Drive Belt Change

[thenick]

I have just got a new belt to put on my 97 Chim 450 and am having some trouble getting the old one off... Its a non air-con Serpentine engine so the tensioner over on the far offside of the engine but I am unsure how to slacken it off to swap the belts... Is it just a spring loaded thing which needs some brute force or is there an adjuster or similar thing?

Nick

[that daddy]

put 15mm spanner on pulley bolt at 12 o,clock position then just push,remove old belt fit new making sure belt sits on all pulleys properly before you run engine

[bunglist]

You need to push it towards the engine and yes it is spring loaded so a bit of force is neccesary. Although you may find that it has seized and is really stiff.

Use a bar against the casing of the tensioner just behind the pulley, but be carefull you do not crack or chip the pulley as it seems you cant buy just the pulley and have to buy a complete new tensioner which is about £50 - £60 from someone like TVR power.

I found out the hard way and cracked the pulley on mine.

[that daddy]

You do not put anything against the pulley wheel itself (the ribs will crush)that is what the bolt is for,Thenick if you go by my 1st post you wont go wrong most cars have this system now i an doing this on a daily basis,sorry Bunglist

[Ribol]

No need for any levers on mine(2000 X).

There is a 1/2" square hole in the back of the tensioner, you just put a 1/2" drive t-bar in it and lean towards the engine. Slide the belt off alternator pulley first(easiest).
You may need to move the loom out of the way first if it is positioned like mine to give enough movement.

[thenick]

thanks guys! All changed and no more squeak on cold start