Alternator drivebelt - removal, refitting and tensioning
1 A conventional “V” drivebelt is used to drive the alternator, power being transmitted from a pulley on the front end of the crankshaft.
2 To remove a belt, slacken the alternator mounting bolts and the bolts on the adjuster link, push the alternator in towards the engine and slip the belt from the pulleys.
Alternator adjusting strap bolt (arrowed)
3 Fit the belt by slipping it over the pulley rims while the alternator is still loose on its mountings. Never be tempted to remove or fit a belt by prising it over a pulley without releasing the alternator. The pulley, and possibly the alternator, will be distorted or damaged.
4 To retension the belt, pull the alternator away from the engine until the belt is fairly taut and nip up the adjuster strap bolt. Check that the total deflection of the belt is as specified when tested on the longest belt run.
Check drivebelt tension is correct
A little trial and error may be required to obtain the correct tension. If the belt is too slack, it will slip and soon become glazed or burnt and the alternator will not perform correctly, with consequent low battery charge. If the belt is too tight, the bearings in the alternator will soon be damaged.
5 Do not lever against the body of the alternator to tension the belt, or damage may occur.