How to Tighten a Drive Belt

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To tighten a drive belt all you need is a few basic tools and general knowledge of automotive parts replacement. The process isn't complicated and, if you follow these instructions on how to tighten a drive belt, you can perform this task on your vehicle in less than an hour.

Steps

1. 1
   Consult your owner's manual and locate the drive belt.

   
   
2. 2
   Twist the belt and, using a flashlight, inspect it for cracks, tears, or any oil-soaked areas to determine the degree of damage.
3. 3
   Attach the tension gauge, according to the manufacturer's instructions, to the longest span of the belt and pull it firmly towards you to measure the belt's existing tension.
4. 4
   Compare the reading you got with the specifications in your vehicle's owner manual to determine how much tightening your drive belt will need.
5. 5
   Choose an adjustable wrench and a crowbar for use as a lever to apply tension to the belt as you tighten it.
6. 6
   Loosen the tension adjustment bolt and wedge the crowbar between the alternator and the bulk of the engine, taking care not to wedge it too tightly.
7. 7
   Pull in the direction that applies tension to the belt, usually toward the back of the hood, and tighten the tension adjustment bolt.
8. 8
   Recheck the tension of the belt with the tension gauge and make adjustments as necessary until the tension coincides with the specifications in your owner's manual.
9. 9
   Start the engine of your vehicle, with the hood remaining open, and let it idle in place for at least one minute.
10. 10
    Turn off the engine and recheck the tension of the belt with the tension gauge.
11. 11
    Finish by checking to be sure that the tension adjustment bolt is properly tightened and closing the hood of your vehicle.

    
    

Tips

• You can check the belt tension with your thumb by pushing in on the drive belt in the middle between the pulleys and measuring how much deflection occurs with a ruler.
• In some vehicles, you can use shims to add tension to the belt while tightening it.
• If you find that the belts available are too small or too large for your vehicle, choose the belt that is slightly smaller than the one you need.

Warnings

• Always have the engine turned off and the vehicle in the park position when checking the belts.
• Always wear safety goggles to avoid eye injury.
• Always check to see that the hood is secure in the up position to avoid injury to your hands, head or fingers by having it fall.

Sources and Citations

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