How do I adjust tension to replace belts - 1984 Honda Prelude

ADJUSTMENT

Excessive belt tension will cause damage to the alternator and water pump pulley bearings, while, on the other hand, loose belt tension will produce slip and premature wear on the belt. Therefore, be sure to adjust the belt tension to the proper level.
To adjust the tension on a drive belt, loosen the adjusting bolt or fixing bolt locknut on the alternator, alternator bracket or tension pulley. Then move the alternator or turn the adjusting bolt to adjust belt tension. Once the desired value is reached, secure the bolt or locknut and recheck tension.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1.5L, 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.4L Engines

Fig. Accessory V-belt routing-Mitsubishi 1.5L, 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.4L engines
Alternator Belt

Fig. Loosen the adjuster lock bolt . . .

Fig. . . . then remove the alternator belt from the engine

1. Loosen the alternator support nut.
2. Loosen the adjuster lock bolt.
3. Rotate the adjuster bolt counter clockwise to release the tension on the belt.
4. Remove the belt.

To install:

1. Install the belt on the pulleys.
2. Rotate the adjuster bolt clockwise until the proper tension is reached.
3. Tighten the adjuster lock bolt and the alternator support nut.

POWER STEERING BELT

Fig. After the adjusting and fixed bolts are loosened, rotate the pump . . .

Fig. . . . then remove the power steering belt from the engine

1. Remove the alternator belt as described above.
2. Loosen the power steering pump adjusting bolts.
3. Remove the power steering pump fixed bolt on the rear of the bracket.
4. Rotate the pump toward the engine and remove the belt.

To install:

1. Install the belt on the pulleys.
2. Rotate the pump until the proper tension is reached.
3. Tighten the adjusting bolts on the pump.
4. Tighten the fixed bolt on the rear of the bracket.
5. Install the alternator belt.

A/C COMPRESSOR BELT

1. Loosen the tension pulley and remove the belt.
2. The installation is the reverse of the removal.

3.0L DOHC, 3.0L SOHC Galant, and 3.5L Engines

Fig. Serpentine belt routing-Mitsubishi 3.0L engines (except 1998-00 Galant models)

Fig. Accessory V-belt routing-Mitsubishi 3.5L and 1998-00 3.0L SOHC Galant engines
ALTERNATOR AND A/C COMPRESSOR

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

CAUTION Wait at least 90 seconds after the negative battery cable is disconnected to prevent possible deployment of the air bag.

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle and remove the front undercover.
2. Loosen the tension pulley fixing nut and relieve the tension on the belt by turning the adjusting bolt.
3. Remove the belt.

To install:

1. Install the belt on the crankshaft and alternator pulleys.
2. Using the adjusting bolt on the tensioner, tighten the belt to the desired tension.
3. Tighten the fixing nut to hold the adjustment.
4. Install the undercover and lower the vehicle to the floor.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.

POWER STEERING BELT

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

CAUTION Wait at least 90 seconds after the negative battery cable is disconnected to prevent possible deployment of the air bag.

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle and remove the undercover.
2. Remove the alternator and A/C compressor belt.
3. Lower the vehicle and remove the cruise control pump link assembly.
4. Place the power steering hose under the oil reservoir.
5. Loosen the tension pulley fixing bolts and remove the power steering pump drive belt.

To install:

1. Install the power steering pump drive belt.
2. Insert an extension bar or equivalent into the opening at the end of the tension pulley bracket and pivot the pulley to apply tension to the belt.
3. Tighten the fixing bolts.
4. Raise the vehicle and install the alternator and A/C compressor belt.
5. Install the undercover and lower the vehicle.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.

3.0L SOHC Diamante

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Loosen the lockbolt on the face of the A/C tensioner pulley.
3. Turn the adjusting bolt of the A/C tensioner pulley to loosen the tension of the A/C belt.
4. Remove the A/C compressor belt.
5. Loosen the locknut on the face of the power steering/alternator tensioner pulley.
6. Turn the adjusting bolt of the tensioner pulley to loosen the tension of the belt.
7. Remove the power steering/alternator belt.

