Accessory belt replacement recommendations
07-28-10, 08:06 PM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Accessory belt replacement recommendations
I can see on the passenger side of my 99's engine what I believe is the alternator/air conditioner drive belt. I believe there's a power steering belt under there, also. Since these are over ten years old, I'm tempted to change them myself. My pdf service manual doesn't seem to show this. One belt is about $15 online, the other is about $6. In the DIY's I found how to adjust the A/C generator belt and how to change the PS belt. I don't know if changing the A/C belt is much more complicated than just adjusting it. The belt I can see looks pretty glazed by now. Any advice?
07-28-10, 10:55 PM
#2
Moderator
Replacing then is pretty easy. Since they are stacked, you have to undo one to reach the other. I dont remember the order, but you may have to deal with the alternator belt before getting at the PS belt. So do them both.
main-alt-ac belt has adjustment at the alternator. There is a lock nut and tensioner. Remember to loosen the pivot, loosen the the lock and then turn the tensioner to get you enough slack. Reverse process when you tension out the new belt. See last para.
main-ps has adjustment at the pump. You can reach the nut through the hole in the pulley. I had the hardest time to get leverage to tension out the PS-pump belt.
Most difficult part in the DIY is getting the right tension. For first install without running the spec tension is quite high. After 5 min of running from first install (nothing to do with engine hot or cold .... by the way do the stuff with engine cold) the specified tension is another number. If you dont have the gauge, you will be guessing. Too tight, you will ruin some bearing and too loose, you will glaze and loose the belt. Think this part through before you do anything. The dealer would charge you the same 1/2 hr labor to set the tension right. Which should be very close to what they will charge you to replace the belt.
Salim
main-alt-ac belt has adjustment at the alternator. There is a lock nut and tensioner. Remember to loosen the pivot, loosen the the lock and then turn the tensioner to get you enough slack. Reverse process when you tension out the new belt. See last para.
main-ps has adjustment at the pump. You can reach the nut through the hole in the pulley. I had the hardest time to get leverage to tension out the PS-pump belt.
Most difficult part in the DIY is getting the right tension. For first install without running the spec tension is quite high. After 5 min of running from first install (nothing to do with engine hot or cold .... by the way do the stuff with engine cold) the specified tension is another number. If you dont have the gauge, you will be guessing. Too tight, you will ruin some bearing and too loose, you will glaze and loose the belt. Think this part through before you do anything. The dealer would charge you the same 1/2 hr labor to set the tension right. Which should be very close to what they will charge you to replace the belt.
Salim
07-29-10, 09:16 PM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
That's very good advice, Salim! I appreciate your wisdom! I'll have to see if I'm brave enough to tackle it -- good point about the labor charge to install or adjust tension. Thanks!
Bob
Bob
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