Hello:

Please advice/help in replacing alternator belt. It looks easy enough but I need to remove the a/c belt first to get it out of the way. I can't seem to figure out how to loosen the many bolts/nuts of the a/c compressor to be able to adjust.

Thanks!

If this hasn't been mentioned be prepared: The about 3" long threaded tensioning "screw" for tensioning the belt frequently breaks in the process, more often when actually replacing the alternator than tensioning the belt. But it is a stock metric thread item, nothing special about it. Using WD 40 or equivalent ahead of time will help break it loose before you turn it. I think it has a 10mm hex head.

Thank you ALL so very much. Am sure would have some fun on this one.

If the air conditioning belt is loose enough you might be able to walk it off of the pulley by hand turning the vibration dampner pulley on the crankshaft. Just make sure that if you use the starter to roll it off that you DISCONNECT the coil wire from the distributor so the engine will not start.

Randy

If not saving the AC belt, it can be cut off.

I often do not loosen the compressor- rather do a little trick jamming a screwdriver through the belt to walk it off the pulley. Remember the engine will turn clockwise when viewed from the front. This takes 2 people- one to observe the screwdriver position and one to bump the starter.

The alternator belts (there are 2 identical belts) install normally. If discarding old ones, cut them off, it's just easier.

If the belts run crooked, you may need new rubber bushings under the long bolt or adjuster bolt. These squish to one side and let the alternator twist in towards the block. New bushings are just a couple $$.

To reinstall that pain of an AC belt, reverse the procedure: put the belt 3/4 on, and hold it in place with a screwdriver. Bump the starter to walk the belt on. Be careful that the screwdriver will not catch you or fly out at you.

Good luck!

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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 87 244DL, 88 245DL, 90 745GL, 84 242DL project, 89 244 parts, 88 244DL to replace the 87

I knew there had to be a trick to changing the belt easily.
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Sven: '89 245, IPD sways, electric rad. fan conversion, e-codes, 28+ mpg - auto tranny. 850 mi/week commute. '89 245 #2 (wifemobile). '90 244 (spare, runs).

When I did mine I replaced all the belts only because its very difficult to get the ac belt off. There are 2 bolts that have to be loosened. One from the bottom towards the back of the compressor. the splashpan will have to be removed. Once they are loosened adjust the mounting bracket loose. I think its counter clockwise. Make sure you get some bolt loosening spray on these before. They might snap.

As I said earlier you might want to replace all the belts at the same time. Keep the old ones for an emergency. Also I bought Volvo brand. They have more teeth on them and seem to last longer.