To install:

1. Install the power steering/alternator belt first and then the A/C compressor drive belt.
2. Adjust the belts to the proper tension by turning the adjusting bolts and tighten pulley fixing nut/bolt.
3. Tighten the mounting nut of the power steering/alternator tensioner pulley to 36 ft. lbs. (50 Nm).

Remove the alternator/power steering pump and water pump drive belt to gain access to the air conditioning drive belt.
To remove and install the air conditioning compressor drive belt, first loosen the tensioner pulley lock nut, then turn the adjusting screw to raise or lower the tensioner pulley assembly Accessory Drive - 3.3L Engine or Accessory Drive - 3.5L Engine To adjust the air conditioning drive belt, loosen the tensioner pulley nut and adjust belt tension by tightening adjusting screw. Torque pulley nut to 54 N•m (40 ft. lbs.) after adjustment.
The Poly-V generator/power steering belt has an adjustable tensioner pulley located on the timing belt cover Accessory Drive - 3.5L Engine to maintain proper belt tension. To remove or install this belt, Release tension by loosening the tensioner pulley nut and adjustment bolt Accessory Drive - 3.5L Engine Reverse procedure to install and tighten belt to specified tension.

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.

Easy to do, but also easy to do wrong.

1. Find the belt.
2. Find the belt tensioner.
3. Find the belt tensioner adjuster screw.
4. Loosen the adjustment screw, and slack the belt.
5. Remove the belt.
6. Replace the belt.
7. Tension the belt using the adjustment on the belt tension adjuster.
8. Drive around and steer, easily.

Enjoy.

-Jackson
http://urbanscooters.com/

There is no adjustment for the serpentine belt.It has a belt tensioner and is self adjusting.If the tension is loose then you have to replace the belt tensioner.Hope this helps.Good luck.

ADJUSTMENT 1.8L Engines ALTERNATOR AND WATER PUMP BELT

1. Loosen the alternator adjusting bolt.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Loosen the alternator mounting bolt. NOTE: Do not pry against the stator frame. Position the prybar against a stronger point, such as the area around a case bolt. Fig. 1: A belt tension gauge should be placed on the longest span of the belt to check tension — 1.8L engine
   
   
4. Position a suitable belt tension gauge on the longest accessible span of belt and tighten the belt.
5. Adjust the tension to 86–103 lbs. (383–461 N) for a new belt or 68–86 lbs. (304–383 kg) for a used belt.
6. If a belt tension gauge is not available, adjust the tension to 0.31–0.35 in. (8–9mm) deflection for a new belt or 0.35–0.39 in. (9–10mm) deflection for a used belt.
7. Tighten the alternator adjusting bolt to 14–19 ft. lbs. (19–25 Nm).
8. Tighten the alternator mounting bolt to 27–38 ft. lbs. (37–52 Nm).
9. Lower the vehicle. Fig. 2: Alternator and water pump pulley belt routing — 1.8L engine
   

POWER STEERING PUMP BELT

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Loosen the power steering pump mounting bolt and nuts.
3. Adjust the power steering pump and, if equipped, the air conditioning compressor belt tension by turning the pump adjusting bolt. Fig. 3: Power steering pump belt routing and locations of the mounting bolts, nuts and adjusting nut — models without A/C
   
   
4. Tighten the power steering pump mounting nut near the pump adjusting bolt.
5. Position a suitable belt tension gauge on the longest accessible span of belt and tighten the belt.
6. Adjust the tension to 110–132 lbs. (491–589 N) for a new belt or 95–110 lbs. (422–491 N) for a used belt.
7. Check for proper belt deflection. For a new belt (one with less than 10 minutes of run time), the deflection should be 0.31–0.35 in. (8–9mm). For a used belt (one with more than 10 minutes of run time), the deflection should be 0.35–0.39 in. (9–10mm).
8. Tighten the power steering pump mounting nut, located near the adjusting bolt, to 27–38 ft. lbs. (37–52 Nm).
9. Tighten the pump mounting bolt behind the pulley to 27–40 ft. lbs. (36–54 Nm), and the remaining pump mounting nut to 23–34 ft. lbs. (31–46 Nm).
10. Lower the vehicle. Fig. 4: Power steering pump belt routing and locations of the mounting bolts, nuts and adjusting nut — models with A/C
    

