosen the tensioner mounting bolts so the tensioner works, without the interference of any friction, under spring pressure. Be sure the belt follows the curve of the camshaft pulley so the teeth are engaged all the way around. Correct the path of the belt, if necessary.
13. Tighten the tensioner adjusting bolt, then the tensioner pivot bolt to 15-18 ft. lbs. (20-26 Nm).
    NOTE Bolts must be tightened in the stated order or tension won't be correct.
    
14. Turn the crankshaft 1 turn clockwise until timing marks again align to seat the belt.
15. Loosen both tensioner attaching bolts and let the tensioner position itself under spring tension. Retighten the bolts.
16. Check belt tension by putting a finger on the water pump side of the tensioner wheel and pull the belt toward the water pump. The belt should move toward the pump until the teeth are approximately 1 / 2 of the way across the head of the tensioner adjusting bolt. Re-tension the belt, if necessary.
17. Install the timing belt covers and all other related components.
    

Ford TSB 99-25-4 provides the following corrected information:
To achieve proper timing belt tension on this engine, Ford says the camshaft sprocket bolts should be loosened enough to permit the sprockets to turn freely on the camshafts. Once this has been done, rotate the crankshaft clockwise so cylinder No. 1 is at top dead center. Then, install the camshaft alignment tool in the camshaft slots to hold the cams in place.

1. Back out the tensioner bolt four full turns and position the tensioner so the locating tab is at approximately the 4 o'clock position. Line up the hex key slot in the tensioner-adjusting washer with the pointer that is located behind the pulley.
   
2. Working counterclockwise from the crank sprocket, install the timing belt.
   
3. Rotate the tensioner locating tab counterclockwise and insert the locating tab into the slot in the rear timing cover.
   
4. Position the hex key slot in the tensioner-adjusting washer to the 4 o'clock position.p>
   
5. Tighten the attaching bolt enough to seat the tensioner firmly against the rear timing cover, but still allow the tensioner adjusting washer to be rotated using a 6 mm hex key.
   
6. Using the hex key, rotate the adjusting washer counterclockwise until the notch in the pointer is centered over the index line on the locating tab. (The pointer will move in a clockwise direction during adjustment).
   
7. While holding the adjusting washer in position, torque the attaching bolt to 18 lb-ft (25 N.m).
   Note: If the pointer does not remain centered over the index line during final tightening, loosen the bolt and repeat the procedure beginning with step 4.

Locate the automatic belt tensioner, it should have a black plastic pulley on it. Insert a 1/2 inch breaker bar in the hole thats on the tensioner, and pull to relieve the tension on the belt. Slip old belt off the pulley and slowly release the force you have on the bar untill it stops moving. Route new belt, and move tensioner with bar to gain needed slack to get the belt on, Release tension, and remove bar. makeing sure new belt is in alignment.
Be careful...watch for pinch points, around your fingers and hands when performing this job.
Also, check the pulleys and idlers for wear before installing the new belt. They will wobble if the bearings are worn and should be replaced.
Good luck, hope this helps.