Alternator belt tension bolt

Having changed the alternator belt a few times over the years, I always found the tensioning of the belt to be a problem, the adjustment nut spins the bolt, and you need three hands to hold the back of the bolt behind the alternator with a wrench, tighten the nut to the adjustment bracket all while using a prybar on the alternator to tension the belt. The result for me was usually a belt too loose. I always wonder what trick the dealer would have to do this right. Maybe they put a serrated washer on the back of the bolt head or something like that? No way they would just fuss with this the way I have. My bet is many alternator belts are not tensioned properly.

So I found this bolt is the solution. Got it from [email protected]. I think there is an old thread on this somewhere on fchat, but in any event he is still able to provide this bolt.

The belt change and tension this time round was a simple as could be. Brilliant and simple solution. I use this belt tension checker and set the tension specs as per the manual. Seems to get things about right, against the common sense deflection and feel method.

https://www.amazon.ca/Gates-91107-Belt-Tension-Tester/dp/B000MUTAGSI

I will probably check and tension the accessory belts more frequently just for the fun of it while inspecting things from time to time!






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