I went to change the drive belts on my '96, and could only get the Alt/water pump belt off. The tensioner for the PS belt is stuck way back in there, and I can't see any way to get to it, at least with enough leverage to turn anything. (This is with the access panel behind the wheel off.) I thought the knock sensor was a pain, but this looks impossible without pulling something large first.

Has anyone done this? Am I missing an easy way to do it? Or should I just forget about it and tell my wife to be prepared to really crank on the wheel someday?

 

Just cut if off, put the new belt around the PS pulley and use a 19mm socket to rotate the crank pulley while working the belt on to it.

 

You wont get it low enough by just using the tentioner. You need to reach all the way around behind the PS pump, by the Y-pipe, and loosen the 14mm nut back in there. That will drop the PS pump down do the old belt will come off, and the new will slide on nice and easy.

-matt

 

It sounds like you found the 14mm pivot bolt. The trick is indeed loosening it.

IMO, it's easiest to do when you have the pass axle out. Then you can reach right up there from underneath.

If you're just doing the belts, I've managed to use a 3/8" flex-head socket wrench and a deep socket, and flexed the wrench towards me. (Remember, the bolt faces the engine, so the wrench is turned around 'backwards'.). Then there is just enough room that I can turn it with my hands reaching in the wheelwell. Definitely wear leather gloves or something so you can put some umph into it without risking massive skin loss.

Dave

 

I think my method is easier.

 

I tried that and it didn't work for me.

Plus, I can now get to the pivot bolt and loosen it immediately, so I don't see it being easier.

 

pretty clever