I am not too familiar with your vehicle, but if it has a serpentine belt there is a tensioner that keeps tension on the belt. Most tensioners have a area where a 1/2" ratchet or breaker-bar can be inserted to release the tension. The tensioner is nothing more than a spring loaded pulley, so look for the pulley that seems to be doing nothing.
INSPECTION
See Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Check the condition and tension of all drive belts every 12,000 miles, or at least once a year. Loose drive belts can lead to poor engine cooling and diminished alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, or emission air pump output. A belt that is too tight places a strain on the bearings in the driven component.
Fig. Fig. 1: There are typically 3 types of accessory drive belts found on vehicles today
Fig. Fig. 2: An example of a healthy drive belt
Fig. Fig. 3: Deep cracks in this belt will cause flex, building up heat that will eventually lead to belt failure
Fig. Fig. 4: The cover of this belt is worn, exposing the critical reinforcing cords to excessive wear
Fig. Fig. 5: Installing too wide a belt can result in serious belt wear and/or breakage
Replace any drive belt that is glazed, worn, cracked, or stretched to the point where correct adjustment tension is impossible. If two belts are used to drive a component, always replace both belts when replacement is necessary. After installing a new belt, run the engine for ten minutes, shut OFF the engine and recheck the belt tension. Readjust if necessary.
ADJUSTMENT
See Figures 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10
Fig. Fig. 6: Engine belt tension chart-2.2L engines
Fig. Fig. 7: Engine belt tension chart-1987-89 2.5L engines
Fig. Fig. 8: Engine belt tension chart-2.6L engines
Fig. Fig. 9: Engine belt tension chart-1990-93 models
Fig. Fig. 10: Engine belt tension chart-1994-95 models
Two popular methods of checking drive belt adjustment are; the Belt Tension Gauge Method and the Belt Deflection Method. The former requires a special gauge and the latter requires a straight edge and scale or just a good eye for measurement. The deflection method will be used in the following belt replacement instructions. A rule of thumb for checking belt tension by the deflection method is to determine the midpoint between two pulleys of the drive belt and press down at that point with moderate thumb pressure. The belt should deflect to the measurement indicated in the following installation procedures. Adjustment is necessary if the belt is either too loose or too tight.
WARNING
A belt adjustment which is either too loose or too tight will eventually damage the accessory that belt is driving. A too loose adjustment allows free-play in the belt which could transfer a whipping motion or shock to the accessory drive pulley. Similarly, a belt which is too tight will preload the accessory bearings, leading to early failure.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
See Figure 11
Raise the front of the vehicle, support on jackstands and remove the lower splash shield if access is hampered due to space limitations when changing drive belts.
Fig. Fig. 11: Support the vehicle, then remove the lower right side splash shield for access to the drive belts
2.2L Engines
A/C COMPRESSOR DRIVE BELT
See Figures 12, 13 and 14
Fig. Fig. 12: A/C compressor drive belt adjusting points-2.2L engines
Fig. Fig. 13: Loosening the locking screws for A/C compressor drive belt removal
Fig. Fig. 14: Removing the A/C compressor drive belt from under the vehicle
Fig. Fig. 15: Alternator belt adjustment-2.2L engine
Fig. Fig. 16: Loosening the locking screw for alternator drive belt removal
If removal of the alternator belt is required, the A/C belt must first be removed.
Fig. Fig. 17: Air pump belt adjustment-2.2L engines
When servicing the air pump, use the square holes provided in the pulley to prevent camshaft rotation.
Fig. Fig. 18: Drive belt adjustment points-2.5L engines
Fig. Fig. 19: Drive belt adjustment points-2.6L engines
Route the belt over the pulleys.
Fig. Removing the A/C and P/S pump belt-1.8L engine
Fig. Alternator belt-1.8L engine
To install:
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