2000 ZX2 Alternator issues...

[rosadod]

I got my new alternator in but can't figure out how to release tension on the belt to put it back on. I checked this thread: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ght=alternator
but I don't see how the tension pulley moves???

[Davescort97]

With a 13mm wrench rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension.

[rosadod]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

With a 13mm wrench rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension.

Right, I did that. But all that did is loosen the bolt on the tension pulley. It didn't releive any tension until I unscrewed it all the way off and the pulley fell off. I guess once you loosen it enough, you can wobble the pulley alittle... is that it? When I put the pulley back on loose, there was still too much tension to get the belt back on it.

Still lost... and I need my car!

[Chopper Pilot]

Yeah, you pretty much understand it.
THe bolt is like a worm drive & when you turn it it either pulls the pully up or down depending on which way you turn it.
Simply put it back together and wind it up till you get the right ammount of tension.

What must have happened is the pully got stuck & the "bolt" screwed itself out.

A little bit of grease or lubricant on the guide where the pulley can slide up and down will solve this.

For a belt, it should deflect its own width at the longest part of the belt between pulley's.

Too loose & it squeels & will wear out the belt & too tight & you will put too much load on the bearings and cause an early failure on the belt driven components.

A little loose is the easiest way to go ..kinda.

Get it close & run the car, if it squeels, shut it off and give it a little more & keep checking the tension by hand.

If you cant get it on check to see if the belt is correct, if its the old one your ok.
make sure the pulley can slide easy so that it is as close to the "bolt" thread as possible.
If it is really close but wont quite make it on, put the belt on all but 1 of the pulleys, and assemble the tensioner.
The simply rotate the pulley that the belt has to go on & roll the belt with it till it goes on, then adjustthe tension.

There is usually enough excess adjustment on the "bolt" to allow a new belt be fitted.

Hope you get it soon, no wheels = sucks ass

Cheers

CP

[rosadod]

Thanks alot... I figured it out!