power steering belts ?

Something so simple just seems impossible...Anybody have advice on how to get the power steering belts on ? the 560mm length seems impossibly too short, they are terror to put on,
the power steering pump bracket interferes with the AC belts... and there is no freedom to squeeze thru the upper alternator belt.

580mm (the next size up, as I can tell) is impossibly too long, the geometry changes to rub on the standoffs (and puts the power steering pump at the opposite side of its adjusment...). Am I missing something obvious, or is there a secret to getting these things on ? Thanks--Lee

 

I never thought I'd find a huge sense of satisfaction by getting belts on, but yes, I'm finally there ! If age has taught me anything, its not to throw the wrench when that 'shoulda been a simple turn of the ratchet' job takes days...

One of the problems is that the power steering belts (the 7M560) finalize so short on the PS bracket adjustment that there is no hope of putting on the AC or upper alternator belts AFTER the PS belts are on.

My final sequence for actually achieving this monumental achievement;
1. My hood was off (already), and I removed the AC compressor (it does help access, but wasn't needed the final time). Battery disconnected.

2. Get a 36mm socket for the crank. I use my mega-long Snapon Torque wrench to rotate the motor. The 36mm sockets are another story to find, most better 12-point sockets are too thick to fit. I ended up a cheaper 6-point socket advertised for dune buggies.

3.All belts off the car, thread the PS belts (the 7M560) on the engine damper pulley. Push all the way against the engine (to the narrow of the damper pulley).

4. fit the AC belt to the lower pulley. I am replacing the York with a Sanden, so used a 13mmx795mm belt (a single belt, not 2...avoiding the headache of the second belt is probably one reason I didn't end up throwing the wrench). Position it in the V-groove on the damper pulley, there is no second chance here.

5. Move the PS belts over the PS pump pulley, ending at the narrow of the PS pulley. Things are starting to get tighter.

6. PUT the upper alternator belt (the 7M760) on the PS pump pulley ! Ferrari could have downsized the drive pulley and given us poor backyard mechanics a little space to massage in the belt, but instead used a size that results in probably 6mm gap to the inside pivot on the won't allow the alternator belt to be put on (at least, not without a serious mashing) after the PS belts are on.

7. Make absolutely sure the PS belts are in place on the damper pulley, confirm 3 times that they are not overlapping. Now finally, you can put on the belts.

The lower alternator belt goes on like, well, any belt should go on (easily).

Some day you will read these instructions and swear they are crap...so before that day, buy an extra or two of the 7M560 belts, so if you get tangled with the PS tensioner stuck against the damper pulley, you can at least cut one free instead of fretting with massive removal of the accessories on the front.

Attached pics; proof of my happy day, a pic of the Sanden on bracket, and the hydraulic reservoir (not related at all to today, but just because its pretty, eh?)
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