mtom01

What is the required V- belt tension for a 2000 RX 300?

I changed both the belt, alternator/compressor/ crankshaft and also the power steering belt.

I'm reading reviews in amazon for a belt tension guage, I am not satisfied with the turn 90 degree check...any recommendation....


Thanks for your time.

salimshah

I posted that some time back ... do a search. If I happen to come across, I will post it here.

There are two numbers ... first install tension and another after it runs for 5 minutes [not a hot/cold issue .. it has to do with the stretch once it si exposed to tension. New belt tension without being run needs to be quite a bit higher. I think the new belt tension number is specific to OEM (other belt may have a different stretch factor].

I picked one of fleabay and checked the calibration by hanging weights. The gauge I have is pretty long and I would have to get the RX on lift to measure the steering pump belt tension ... that did not happen. My suggestion would be to get a short one .. that looks like stamping-machine and check calibration.

Very unscientific way: Ensure the lock is free. I used a wrench to tighten the tensioner. When the wrench started to bite into my palm, I was near the specified tension [after five minutes of run].

Salim