1.9L Engines The accessory drive belt for 1.9L engines has no provision for manual belt adjustment, since these engines use an automatic belt tensioner. Drive belt slack is taken up by the automatic tensioner. NOTE: Movement of the automatic tensioner assembly during engine operation is not a sign of a malfunctioning tensioner. This movement is the tensioner self-adjusting and is required to maintain constant belt tension. Fig. 5: Drive belt routing — 1.9L engines
2.0L Engines The accessory drive belt for 2.0L engines has no provision for manual belt adjustment, since these engines use an automatic belt tensioner. Drive belt slack is taken up by the automatic tensioner. NOTE: Movement of the automatic tensioner assembly during engine operation is not a sign of a malfunctioning tensioner. This movement is the tensioner self-adjusting and is required to maintain constant belt tension. The belt tensioner has a belt length indicator. If the indicator marks are not between the MIN and MAX marks, the belt must be replaced. Fig. 6: Drive belt routing — 2.0L SOHC engine with A/C
Fig. 7: Drive belt routing — 2.0L SOHC engine without A/C
Fig. 8: Drive belt routing — 2.0L DOHC engine

Serpentine belf is self adjusting the tensioner is spring loaded no adjustment, if weak replace it.If belt was replace make sure you have the right size belt, before replace tensioner.

What size of motor, do you have a/c and which belt are you replacing? Not sure about your engine size since you did not list it so please pick the applicable motor:

Sebring Coupe And Avenger (2.5L VIN N Engine)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Loosen the tension pulley locknut.
   
3. Rotate the adjusting bolt to decrease the belt tension.
   
4. Remove the drive belt from the engine.
   

To install:

1. Position the replacement belt around the pulleys, making sure the belt routing is correct.
   
2. Adjust the belt by rotating the adjusting bolt until the correct tension is reached. Refer to the procedure earlier in this section for belt adjustment.
   
3. Once the desired tension is reached, secure the locknut. Recheck the belt tension.
   
4. After the belt is installed and adjusted properly, tighten the locknut to 17 ft. lbs. (23 Nm).
   
5. Connect the negative battery cable.
   

2.0 DOHC

Power Steering Pump And A/C Belt

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Loosen the tension pulley locknut.
   
3. Rotate the adjusting bolt to decrease the belt tension.
   
4. Remove the drive belt from the engine.
   

To install:

1. Position the replacement belt around the pulleys, making sure the belt routing is correct.
   
2. Adjust the belt by rotating the adjusting bolt until the correct tension is reached. Refer to the procedure earlier in this section for belt adjustment.
   
3. Once the desired tension is reached, secure the locknut. Recheck the belt tension.
   
4. After the belt is installed and adjusted properly, tighten the locknut.
   
5. Connect the negative battery cable.
   

This procedure involves correcting the tension on the power steering accessory and A/C compressor drive belt.

1. Loosen the power steering pump locking bolts A and B and pivot bolt C(Illustration 1 and 2 ) to allow adjustment of belt tension.
2. Using a 1/2" breaker bar, adjust belt tension by applying torque to the square hole "D" on the power steering pivot bracket. Adjust the tension as follows:

Belt tension with no belt replacement: A. Using the Belt Tension Gauge Special Tool Kit C-4162, adjust the belt tension to 100 lb.
B. Tighten in order, first tighten the locking bolt A to 27 Nm (20 ft. Ibs) then, bolt B to27Nm (20 ft. Ibs). Finally tighten the pivot bolt C to 54 Nm (40 ft. Ibs).
Belt tension with belt replacement:
A. Using the Belt Tension Gauge Special Tool Kit C-4162, adjust the belt tension to 135 lb.
B. Tighten in order, first tighten the locking bolt A to 27 Nm (20 ft. Ibs) then, bolt B to 27Nm (20 ft. Ibs). Finally tighten the pivot bolt C to 54 Nm (40 ft. Ibs).
C. Start the engine and allow the vehicle to idle for 15 minutes to allow the belt to seat.
D. Repeat the belt tensioning procedure, set belt tension to 135 lb.

click here for picture 1
click here for picture 2