to tighten, do you simply ratchet the bolt clock or counter clockwise? I am getting intermittant squeal at low rpms in a cold climate?

 

First you must loosen the bolt at the back of the Power steering pump. Then you will be able to adjust the tensioner which is located near your oil filter.

 

the tension bracket, for the ac/alt serpentine belt on a 97Max, is located pressing down on the upper loop of the belt.

 

For the AC belt, (the outer one), you need to loosen the bolt holding the tensioner, then turn the tensioner adjust clockwise looking from above. Then retighten the retaining bolt.

The power steering belt is opposite - once you've loosened the pivot bolt on the back of the pump, and loosened the tensioner bracket bolt, you turn the tension bolt counter-clockwise as you're looking at it from below the car. If the pivot bolt isn't loosened, or you're turning it the wrong way, you can and will bend that bracket or break the adjust screw.

Dave

Dave

 

thanks dave. if i am getting intermittent squealling at lower rpms, is this the belt or any likely utility?