replacing belts

['96_Talon_TSi]

How hard is it to replace the alternator/waterpump/crankshaft belt? mine shreddeed and i need to replace it ASAP.

 

[gsx_tuner]

You can do it, but for the first time might take you a while, who knows, just depends on your mechanical ability. Try this website.

http://www.vfaq.com/index-main.html

 

[boostedtalon]

It's a Biatch, the first time will be my last. I will spend the 30 bucks and have my local shop do it. It took me about 3 hours to get that damn serpentine belt on. And I consider myself rather handy

BoostedTalon

 

[Leitnin]

i found it fairly easy (i had to take em off and put em on about 3 times) so once i figured it out, it wasn't to bad. If you decide to do it, here are some suggestions.

Loosen the alt tensioner a lot (everything should be 12 mm) i had to use an open end 12mm to get the bolt that hold it in place loose. then i used a small ratchet with a short 12mm socket to loosen the tensioner. Once its loose, you can pull it over the retainer and push the alt to loosen the belt. Off it comes. The ac is kinda the same just harder to reach (i used the same small ratchet and socket).

For the power steering i used a regular 3/8 drive ratchet with a deep 12mm socket to loosen the bolts that alctually hold the pulley to the block. Once they were loose (i actually took it off but i was taking my engine out) you can spin the pulley to get the belt off or on.

The ac comes off fairly easily with the tensioner loosened but if you can't make that work, take out the bolts on the crank pulley (hold it still with a 1/2" drive ratchet) and then pull the pulley off, put the belt on and push the pulley in place.

Thats sorta sums it up. If you have more problems, post back here.

 

['96_Talon_TSi]

Do i NEED a tention tester, or can i just kinda guess by feeling with my hands?

 

[Leitnin]

i didn't use one. the power steering belt has no tensioner so i adjusted my other belts till they felt like that one. Make them snug but not too tight. if they squeel on startup, tighten em some more, but you shouldn't be able to get them right comparing to the power steering belt.

 

['96_Talon_TSi]

Ok, im having a little trouble followming my chiltons on this one...

Do i have to jack up the car and get underneath it to access the alternator, and be able to loosen everything up to get this sucker off? Or should i be able to reach it from the top of the bay?

*This is my first time ever changing belts on a car.. so i'll prolly have a few questions later one today*

 

[Leitnin]

i went at it under to loosen the bolts actually holding it to the car because i removed it completely, but i believe you can loosen the alternator from above.

(you will still have to get under to fiddle with the belts probably. including removing the wheel and plastic cover to get good access to the crank pulley.)