Problem adjusting tension on power steering/crank/water pump belt

[zer0c123]

I took off the belt to gain to replace my water pump. I cannot adjust the power steering pulley so that I can put back on the belt. When I did put back on the belt, there was way too much tension on it. Every time I turn the tension bolt, the tension on the belt will not get looser. The locking bolt that says loosen on the picture never moves down when I try to loosen the adjuster bolt. The locking bolt, will keep rising and increasing the tension on the belt. Now there is a lot of tension on the belt. How do I loosen the tension? Do I have to hit the Power Steering assembly with a mallet or something?

Refer to the image at the top right corner



Thanks!

Modified by zer0c123 at 6:37 AM 12/28/2008
Modified by zer0c123 at 7:10 AM 12/28/2008

[positron1]

I just had this problem the other week with my sr swap. I had to adjust my belt to reduce belt squeal and I kept turning the adjuster bolt and wondering why it would not release tension on the belt. What you have to do is use a 12mm socket to loosen the nut on the top front of the alternator, then you'll need a 13 or 14mm socket or wrench to loosen the nut on the bottom and back of the alternator. Then you can move the tensioner around the bracket either left or right, then tighten the nuts and then you can adjust the tension on the belt.

[mrzabala]

In simple terms for noobs, there's two place where you release the tension. One is on the alternator- Loosen the 14mm (I think) bolt that attaches the alternator to its bracket; THEN you can loosen the small bolt that holds the rod from its tension; AND finally you can turn the bolt clock wise to loosen or counter-clock wise to tighten.... And's its the same procedure for the power steering

[zer0c123]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. What happened was that my friend and I turned the tensioner bolt too much, so now it's very difficult to even get the belt back on.

Anyway I spent another hour messing with it. I was able to move the entire power steering assembly by removing this 6 in long bolt that is in front of the power steering pulley. I don't think any of the guides on this site mentioned this long bolt to release the tension. Maybe I smelled too much PB fumes or something.... I think I should be able to get the belt back on now, but it's already 2am, so I'll try getting the belt on tomorrow.