Need help with belts ASAP!

WestCoastSVX · #1 03-02-2006, 07:55 AM

Tried the search, but so much is on here these days it is hard to sift through everything... And I don't have much time, I apologize.

I can't drive my SVX these days because of worn powersteering belt to the point it is shredded. At this point not sure I would even be able to take it across town to be fixed, and I'm fine doing it myself anyway.

However, if anyone has done this and can give a quick how-to it would be appreciated. Power steering AND alternator belt, might as well do both at the same time.

Is there anything I need to buy besides the two belts? I want to order parts ASAP, like today if possible, because I'm sure they aren't just in stock and I figure the dealer would need a day or two so I can pick them up Saturday.

I really want to get the SVX back in running shape and I have a big window of time this coming week so PLEASE help!

Thanks!

mbtoloczko · #2 03-02-2006, 08:48 AM

Troy,

Its pretty darn easy to do the belts. All that's needed are metric wrenches. I'd give a quick how-to, bu I can't remember exactly how to do it, and I'm not near my car.

Earthworm · #3 03-02-2006, 12:38 PM

You can drive for at least an hour without an alternator...I did so when I shredded my belt from a worn bearing.

billb · #4 03-02-2006, 01:56 PM

I changed both belts about a year ago. As I recall, there's one belt for the power steering and alternator. There's another belt that just runs the AC. I bought them both in stock at the Napa store. No ordering.

Crusader · #5 03-02-2006, 08:44 PM

I just did this on mine when changing the crank pulley...
One belt fror PS pump and Alt., Another belt for the A/C compressor.

1) Take off the guard over the top of the belt (A/C compressor, PS pump, Alt.). It has two 11mm bolts holding it down.

2) Put a 12 mm socket on the front of the tensioner pulley to loosen it, but don't remove the bolt.

3) Use a 12 mm socket to loosen the tensioner bolt (the one running perpendicular to the one you just loosened in front of the pulley) until you can get enough slack in the belt to get it off of the pulleys. You may have to physically push the tensioner pulley to the right before you can do this.

4) Remove old belt, replace with new one, and reverse the steps to remove the belt to put the new one on.

That's it, pretty simple repair

Can also elaborate on the A/C belt if you want to replace that one too.

Earthworm · #6 03-03-2006, 07:11 AM

Make sure everything spins smooth and quiet with the belts off or you'll be changing the belts again sooner than you think.

WestCoastSVX · #7 03-03-2006, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crusader

Can also elaborate on the A/C belt if you want to replace that one too.

By all means, if you don't mind.

Figured I'd just do both at the same time since price on the parts is negligible.

Good advice on making sure everything runs smooth, too, David. So you just turn the engine on with the belts off to see if there is any noise or wobble?

ensteele · #8 03-03-2006, 07:09 PM

I just found a How-To for the alt belt change. I will post it in the How-Tos. I would spin the pulley to see if there is any sound. I don't think you need to turn on the car.

ensteele · #9 03-03-2006, 10:43 PM

Well, when I looked under Electrical (that is what an alternator is for) - there was the "How to Replace the Alternator" It has pictures and how to do it. Hope this helps Troy. Give me a call if you need any other help.

Crusader · #10 03-04-2006, 12:54 AM

Okay, after you have the PS pump/ Alt. belt off...

1) Loosen the A/C belt tensioner pulley (again, 12mm socket), Mine was locked on so bad that I destroyed it in the process... cost me $0.97 to replace

....

2) Loosen the adjuster arm bolt... the one that protrudes the farthest out of the engine block on the tensioner assembly. (Hey, another 12mm socket!) Farther back from the bolt the adjuster arm is made hex-shaped so that you can put a wrench on it for tightening the belt back up.

3) The tensioner pulley should move freely out of the way, allowing you enough slack in the old belt to remove it and fit the new one on the pulleys

4) Re-tightening the belt is a bit more difficult here as you need to have two wrenches going at once.... Place a wrench (forgot the size... Larger than 12mm!) On the hex-shaped part of the adjuster arm and turn it counterclockwise untill the belt is as tight as you want it, hold it there and put the 12mm socket on the tensioner pulley bolt and tighten it back up. Tightening the pulley bolt will hold the adjuster arm in place so that you can tighten the other bolt and then you're done!

5) Proceed to put the PS pump / Alt. belt and belt cover back on.

That's it! Good luck with your belts!

Quote:

So you just turn the engine on with the belts off to see if there is any noise or wobble?

Once you have the belts off, just spin the pulleys by hand (except for the crank pulley... it won't spin so easily) and make sure that they spin freely and quietly ... and hopefully in a circle!

WestCoastSVX · #11 03-26-2006, 06:45 PM

Thanks for all the great help everyone! I finally got to doing this yesterday and it was nice and easy thanks to all the tips here.

I did both the AC and the alt/ps belts.

Only question remaining is, how do you know how tight to make the belts? I can push down pretty hard on them right now and get maybe a 1/8" slack in them.

Also, now I have a squealing sound if I turn the steering wheel all the way to the far right or left (as in doing the tightest turning radius). Didn't have that before, does it mean the belt is too tight? Or is it another issue that was hiding behind the bad belt? Replaced the O-ring and fluid 2 years ago.

BTW, the A/C belt was just starting to crack in places, but the PS belt was split in three sections for nearly half the length and missing small pieces all over. It never broke, it was just gradually disintegrating!

Thanks!

immortal_suby · #12 03-26-2006, 07:27 PM

I tighten the belts until I can only twist them 1/4 turn.

It is bad to hold the steering at full lock.

ensteele · #13 03-26-2006, 10:06 PM

If it only squeels at full turn, that is ok. If it squeels when you do it, don't do it.