Yeah, so I know there is a tensioner somewhere under the car that I can use maybe to tighten all my belts?

I had all the belts replaced in my 97 DX about 6 months ago and they are stretching out a bit, so now when it's the least bit moist out they are screaming at me under the car, and they attract negative attention, which I don't need. Is there an easy way to tighten them up a little for the stretching they have done?

I know some cars you have to like move the alternator a little to use it as the primary tensioner, but I haven't ever messed iwth my belts, not sure I even can.

TIA guys.

Stu

 

On my 97 DX, the A/C belt is the only one with a tensioner. For the PS and alternator belts, you must loosen the adjustment bolt, use a pry bar or something to increase belt tension by pushing on the PS pump or alternator, and then re-tighten the adjustment bolt.

 

humm... I can't get under my car right now, as it's raining and freezing out. Maybe a pic would help, if someone has such a thing.

I will try and look at it first day I get off this week, and see if it's dooable.

 

The 3 belts are independent of each other. All adjustments are done from the top of the car. First with the engine off of course push on each belt at the center point between the pulleys and see which ones are loose. Like Ron said, to tighten the alternator belt, loosen the top bolt on the alternator and pry it away from the engine, then tighten the bolt. If it won't move, loosen the bottom nut a little too. Similar procedure for the power steering. The A/C, you loosen the nut on the tension pulley which is just a smaller free wheeling pulley between the engine and compressor. Then turn the jack screw that moves that pulley, and tighten the nut again.

 

Sweet. Seems simple enough if I can get my big old hands down there.

I will check it out as soon as i get a non-rainy day.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I hated to pay someone to do something I might be able to myself.