NABU6

iTrader: (9)

Has anyone used this tool? If so, what did you set the belt tension to?
https://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?b...cation_id=2742

Thank you.


I meant Krikit tool. Sorry for the misspell.

The Wizard

iTrader: (43)

No need for fancy tools. Just use the 90 degree thumb and index finger test between the crank pulley and AC pulley (longest run). If you can twist the belt with medium/moderate force more than 90 degrees, it's not tight enough.

Quickywd01

iTrader: (16)

Best advice evAr! The belt twisting part really lets you see what's going on. And the belt deflection can easily be done by hand. Like stated above you can do it all by hand. Be one with your car, use the force.

6cyl-97maxima

I personally wish I could get my tensioner to unlock so I can adjust it. The pulley nut is rounded so the 15mm is now too big and the 14mm is to small. I can see no way of working a ratchet with scoket into that area.
Anyway if I could get to that point I would just use my hands and do the twist test as stated above.

nsnrider

iTrader: (59)

that is the method i've been using for years now with much success. After a while to get a feel for it. I tighten the belt a bit on a "tight side" for a new belt and a bit "loose" on a used belt. Has worked fine for me.

6cyl-97maxima

That's what I wish my mechanic would have done when he replaced the alternator. Instead I think he used a deflection tool and tightened to factory specs. Had he went a bit tighter with the new belt, I'm willing to bet it wouldn't need adjustment like it does now. Pluses I think he was the one who rounded the nut off a bit. This Guy is my usual "go-to" mechanic and is probably one of the best mechanics in the city. But I am slowly starting to lose faith in him.

Turbobink

iTrader: (2)

Vice grip the nut. Then simply replace it. Or replace the entire tensioner.

Quickywd01

iTrader: (16)

Like he said, vise grip it. Um, if you went to a mechanic you so lucky, all you gotta do is go back and he adjusts it. That's the whole point of paying someone to do it.

NABU6

iTrader: (9)

So basically, I should barely be able to twist the belt by hand?

Quickywd01

iTrader: (16)

Yes. Depends if you have hulk grip lol. But with gentle pressure you are correct. If it's too loose you'll hear it slip and squeek. Grab the belt and twist with thumb and finger and it should twist a little.