Hi guys, recently I changed my Alternator Belt cuz it's getting worn out with all this driving I do. Just wondering how tight does the belt have to be?

Like how much tension do I put on the belt by adjusting the alternator? Or is there another way?!? Well thanks guys in advance!!

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i think you would have to use your own judgement on that..did you read your manual or search the forums just curious

 

You do have to put a decent amount of tension on the alternator to prevent the belt from slipping. If the belt is too loose, you'll know it. The belt will squeal as it slips.
Belt slippage is most noticeable when the motor is cold and the AC is turned on. If you aren't getting any squealing from belt slippage, then you should be fine.

 

Yea I looked through my manual...I also look through different threads and most people tell you how to adjust the belt or how to change your crank pulley.... but doesnt tell you how much tension you have to put on it. I figure that it should be tight enough not to slip but not to tight that will cause me 20mpg in city!! lol well thanks guys

 

I recently ran into this very problem. I recently replaced both belts with Gates Blue Racing belts. What i thought was tight enough left the belt screaming the first cold night the other night. Yesterday i marked the top bolt ( 12MM ) at a start position on the bracket. Just by tapping the throttle the belt would slip ( you can actually watch it flex just before the alternator ) and let off that little chirp. Just for fun i moved it back maybe a 1/8 of an inch 2 different times thinking that the chirp would go away, it only got worse. My final attempt, i moved my prybar to the inside of the upper bracket ( same one i marked ) there is a square nut welded there. I pried it forward from there, and got another 1/8 from where i first started. Now ... no more chirping, but man that belt it tight. Tighter then when i used to replace belts on cars years ago.

These engines are notorious for having noisey belts, even with new belts on them.

 

huh.....thanks man i'll def. try that out and see what i get.

 

According to p. 14-1 of the 04 xB manual, the belt deflection (new belt) for the alternator midway between the drive pulley and the alternator pulley should be between about .28 to .33 inches when 22 lbs of force is applied.

Old belt should deflect .43 to .51 inches.

Vane belt (new) should deflect .31 to .39 inches. Old vane belts should deflect .43 to .51 inches.

As the OPs have said, it's tight. The belt shouldn't deflect much at all when new.

Cheers,

MD

 

Grrrr damn belt is slipping still. Turns out cold and wet make it slip when cold. Not loud, but loud enough that i hear it inside the box with the radio off. Looks like ill have to move it forward some more. Hopefully the bearings on the alternator can take it.