1G Replacing Alt/WP Belt, Which Side is Pivot Bolt Head?

[XC92]

Really basic question that I can't find a definitive answer to, perhaps because it's gen/model-specific. On my '92 Talon TSi AWD, to loosen the alternator so I can replace the belt, there are 3 bolts. 2 are to adjust the tension and I know where those are.

The third is to loosen the alt's pivot bolt, that's further down into the engine bay. It's really tight down there on either side but more so on the driver's side. So which side is the bolt head to loosen it, the driver's or passenger's side?

Can't believe I'm asking this given all the far more complicated things I've been doing on the car. But sometimes the most basic things stump you, like this, or how to disconnect one of those weird electrical connectors.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

It faces the passenger side. The drivers side of that bolt is a square head to keep it from spinning. Its a bicth to get to that nut to loosen the pivot point. It is easier to get to with the oil filter out of the way.
Marty

 

[XC92]

Thanks. I didn't have a flashlight when I took a look and it seemed like the bolt head was on the driver's side and the square head or nut on the passenger's side but I wanted to make sure before proceeding. I wonder if it's possible to reverse those and the last time the belt was replaced the shop put it back wrong.

I hope I don't have to remove the oil filter as I just replaced it and my filter wrench tends to destroy filters if I'm not super careful. I have no idea how I'd get to the driver's side given where it's located and how tight it is there. I'd probably have to raise the car and remove a bunch of stuff. Kind of a cheesy design.

 

[AWD-Tony]

You don’t have to remove the filter and no, you can’t reverse them. A long 13mm on a 3/8 ratchet works fine. Just have to squeeze the socket past the coolant hose for the cooler. You can leave it snug so you don’t have to tighten it down all the way. Just enough so you can pivot the alt.

 

[XC92]

Thanks. I'll have a go at it later today. Belt snapped and w/o it car is useless.

 

[AWD-Tony]

I think you can flip it. Other side has the same ear.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[pauleyman]

You don’t have to remove the filter and no, you can’t reverse them. A long 13mm on a 3/8 ratchet works fine. Just have to squeeze the socket past the coolant hose for the cooler. You can leave it snug so you don’t have to tighten it down all the way. Just enough so you can pivot the alt.

If it's 13mm its not a stock nut.

 

[AWD-Tony]

If it's 13mm its not a stock nut.

I thought that was strange.

 

[pauleyman]

Thanks. I didn't have a flashlight when I took a look and it seemed like the bolt head was on the driver's side and the square head or nut on the passenger's side but I wanted to make sure before proceeding. I wonder if it's possible to reverse those and the last time the belt was replaced the shop put it back wrong.

I hope I don't have to remove the oil filter as I just replaced it and my filter wrench tends to destroy filters if I'm not super careful. I have no idea how I'd get to the driver's side given where it's located and how tight it is there. I'd probably have to raise the car and remove a bunch of stuff. Kind of a cheesy design.

I have a double box end long, offset 12 x 14 that is perfect for this. It's so good I think everybody who owns a dsm would probably love this wrench. Mine is bonney but this one looks identical.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[XC92]

I think you can flip it. Other side has the same ear.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Mine was on the passenger side above the oil filter. I was able to loosen it after several attempts with a standard 12mm combo wrench, but it was a tight fit for my hand. Thanks for the photo and clearly it can be installed either way.

I had thought it was installed the opposite when when I mistook the bolt just below and to its rear for it. Thankfully I didn't try to loosen that one.

Is that the oil pump?

Btw whatever's connected to the port on the bottom left has its threads cocked. But you probably knew that and it was a temporary fitting.

Air tool to clean things up?

If it's 13mm its not a stock nut.

I have a double box end long, offset 12 x 14 that is perfect for this. It's so good I think everybody who owns a dsm would probably love this wrench. Mine is bonney but this one looks identical.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

The pivot bolt on mine was the standard 12mm. All of them were. And, good advice. I have some larger double box wrenches, e.g. 20x22, but I should get some long ones in more standard sizes. A semi-workable alternative is to use crows foot sockets on a breaker bar.

 

[AWD-Tony]

That bolt would be your oil filter housing. The thread poking out in my pic is the O2 housing stud for the downpipe.

Edit: that my turbo oil feed. Blocked off the feed from the head and now being fed from ofh.

Air tool to clean it up??? Not sure what you’re asking

 

[XC92]

Thanks all. I was able to replace the alt belt. Harder than I'd hoped though. I had to lift the car and remove the front left wheel and undercover, to get the belt looped around all three pulleys. Then there was the matter of a seized alt adjustment bolt, so I had to remove the whole thing, spray some penetrating oil and finally use an impact to get it off. Cleaned up the threads and lubed everything while I was at it. Old car, PFTC.

Of course I'm going to have to undo this all soon when I finally do the TB job I've put off long enough. But it should be easier next time around.

That bolt would be your oil filter housing. The thread poking out in my pic is the O2 housing stud for the downpipe.

Edit: that my turbo oil feed. Blocked off the feed from the head and now being fed from ofh.

Air tool to clean it up??? Not sure what you’re asking

My mistake, the left part of the feed is angled, making it look like the threads are crossed. It's ok. And by air tool I meant without a tool, just the air, to blow off dust, etc. Never mind. I misunderstood.

 

[NOSLO2PT0]

I’ve always been able to get that nut from the pivot bolt off with a 1/4” ratchet and small extension and short socket.

 

[steve]

When in doubt, FSM to the rescue...

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[XC92]

FSM says driver's side. Bolt can be installed either way and mine was passenger's side. And the images are so tiny that sometimes it's hard to follow, as it is here. There's no way to tell how to adjust the alt belt tension from this image. You'd have to know how it works or research it elsewhere.

 

[AWD-Tony]

I’ve had it on and off so many times I just marked it with a sharpie

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[XC92]

I guess I should have remembered to remove the engine. Would have made the job a lot easier.