Club 80-90 Forums

Hi,

I nave a squealing fan belt and was trying to find out how to change it.

does anyone have instructions.

cheers,


Garry

Alternator belt: 13 mm Spanner and socket. Loosen (not remove)bottom nut/bolt and same for the top nut/bolt. Push alternator inwards and allow the top nut/bolt to slide down the "slot" of the bar it attaches to. Remove the old belt check the pulleys for any oil that may cause slippage or any other damage. Wipe clean. Check new belt is shorter than the old one so you can adjusted as it stretches and reverse your steps. Use a lever bar of some sort to add tension to the new belt. It should have about 10-12 mm of play in it (too tight and you could damage the alternator bearings, too loose and it squeals). Make sure all nut/bolts are tight and start the engine. Recheck in a few days as it may have stretched a bit and need the slack taken up.

Power steering belt: More or less the same steps, using a 13 mm spanner and socket. You will need to take it off any ways if you want to change the alternator belt.

Think I covered everything. Not a bad idea to keep a spare belt, just in case one snaps somewhere on a Sunday afternoon in the middle of nowhere

Thanks,

I figured it out before reading your post. I also but a screwdriver down behind the top left pulley and undid the three screw so front as this also made it easier as the belt was a lot shorted. Had the alternator right down and still needed extra. I then cleaned out pulleys and put back together after wd40 on all screws and joints. All working well with about 12mm movement of belt. Before it was about 30.

Thanks.

However, you may not fully cure the squeaking or at least it may well return. I'm plagued by this on very damp mornings and its due to the bottom pulley now being highly poilished (almost like chrome) and although someimes a new belt and a tighten will shut it up for weeks, even months, it comes back. The only permanent cure in a case like that is a new and less-shiney pulley as it is effectively worn. A worn pulley also reduces the amount of adjustment available significantly.

A toothed type belt is much much less prone to squealing and are available in all the usual sizes (though I bet both of you post back to say "I already have a toothed belt" )

Aside = I remember "in the old days" they were referred to in the trade as "alternator belts" (when dynamos were the norm).

(though I bet both of you post back to say "I already have a toothed belt")
I have both,

I suffer with this problem of the fan belt squealing at start up,even after replacing & tensioning the belt& was considering trying one of these anti slip sprays. Does anyone know if they are any good?