Alternator belt replacement question...

I need to replace my alternator belt. My question is how do you get the belt off? It looks like its behind the air compressor belt. Is it necasarry to remove this belt first? If so, how hard is it to do?

I've done a search on here and other forums, and everyone says all you have to do is loosen the tensioner and then remove the belt and thats it...no one even mentions the other belt that is blocking its removal.

any help will be appreciated....

btw, i have a 91 si hatch...

Well, it's easy to remove the belt... just cut it.

However, putting the new one on will require you to remove the belt in front of it... really no way around that.

geez,

i guess i didnt read what i wrote. the belt actually is off. it snapped the other day. my question is on how to get a new one back on.

Im not sure how to remove the other belt. it looks as though it goes around the air compressor pulley, the idle pulley and the crankshaft pulley. any further help be great...

justin

Well, just like on the alternator, there should be a bolt on the air-compressor that goes through a curved slot in the air-compressor mount. Once you loosen this bolt, and the other one holding the compressor on, you'll be able to pivot the air compressor so that the belt loosens. Installation is the same in reverse, but you've gotta get some really good tension on the belt by using a pry-bar to pivot the compressor and alternator outwards while you tighten the mounts.

getting at the lower bolt on the alternator is a bitch too. the easiest way to get it off is to remove the drivers side tire, and push the plastic mud shields to the side (theres a few plastic screws holding them in place.) Then get a ratchet with a nice long extension, easy as pie.

And make sure the new alternator belt is tight! Mine wasnt, and within weeks it was squealing like a pig.