Power steering belt 96 mazda protege - 1996 Mazda Protege

SOURCE: 2000 Mazda Protege replace belts

Tightening the alternator and the power steering belts on a Mazda is not too hard, but if you need to tighten them, you probably need to replace them too.
I recommend you go to an auto parts store and buy a third party repair manual for the 200 Mazda Protege.  ~$15.00.
It covers changing/tightening belts pretty well.
Good Luck!

SOURCE: Timing Belt on 2002 Mazda Protege

every 90,000 to 100,000miles and yes it is strongly recomended to replace the water pump with it

SOURCE: how to replace an alternator belt on a 2003 mazda

Hi there...my name is Keith..and yes..you will have to take the surpentine belt off..and it no fun..but thats just what you will have to do..im sorry..and it will take some fussin and cussin ..or take it to a shop..im sorry i dont have a better outlook..and if you need further assistance..write me back

SOURCE: I need a diagram on How to change a Serpentine belt for a 97 mazda protege

Click on the following free direct Link. It has the correct Serpentine Belt Diagrams for your 1997 Mazda Protege depending on your Engine Size (1.5L or 1.8L) and Options (AC/No AC etc.).

Let me know if this helped, or if you have additional information questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1997/make/mazda/model/protege/1997_mazda_protege_drive_belt_routing_diagram.htm

"HOW TO":
Standard Rules to Removal the Serpentine Belt with an Automatic Tensioner:
1. Find the Tensioner(s). (See Diagrams on Link)
2. Using a Serpentine Belt Tensioner Tool, Or Wrench OR Ratchet, Rotate/Move the Tensioner USING THE AVAILABLE NUT (on the Pulley or Arm Base) OR the OPENING (3/8ths or 1/2 inch square opening) rotating the Tensioner Pulley/Arm - moving it away from contact with the belt and towards the area where the belt is not in contact with the Tensioner Pulley. The Tensioner is spring loaded, and is hard to rotate/move.
3. Remove the loosened belt off one of the other more easily accessed Pulleys.
4. DO NOT quickly release the Tensioner, but gently allow the Tensioner to rest in its closed position.

Standard Rules for Installing the Serpentine Belt with an Automatic Tensioner:
a. Pick a Pulley that is most easily accessed. This will usually be on top. This will be the last Pulley that the belt will go on.
b. Using the Diagram: Install the new Serpentine Belt on the remainder of the Pulleys....over, under, left right.
c. Using a Serpentine Belt Tensioner Tool or Wrench or Ratchet Tool: Rotate/Move the Tensioner Pulley/Arm "away" from Belt contact area on the Tensioner. This spring is pretty hard and with a new belt, it will be even harder to install. Rotate/Move this to as-close to the maximum allowed inorder to have enough slack in the belt to get it up and over the last pulley.
d. Using your other hand - Pull the Belt up and over the Last remaining Pulley.
e. Before releasing the pressure on the Tensioner, visually inspect the remainder Pulleys and the Belts' Positioning on them