Tips on How to Tighten Alternator Belt

For a DIY task, you will simply require a socket wrench set. Locate the alternator located under the hood and find how the setup is done. You would find a bolt that secures the alternator onto the frame of the assembly. Check, if it is secured enough and does not have slack. Also make a point to check other bolts that hold the alternator in place.



Now you will have to find where the belt tensioner setup is. If it is a slider tensioning system, you will need to loosen the slider bolt using the right type of wrench. The assembly would generally have a tensioner lock nut and a tensioner bolt. Loosen the nut and bolt, after which you will have to set the alternator against the belt. Now you need to tighten the slider bolt and the tensioner lock bolt. You even need to check the tension in the belt while tightening it. Tighten the bolt until there is about 1/2 inch of slack on the belt. This measurement can be done using a small ruler placed above the belt. Another option is to use a drive belt tension gauge to get accurate readings about the play on the belt.



You can spray an aerosol belt dressing product on the belt to contribute to its smooth running. During the measurement of the belt slack, it the belt does not go down ½ inch, you will have to release tension off the tensioner bolt. A tighter belt can even be a result of the belt being smaller than what is required around the alternator. Below is some information about getting a new belt installed.