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Adjusting alternator belt tension

Discussion in '308/328' started by CharlieL, Aug 2, 2007.

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  1. CharlieL

    CharlieL Rookie

    Sep 23, 2004
    41
    #1 CharlieL, Aug 2, 2007
    I am suffering from squealing belt syndrome, and am trying to tighten my alternator belt, which appears to allow about a 1 mm deflection. I cannot break loose the nut at the top of the alternator bracket closest to the firewall (the side of the bracket that has the slot cut in it) using a 17 mm socket on a u-joint. Is there a better tool, such as an offset wrench that you can use to loosen that nut? Thanks.

    --Charlie
     
  2. Irishman

    Irishman F1 Rookie

    Oct 13, 2005
    3,524
    Raleigh
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    #2 Irishman, Aug 2, 2007
    For what it's worth all my squealing has been due to coolant dripping down onto that belt. Every time. I don't know why but the juncture directly above that belt seems mighty prone to leaking unless good and snug. Old hoses up there don't help any. The other danger would be a water pump leak.

    That said, I'm pretty certain the deflection on mine is way more than 1mm (depends on the pressure :) ). When I put a new belt on this past winter for kicks I used a Gates Krikit V-Belt tension gauge after reading here in another thread about it. I have done lots of work "by feel". It always seems better to use the proper tool for the job and this tension gauge takes the guess work out of it. I used the tool and followed the specifications in the manual.

    As for breaking loose that nut, maybe Kroil or liquid wrench would help. Then a breaker bar. Air is really neat :).

    Seamus
     

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