chiefgleaton

Hi all, kind of a newbie here so hope this is the right place. I have a 2002 Infiniti i35 with a VQ35DE engine in it, I think this is the same engine for the Maxima.

I recently replaced the main belt (drives everything but power steering) when I realized it was damaged. When I put it back on, I adjusted tension so that it deflected the same distance when I pushed on it. It sounded fine when in neutral/park, but when I put it into gear it started squealing. I tightened the adjustment bolt one full rotation and the noise went away. So basically it is the lowest tension that does not cause a squeal. Is this the ideal tension?

Thanks in advance guys

maxiiiboy

Yes.
And trust your reasoning - it makes sense.

Theslaking

Yeah. Same thing happened to me recently. Tightened up and works fine.

chiefgleaton

Thanks guys

maximatech12

Theres a certain amount of Run-in before final tightening.

in other words tighten new belt then run engine then retighten.
your going to lose so many pounds after run-in.
new belts always get broken in first then tightened up to the right tension right?

Derrick2k2SE

iTrader: (3)

I've never done it this way or seen it done this way. I worked in a shop for a good while too. Just tighten it to the proper tension and go.

On cars with a manual tensioner, like ours, there's an amount you're supposed to be able to move the belt. I'm sure it's in the book but you learn it quickly when you do it all the time. You don't want to match the tension of the old belt as much as you just want to get it right.

MichMaxFan

maximatech12

well before I began working on mine, i had taken it to a shop for an alternator.
they snapped the head off of the upper bracket bolt.
when I began tightening the belt down it was awkward because the alternator would pivot down a bit. At the time I had no clue of the issue. I trusted the shop.
so its possible if your having issues tightening up a belt it could be that some of the accessories have mounting issues or pulley issues already.
when I fixed the issue and put the belt back on both the alternator and compressor bearing were grinding badly. Also the belt tightened up a lot easier after I fixed the alternator mounting issue.

chiefgleaton

Ok but the specific problem here was the slipping causing the squeaking sound. The question was, if tightened to the minimum non-squeaking tension, is this proper tension. Judging from other comments, the answer is yes

maximatech12

answer: No
proper tension is 30lbs/rib
4ribs=120lbs
6ribs=180lbs

(If you get the finger gauge made by Gates, as you tighten the belt then keep taking the tension reading, you'll see it increasing in tension as you tighten it.
basically with this type of gauge you take about six readings each times. If one reading is 90lbs and the other five are around 120lbs then your most likely closer to 120lbs. Sometimes the gauge can be off because it didnt register a good reading.)

chiefgleaton

Anyone have a link to a good an inexpensive gauge? Don't think I would consider buying unless very cheap

Derrick2k2SE

iTrader: (3)

If it squeaks just tighten it a little more. It's really not that big of a deal.

maximatech12

I really just use my gauge to make sure I don't get it too tight.

I've heard horror stories of getting a belt too tight.

most guys will get it around 120lbs you can go a bit tighter than that.
I usually tighten to where it's 160lbs on the gauge then call it good. Im seriously horrified to get it too tight.

maximatech12

this is the one I use. When you test the belt you will have the passenger side wheel off and inner splash shield.
you will have to use it upside down dead center between the Crankshaft pulley and the compressor.
as I mentioned I usually take the best of six readings. It can be a bit of a pitn to use upside down.

MichMaxFan

I use this style...overkill to the experienced..piece of mind to me...

https://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-6673.aspx

chiefgleaton

Cool, thanks for the many responses and suggestions guys