Hi,

I am wondering what REALLY should those drive belts be tensioned to, I mean, the ps, ac, and alternator belts...From the Haynes manual it says the general rule of thumb is to have a slack of 1/4" - 1/2" when depressed, depending on the distance between the two pulleys. Isn't this kind of tight? I am afraid this will cause premature bearing failures on the pulleys.

The car had been taken to the dealer for timing belt replacement twice before, and the belts were not as tight as what the Haynes suggested and the belts never squealed. Should the belts really be tensioned as what the Haynes suggests, or it can be not as tight as long as it does not squeal?

I know this is a very basic question and I have been setting mine with the 1/2" slack before, just want to see how other gurus are dealing with this...

thanks.

Civicfan8

 

Ideally, you should check for proper slack.

I never have though, I do it by feel. I've never had a problem.

 

They make tensioner gauges. Check Autozone, Sears, etc.