Hi,

I am newbie. I just got a 1990 RX7 GXL with auto, and I changed the alternator and air pump belts couple days ago. I found adjusting the alternator & air pump belts' tension is a difficult task. I don't have strong muscle to hold the alternator or the air pump in the right spot for the right tension with one hand while the other hand has to fastern the mounting bolt. Does anyone has any suggetion how to make the task more easier?

Also, I checked the tension on the two new belts today, and I found they are much loosy than I first installed them, does this sounds normal to you?



Thanks

 

Wedge something under the alternator then tighten the bolt.

 

After you get the gist of it, it's pretty damn easy, I prefer it over a manual tensioner. I just wedge a breaker bar under the alternator with one hand, pry it up, and use my other hand to tighten it..

 

I personally use a 12" 1/2" exstention when tightening the alt and air pump.

 

Yea, the belts will stretch over the first few days (weeks?). Just adjust 'em every time you get gas, or when you're bored, or when the sun rises, or whatever.

I don't have any air pump, so I can't offer advice on that, but for the alternator, I just grab my biggest wrench, wedge it under, pull up on it, and tighten with a socket.

-=Russ=-

 

Thanks for the helpful suggestions guys.