changing out accessory/alternator belts
 

So I've done a search and still am a bit confused about how to change out the alternator and accessory belts on my sister's 94 1.8L Protege.

I have the totally crappy Chilton manual and I can't seem to figure out where the belt tensioners are from the diagrams and descriptions.

Can someone walk me through where the tensioners are? I've ordered the Haynes manual (which I should have gotten in the first place) but in ther meantime, my sister's belts squeal so much that I fear they'll snap when she really needs the car.

Thanks!

For the altenator belt, there is a 12mm bolt that you losen which allows you to move the altenor forward. The altenator is on a bracket that you can move the altenator back on forth on. That's how the tension is made. Once you losen the 12mm bolt and move the alt forward, you can remove the belt (You have to remove the power steering belt first I'll get to that in a sec). Once you put the belt back on, slide the altenator back and use a screw driver to pry it down so that there is tension when you tighten the bolt. There is a place on the alt to pry down on...it's a black round looking thing.
Now the power steering belt is a little more complicated, and a bit more difficult. There are a total of 3 bolts you have to loosen. It works basically the same way as the alt belt as far as applying tension. The pump is what supplies the tension. It's on a sliding bracket as well, but has an adjustment bolt that makes the tension. The first nut is behind the pully on the ps pump, just loosen this one. The second will require you to crawl under the car. It's on the underside of the pump, and is on the sliding bracket. Loosen this nut. Now the last one is the adjustment bolt. Loosen it to relieve the tension on the belt. When it's loose enough, you will be able to push the ps pump up a bit and slip the belt off. To put it back on, first put the belt on the ps pump and the ac compressor, then push up on the pump again and slide the belt over the crank pully. It can be a little difficult, but not impossible. Now tighten the adjustment bolt untill the belt has the proper tension and retighten the bolts you loosened.

Once you get the Haynes manual it should be a bit more clear. Hope this helps.

yea man...i had to do it to my 94 dx.....bitch and a 1/2 really shouldn't have been but it was...u gotta get under the car as well.....but marc93lx has got it down, dude knows wat he's talkin about

I had the one in my 91 323 done in less that 15min. I don't know why it gave you guys som much $hit.