Hello,

I just installed a new alternator into my brother's 94 RX7 & had a question about the belt adjustment procedure. First of all, I had all types of trouble getting the belt off initially, even after the adjustment nut was fully loosened, as well as the alternator and compressor hinge points. After swapping out the alternator, I had even more trouble getting the belt back on. I'm not sure if it was a old belt, or if it was just cold and shrunken, or if I missed something on the install, but this thing was impossible. After wedging the belt back on, i left everything loose and tightened the belt using the adjustment nut. It seemed strange that the compressor just sat there when it has and hinge and adjustment nut. I was wondering if I missed something when adjusting this belt. Any info will be of great help. Thanks

 

There's a bolt on the top of the alternator bracket that is used to adjust the tension in the belt.
It sounds as if you didn't use that.

 

Two adjustments on that belt. One under the airpump. You may have to remove the airbox or intake to see it. The other is the tensioner at the alternator. Loosen both. Install the new belt and pull it tight at the airpump. Then adjust tension gradually at the alternator. Don't overtighten.

 

Yeah, I saw the other adjustment point under the compressor, but I'm not sure why its even there. Its seems as if the compressor should be in a fixed position since the only adjustment point is on the alternator. I left the compressor loose when I tightened everything; is that the correct way to go about it?

I had both hinge bolts lose, as well as both of the locking nuts and the adjustment bolt, and the belt still did not want to come off or go back on.

Is that normal for the belt or maybe a characteristic of an old belt?

Thanks again for the responses!

 

the airpumpdoes not move much unless you take thedischarge hose off and/or remove the crossover pipe and the rubber hose.

 

If you haven't already, page C-7; C-8 and C-9 in the Factory Service Manual (FSM) pretty much covers it.