I can not get the tensioner adjustment screws to move the slide on the pulley...trying to change belts and can't loosen the tensioner pulley. any suggestions?
SOURCE: Serpentine Belt
Hi triple b,
The tensioner is loosened with a slow application of force. No prybar necessary.
Mike
SOURCE: Changing a 1991 Mazda Protege Serpentine Belt
You've got to loosen the mounting bolt first, which is located behind the pulley itself. Rotate the pulley until the large opening allows access to the bolt, then use a socket with a narrow head to turn the bolt, just until it starts to turn freely.
Then there are two locknuts on the adjuster; one right near the mounting bolt and one underneath towards the middle of the pump. Loosen both of those, and then *finally* you'll be able to turn the adjusting bolt that faces the front end of the car on the end of the adjuster arm. It's a long bolt; just keep turning that thing until the belt loosens enough to come off the pulley.
Best of luck!
SOURCE: In replacing timing belt for
the tensioner must be compressed and then held in the compressed position by a small pin, (maybe use a small allen wrench, its got to be strong) then bolt it on. Once you are sure all of the marks are lined up with tension pushing on the belt tensioner pulley, then pull out the pin, an dthe belt will be tensioned. There is no special tool. Be careful and compress the tensioner with a vice, or large pliers,but very slowly. be sire there is no slop in the tensioner pulley pivot, if there is, replace it.
INSPECTION
Inspect the belts for signs of glazing or cracking. A glazed belt will be perfectly smooth from slippage, while a good belt will have a slight texture of fabric visible. Cracks will usually start at the inner edge of the belt and run outward. All worn or damaged drive belts should be replaced immediately. It is always best to replace all drive belts at one time, as a preventive maintenance measure, during this service operation.
CHECKING TENSION AND ADJUSTMENT
See Figure 1
The belt tension on most driven components is adjusted by moving the component (alternator, power steering pump etc.) within the range of a slotted bracket. Some brackets (toothed) use a rack and pinion mechanism which moves the alternator side-to-side to adjust the belt tension. With this configuration, no prying tools are required. On Quantum (except 5 cylinder) and Fox models, the air conditioner compressor drive belts are adjusted by varying the number of discs (shims) between the halves of the crankshaft pulley. Before adjusting the belt tension on any engine, look at the mounting and determine what kind of bracket is used.
To check belt tension, push in on the drive belt about midway between the crankshaft pulley and the driven component. If the belt is less than 39.4 in. (1m) long, it should deflect between 0.80-0.120 in. (2-5mm). For longer belts, it should deflect between 0.40-0.060 in. (10-15mm). Belt size is usually printed on the back side of the belt. If it can't be read, it's probably time to replace it.
Fig. Fig. 1: To check belt tension, push in on the drive belt about midway between the crankshaft pulley and the driven component
Slotted Brackets
See Figures 2, 3 and 4
Fig. Fig. 2: Alternator mounting with slotted brackets
Fig. Fig. 3: Some components use a double slotted adjusting bracket with a threaded bolt and locknut to adjust and maintain tension. Loosen the locknut (shown) before adjusting the tension bolt
Fig. Fig. 4: An extension is helpful when adjusting the tension bolt. Be sure to loosen the nut/bolt on the rear slotted bracket first
Toothed Brackets
See Figures 5 and 6
Fig. Fig. 5: Loosen the tension bolt (shown) and the alternator pivot bolt until the alternator swings freely under its own weight
Fig. Fig. 6: Adjust the V-belt by turning the nut on the tension bolt
Split Pulley
See Figure 7
On Quantum (except 5 cylinder) and Fox models, the air conditioner compressor drive belts are adjusted by varying the number of discs (shims) between the halves of the crankshaft pulley.
Fig. Fig. 7: Belt adjusting shims on Quantum (except 5 cylinder) and Fox models. Extra shims are stored behind the tensioner plate on Fox and turbo diesel Quantums (shown)
If there are any shims left over, do not throw them away. On Fox and turbo diesel Quantum models, store the extra shims in front of the split pulley (behind the tensioner plate). On Quantums with 4 cylinder gas engines, store the extra shims behind the split pulley (in front of the crankshaft hub).
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
If a belt must be replaced, the driven unit must be loosened and moved to its extreme loosest position (usually by moving it toward the center of the motor). After removing the old belt, check the pulleys for dirt or built-up material which could affect belt contact. Carefully install the new belt, it may appear to be just a little too small to fit over the pulley flanges. Fit the belt over the largest pulley (usually the crankshaft pulley at the bottom center of the motor) first, then work on the smaller one(s). Gentle pressure in the direction of rotation is helpful. Some belts run around a third or idler pulley, which acts as an additional pivot in the belt's path. It may be possible to loosen the idler pulley as well as the main component, making your job much easier. Depending on which belt(s) you are changing, it may be necessary to loosen or remove other interfering belts to get at the one(s) you want. Some models have a front engine mount installed through the air conditioner compressor belt circle. Support the engine and remove the mount prior to belt removal and installation.
When buying replacement belts, remember that the fit is critical according to the length of the belt, the width of the belt, the depth of the belt and the angle or profile of the V shape (always match up old belt with new belt if possible). The belt shape should exactly match the shape of the pulley; belts that are not an exact match can cause noise, slippage and premature failure.
After the new belt is installed, adjust it for proper tension. This is sometimes a three or four-handed job; you may find an assistant helpful. Make sure that all the bolts you loosened are retightened and that any other loosened belts also have the correct tension. A new belt can be expected to stretch a bit after installation so be prepared to re-adjust your new belt.
After installing a new belt, run the engine for about 5 minutes and then recheck the belt tension.
Remove the alternator/power steering and water pump drive belt to gain access to the air conditioning belt.
Loosen the tensioner pulley locknut, then turn the adjusting screw to raise or lower the tensioner pulley assembly. Remove the belt.
To install:
Install the belt.
To adjust the belt, loosen the tensioner pulley nut and adjust the belt tension by tightening the adjusting screw. Tighten the pulley nut to 40 ft. lbs. (54 Nm) after adjustment.
Install the alternator/power steering and water pump drive belt and adjust.
Start the engine and check for proper belt alignment and any abnormal noise.
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