Replacing Water Pump Belt

[jody]

Hi All

I've got a 1.7D, that's got two VEE belts one for the water pump and one for the Alternator.
I've got two new belts and want to fit them. I've just replaced the alternator, but it wasn't obvious how I should replace the lower , water pump belt.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jody

[SplendiferousII]

One of the pulleys is split. you fit or remove spacers between the two halfs to tension or slacken the belt.

I know thats a bit vague but all will become clear once you get your headin there.

Look under the drivers seat for spare spacers - thats where I found them in my van.

[jody]

Thanks
Unfortunately I've tried and failed.
I think I need to remove the three nuts on the middle pulley see attached photo with alternator already removed.
If so they are very stubborn and pulley moves whilst I tried to lossen the bolts. Any tips on how to loosen them or is it just brute force.

Thanks

Jody

[Cafnod]

You need to stop the pulley rotating two easy ways
Lock the pulley by using a strap wrecnh or oil filter wrench, not chain type or use an impact wrench or even an impact driver that will shock the bolts. If you know a nice person at an independant garage drive it there and get them to put the windy gun on the bolts, either change the belt there or tighten them enough to get ot home and then undo it.

[jody]

Thanks I'll give it a go.

[Russonly]

Wow got the exact same problem! Alternator belt broke this weekend - thought it would be a simple job of moving the alternator replacing and tightening it! I even had the belt ready - bought it just after I got the van at the advice of this site

Anyway, the alternator belt is behind the water pump belt

Jody, did you get the pully off? Was it easy to put back on and did you figure out how to tighten it?

I am going to have another go tonight - if I can stand the cold and darkness - wish I had a garage - or just somewhere off the street!

[jody]

Hi
I didn't get the water pump pulley off. stubborn bolts and a hex key lost in the engine bay!!!
Someone has suggested that the the may be reverse thread but i haven't tried it out.
If it's just the alternator belt (Top) on my configuration. You don't need the water pump pulley off. just the alternator. which was quite easy .
One Long bolt on the engine mount fixing and another underneath to the right hand side.

Jody

[Russonly]

Ha! Yeah, got the alternator off! Unfortunately my alternator belt is behind my water pump belt! I have hex bolts on mine! I am going to try 2 spanners on 2 of the bolts and push both directions - that way one of the little buggers should move - whichever way they turn! Will let you know which way...if I manage it!

Russ.

[Russonly]

After getting some better tools I have managed it!

Jody, the bolts on mine are normal - leftie loosie! Trying to turn two bolts in oppossing directions should sort it one way or another - AND it holds the pully in place while you undo them. The last one I undid by putting a material (not chain) fuel filter removal tool around the pully.