So i had my belts replaced recently, then moved. When I had them replaced the guy told me that after driving for awhile the belts will begin to stretch and then will need to be tightened to get them to their proper fitment. Anyway, my accessory belt is is makin some ****en squealing noise when I first start my car, if I give it some gas it will go away. Usually when I turn my AC on it will come back, but then with gas go away. Seems to continue in this fashion until the car is warmed up.

I've checked the belt out and also had someone else check the belt for me and its still basically new, not glazed over, no cracks etc. I just need to tighten it and I am not sure how to go about doing that. I checked it out and I see a couple of tightening bolts, but I am not sure which goes to what, or if its done like when you tighten the throttle cable.


If anyone could either tell me how this done, or point me in the direction of a walk through that would be good. I do have a haynes manual, but I can't find it. Otherwise I wouldn't be asking.

Thanks for any info.

 

I just replaced mine, and it squeaks when I first start it, too. I need to tighten it some more. The tightening bolt is a couple of inches above the tensioner pulley. Very easy to get to! Sorry I don't have any pics.

 

The "nut" above the idler pulley adjusts the tension of the belt. I'm pretty sure that turning it counterclockwise tightens the pulley. BUT you will have to loosen the bolt in the center of the pulley wheel before the wheel will slide up and down. After loosening the center nut and adjusting tension with the upper adjuster be sure to tighten the bolt in the center of the wheel to lock things in place.

 

Ok so after I loosen the pulley bolt and then tighten the other, will it be pretty obvious when its tight enough and/or in the correct position?

 

Losen the bolt in the middle of the pulley, then turn the adjuster so it pushes the belt down. Twist the belt, or do the ruler trick to check tension. Dont go to tight or you could wear out the bearings in the accessories. Once its tight and doesnt squeek tighen the middle bolt. If you need to do the P/S have fun with that. Its a bish. Have fun Matt.

 

I think it is normal for our cars. I have replaced the belts, tensioner and retightened the belts and still get that squeek at start up. Like yours, it goes away in a matter of seconds.

 

Be careful with the tensioner. Had the belts replaced at a local shop and they somehow stripped the treads on the tensioner, so it wouldn't adjust any more. Had to replace it.

 

Just so happens I had mine open this afternoon. This is looking down front behind the rad.



and below

 

I replaced my idler pulley/belt tensioner when I changed my alternator. A lot easier to adjust and I think the engine runs quieter.