Gator_86_951

I currently have a squeel that is definately related to either the bearings in the alternator or the belt being in need of replacement. I tendsioned the belt tighter the last time I had the car apart but the behavior remained the same.

Usually goes like this:
Turn car belt squeels (presumably)
I can see the output on the voltmeter in the car is lower then normal
Squeel continues
Sometimes by shutting off the radio and the A/C blower (compressor not currently working) the squeel will go away
After about 30 seconds it will go away and output goes back to normal

I suspect it is the belt. How difficult is this to replace and what would the tension specs be. Can I do it by deflection and how many miles would have to wait until retension.

Serge944

Alternator belts are quite tight on these cars - about 1-2mm of deflection.

It's easy to replace, and only takes a 17mm wrench (or 2). When youre loosening the tensioning rod, remember that one side is left hand threads and the other is right hand.

You have no idea how many geniuses have complained about the torque when they were trying to turn it the wrong way. :P

Stan944

Very easy job on my car. I don't know if it's harder if you have power steering? Make sure to loosen the bolts on which the alternator pivots.
I used Krikit 1 (cheap; available at NAPA) to tension the belt (if I remember correctly, 80lbs)

HY M8NC

When I changed mine, I took both tensioners off and cleaned them. The years of grime made them hard to turn. Just a thought.

Chris_924s

Definetly 2 17mm openends. 1 to hold the adjuster and 1 to break the lock bolt free. As Ben said, pull the whole adjuster off and regrease, and as stan said, make sure the pivot bolt is loosened first, and tightened last.

Gator_86_951

So you guys would guess it is the belt? That is basically what I was getting at. I could see where the adjustment strut would be kind of confusing.

What is the best brand belt to get, and how long between initial replacement and retension should I expect.

chuckster

One thing I have found that cause the belts to squeal is just a bit of rust on the pulleys. Try cleaning the pulleys with a wire bush, especially the crank pulley. Living in a high humidity environment such as FL you probably have some rust.

Good luck,

Chuck

Gator_86_951

Good Idea chuck. I'll do that as a while i am in there kind of thing. I wonder if belt dressing would knock the rust off too.

hosrom_951

The tenionser nut/bolt can be a pain to remove, mine was over tightened and took me 15mins or more just to loosen. Then turn the tentioner rod (17mm) anti-clockwise untill the belt is loose enough to remove, install the new belt and turn the tensioner rod clockwise till it's 'tight enough'.

I use the Kirket tensioner gauge, and keep tensioning untill it reads 85lbs. But i have done it enough time to 'know by feel'.

Just remember, loosen (no need to remove) the tensioner rod bolt (17mm) and nut (13mm) BEFORE loosening/tightening the belt.