AC Belt change with rusty crank bolts

[Magnesiumnitrate]

Originally Posted by rpoitras

That nut should be more than enough and definitely no need for any additional tool. It really didn't take that much power to turn the engine. I turned it clockwise which is normal rotation for the engine, but I don't know that it matters any way.

So, just a quick run-down on how I get the a/c belt on. I did this with the fan removed to give me access. From on top I put the belt around the main pulley then on the a/c pulley I wrapped it around the bottom going towards the top as far as I could. Then, while holding that belt tight against the a/c pulley I would slowly rotate the engine cw. The belt slipped a couple of times but without me realizing it kinda just popped on at one point. Once it's a on a bit you just need to keep rotating the engine while guiding the belt on the pulley a bit more. It took no longer than a few minutes before it was totally seated.

Just one more question. Have you had the serpentine belt off? My tensioner was actually pretty easy to unload and I’m wondering if either the previous owner replaced it with a lighter one or mine is worn out. Every video online shows the tech struggling to unload the tension.

[rpoitras]

Originally Posted by Magnesiumnitrate

Just one more question. Have you had the serpentine belt off? My tensioner was actually pretty easy to unload and I’m wondering if either the previous owner replaced it with a lighter one or mine is worn out. Every video online shows the tech struggling to unload the tension.

For the tensioner I used a breaker bar to give me more leverage. Only turn that clockwise and yes, it's pretty strong but not too bad. I wouldn't say I struggled with it but it definitely needs some strength to rotate it. It's kinda all about leverage. If you can find a spot to put the bar/wrench and can push down while still having access to the belt it will be easier than if you can only get in a position which forces you to pull the bar towards you or whatever. Hard to explain but just think leverage.

[Magnesiumnitrate]

Originally Posted by rpoitras

For the tensioner I used a breaker bar to give me more leverage. Only turn that clockwise and yes, it's pretty strong but not too bad. I wouldn't say I struggled with it but it definitely needs some strength to rotate it. It's kinda all about leverage. If you can find a spot to put the bar/wrench and can push down while still having access to the belt it will be easier than if you can only get in a position which forces you to pull the bar towards you or whatever. Hard to explain but just think leverage.

Yeah, I got mine loose no problem with a smallish (18 inch) 1/2 drive breaker. It just didn’t take nearly as much effort as I was expecting. The car is about to spend a week at the dealer to have the four safety recalls fixed anyways. I’ll prob just go ahead and order a tensioner while it’s down.