I just got a new belt to install since I just replaced my power steering pump and I just can't seem to get it to go around the pullies!

I loosened the tensioner pulley all the way and it still just doesn't fit. Is there any tip or trick to getting this thing on?!?!?

Thanks for any tips,

Ian

 

If it is the correct belt, you loosen the retaining nut, and loosened the adjustment
tensioner; it is easy.

Thus one of the three is wrong or not done.
Figure it out.

 

Did they sell you a belt for an FC instead? It should be easy as pie with the tensioner backed out. Check your part number to what is called for in the parts catalog. They gave me an FC belt once.

 

I'm not sure if it is the same belt, but you may have to loosen the air pump bolts.

 

+1 its just the tensioner pulley that needs to be adjusted upward and the belt goes on easy. air pump adjust is for the alt belt

 

If you still have AC, make sure they didn't sell you the belt that by-passes the AC pulley (i.e., "with" vs. 'without" AC). You will be way short. Otherwise, that belt is very easy to install.

 

all fds have AC, so the parts store wouldn't have a belt in the system for non-AC length

 

First make sure its the correct length belt. Compare it to the old one that was on there. Sometimes it is easier if you take off the idler pulley then slip it on after the belt is on the other pulleys.

 

This would be an in-accurate statement.

 

what trim fds don't have a/c from factory. first time ive heard of this. and im talking about US market

 

For some reason the autoparts stores have the belts listed incorrectly for this car. They think the car takes 3 belts.

 

In the US, only the Touring cars came with factory install AC. All the others had a different AC system installed by Mazda NA when they arrived here.

Did the two AC systems use different belts???

 

Same belts. AFAIK you couldn't get an fd in the US without AC whether it was installed at the factory or by Mazda at the port.

 

put it on the ac, ps, main pulley first since they are ribbed, then just slide it onto the idler pulley (since its smooth and not ribbed) it'll be easier

if you are having that big of a problem with the idler pulley ALL they way up, then you have wrong belt

 

All FD's were equipped with AC. Nevertheless, the parts stores (AutoZone, Checker, Pep Boys, NAPA, etc.) somehow provided an optional belt for "by-passing" the AC pulley, presumably, under the false notion that there were non-AC FDs. Ultimately, for many who have removed their AC for performance gains and/or for weight reduction, it is convenient as you can get a manufactured belt that is the correct size for this modification. The belt would obviously be too short for your application as it needs to reach around the AC pulley.

 

You guys were right, as always....it was the wrong belt. I git the right one and it slid right on perfectly now.

Thanks!