Need to change ALTERNATOR BELT

[Stallion]

It's just one thing after another...

The alternator belt came off on me today, so now I need to change it and I just have a couple of questions about this. First off, what will I need to remove to get the new belt on? Will I need to take the fan shroud off? I won't need to take the fan out right? The new alternator belt should be big enough to fit over the fan. Right?

Also, I assume I'll need to remove the compressor and the power steering belts as well? They seemed like they were in the way and need to come out. I might as well get new belts for them while I'm at it.

And then I just slip on the new belt(s) and re-assemble? Shouldn't be too bad, right?

How do I know which belt to get and where do I buy these new belts from? Just any local auto store? Thanks!

Stallion

 

[Chas]

my 2 cents...

you need to be sure where ever you get the belt from , that you can return it if it dont fit right...then you can narrow it pretty quickly...you should replace them all....i use top-cog belts...they should be factory replacements for yours if you dont have many mods..stores computor will be close...you shouldnt have to remove any thing to do this , but im coming from a 73 here.....you will see about 3 bolts for the alt. to loosen...not remove...then the alt becomes loose enough to move it so the belt will fit over the pully....this goes for power steering pump also....then just put them on in order and tighten with the proper tension and you are set to roll....dont tighten them to tight...about 3/8 to 1/2 inch of play up abd down for the belt is good....it will burn out the pumps if you have it to tight....you might want to take the alt. off while you are this deep , and have it tested at the store for free...then you have piece of mind that it is doing its job.
Good luck pal...Chas

It's just one thing after another...

The alternator belt came off on me today, so now I need to change it and I just have a couple of questions about this. First off, what will I need to remove to get the new belt on? Will I need to take the fan shroud off? I won't need to take the fan out right? The new alternator belt should be big enough to fit over the fan. Right?

Also, I assume I'll need to remove the compressor and the power steering belts as well? They seemed like they were in the way and need to come out. I might as well get new belts for them while I'm at it.

And then I just slip on the new belt(s) and re-assemble? Shouldn't be too bad, right?

How do I know which belt to get and where do I buy these new belts from? Just any local auto store? Thanks!

Stallion

 

[Stallion]

I don't have to remove anything? But the fan is attached to the end of the crank/waterpump and I need to get the belts over that, right? I won't even need to remove the fan shroud? I think I'll be able to keep the fan in.

 

[Chas]

on mine , im able to work the belts around all of the front components....take your time...look it up in the chiltons or hayes manual when you go to the store.

Chas

I don't have to remove anything? But the fan is attached to the end of the crank/waterpump and I need to get the belts over that, right? I won't even need to remove the fan shroud? I think I'll be able to keep the fan in.

 

[JohnZ]

You won't have to remove anything - just loosen the pivot and adjuster bolts on each belt-driven component, pivot them in toward the engine, and the belts will come off, over the fan. Take the old belts with you to the auto parts store to check against the length of the new belts.

 

[C3forME]

Your owners manual may tell you what size belts to use on your car, mind did on my 77.

 

[brusso]

The belt will make it around the fan. You just have to work it a little. First you will have to remove the P/S belt in the same manner.

 

[81 Corvette]

you all are working to hard. just my two cents. I tried changing my belts once. I gave up after just looking at it. Instead, i orded an electric fan set up and removed the shroud and clutch fan. now changing the belts is a breeze.

mmmmmmmm, tony's for dinner

 

[Stallion]

Why? Is it that big of a job? :confused

 

[George Black]

JohnZ is 100% correct. It is NOT that hard! No need to remove shroud, etc. Belts go over/around the fan blade. I have done this procedure alot over the years on numerous cars. Just loosen the alter. ; no need to remove.You can do it!-George

 

[MaineShark]

Quick way to get the right size replacement belts...

Take your old ones with you to the store. That way you can make sure that the belts they hand you will actually work, without having to stick them on the car, only to find out that they are too loose or too tight...

While we're at it, anyone know where I can get the tool that you use to tension the power steering pump? You know, the one that let's you do it without crushing the side of the resevoir...

Joe

 

[81 Corvette]

Why? Is it that big of a job? :confused

its not a major job, but too much of a pita for me. i grew up with the following moto. work smarter not harder. Its clearly easier to change without a clutch fan and shourd. each to there own.

 

[brusso]

While we're at it, anyone know where I can get the tool that you use to tension the power steering pump? You know, the one that let's you do it without crushing the side of the resevoir...

Joe

There should be a flat area between the pulley and the reservoir. This area is not part of the reservoir and is solid enough to pry against for the purpose of tensioning the belt.

 

[reegeemon]

ok...how about some help on a bb with belt issues. have 76 chassis w/70 ls6, ps/ac. (no airpump) The motor was swapped when i purchased, HOWEVER, had passenger car pulleys etc. Since I was replacing the lower hose (GRIEF and AGONY) shorud was/is out. I have all the correct pulleys/brackets etc for a 72 w/ps,ac, I cannot find the correct belt numbers, there are four #1 drives only the waterpump and has an idler pulley, #2 drives waterpump and ps, #3 drives the alternator off of the ps pump, #4 drives the ac only. Is there someone out there who can supply the correct dimensions and/or part numbers for these belts ? TRIAL AND ERROR HAS ME TIRED !
THANKS IN ADVANCE.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

While we're at it, anyone know where I can get the tool that you use to tension the power steering pump? You know, the one that let's you do it without crushing the side of the resevoir...

Joe

Joe,

You can put enough tension on the power steering pump just using your hand to pull it out.

Bob

 

[Chas]

I second...

been doing it by hand and no problems....

Joe,

You can put enough tension on the power steering pump just using your hand to pull it out.

Bob

 

[Stallion]

I agree. With a good enough grip I can get all the tensions to the 1/4" slack that is asked for. A tool is not needed.

 

[MaineShark]

Hmmm... I've seen a lot of dented PS pumps, where people used pry bars for tensioning. I haven't actually tried to tension mine, yet, so I guess I'll have to give it a shot by hand, first.

Joe

 

[Stallion]

Definitely, Joe, your hand will be plenty. Can't torque it too much. And as long as you have the joints loosened up well, there will be no resistance at all.