Changing alternator belt?

[avengedslayer]

Okay how easy of a job is this to do?, my belt squeeks terribly all the time, so im hoping a new belt will cure this, i already untightened the shaft bolt that holds alternator on and loosened the bolt that gives you  movement! but belt seems really tight already and when i try slackening alternator off i cant?, its like there is a spring holding it up???

[mumbles]

like there is a spring holding it up???

there is... 

best thing to do is get someone (i use my dad, but any family member or friend will do) to push down against the spring while you pop the old belt off (please be carefull of fingers....)

then (as the good old haynes manual would say) reffiting is reverse of removal...

although you sure it's not the powersteering belt thats squeeling??

[avengedslayer]

well im not 100percent sure but if its still squeeling after i swapped it then its worth having power steering belt done!, im assuming the spring is there to stop the alternator working its way loose and collapsing making the belt come off?, also i sprayed a bit of wd40 on the belt and the noise instantly stopped! but an hour later noisey again

[mumbles]

to be honest for the price you might as well replace both belts... up to you of course.

and ye the spring just helps tension the belt. so when you put the new one on then the spring should take up enough slack and you just tighten up the bolts again.

goodluck =)

[avengedslayer]

okay seems as though power steering belt needs to come off too!, how does this slacken or do you have to take a pulley off?

[mumbles]

there should be a sliding bolt at the power steering pump end to slacken the belt. no need to remove pulley.

[avengedslayer]

okay prob have a go at weekend! ill take the wheel off so I can get to it better!

[mumbles]

shouldn't need to take wheel off, just jack it up, plenty space under there but just whatever!

[VRDan]

Hey.
The power steering pump sits in a housing that moves if i remember correctly there is a couple 13mm,s on front side and back and a 16mm near the top that it pivots on.
The alternator is under spring tension just push it down then tighten up a bolt again to hold it in place,this free's up both hands. You will have to leaver the alternator out i spekt to get the right tension on the belt, you should be able to turn it 90degrease on the longest side of the belt between your finger and thumb.

Hope this helps