Replacing the alternator belt is easy, even a novice car enthusiast can do it. Replacing the belt gives you an excellent opportunity to study the device of the car and begin to understand its mechanisms.
Necessary
- - a new alternator belt, similar to the old one
- - set of wrenches
Instructions
Step 1
Before changing the alternator belt, you must make sure that it is unusable. The main sign that the belt needs to be changed is the characteristic whistle that appears when using electronics in the car. Also, you can find out about problems with the alternator belt by the indicator signal. The alternator belt is located under the hood on the left side of the engine. Before starting to replace the belt, you must turn off the engine, remove the ignition key and disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Then it is necessary to inspect the belt for cracks, breaks, elongation. If there are no such signs, then the belt tension should be checked.
Step 2
Before replacing the alternator belt, you must purchase a new belt that is similar to the old one. In order to change the belt, it is important to first release the tension to make it easier to remove. It is necessary to carefully study how the tensioner works and where it is located. It usually looks like a tension bolt or a semicircular rail, depending on the car model. It is very important to study the location of the belt and the sequence of the clutch, the new belt will need to be installed as well. If the tension in the car is adjusted with a bolt, then you need to choose a key that is suitable in size and turn it in one direction or the other. It is not necessary to completely unscrew the bolt, it just needs to be unscrewed so that the belt looses and it can be easily removed.
Step 3
Compare the old belt with the new one to see if they are similar. The new alternator belt is installed in the same way as the old one, otherwise there may be technical problems with the car. The instructions supplied with the vehicle must indicate the optimum tension. The belt should not be too tight.
After replacing the belt, you must connect the wire to the battery, turn on the engine and give the electrician a load. If a characteristic whistling sound is heard, this means that the belt is not tightened sufficiently.
