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How to Tighten a Truck Engine Belt

A trucks engine belt operates accessories such as the water pump, air-conditioner compressor, power-steering pump and alternator. The belt moves these accessories from the crankshaft pulley. With the engine running, the crankshaft turns the belt around the pulleys so that each accessory can work. Over time, the belt will begin to wear and become loose. Once the belt becomes loose, tighten the belt to the proper tension. Most belt manufacturers recommend to have no more than a half an inch of slack in the belt.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and locate the belt. Follow the belt around the accessories that it operates. Locate the adjusting component that keeps the belt tight inside the pulleys. Most all truck belts are tightened by an adjustment bracket that is mounted to the alternator or the power-steering pump.

2

Loosen the locking bolt from the front of the adjustment bracket with a ratchet and socket. Loosen the pivot bolts that mount the accessory to the engine block with the ratchet and socket.

3

Tighten the belt by turning the adjustment bolt, located on the end of the adjustment bracket, counter-clockwise with the ratchet and socket. Once the belt is tight, push inward on the belt with your hand to check the belt tension. The belt should have no more than a half an inch of slack to be properly tensioned.

4

Re-tighten the lock bolt in the middle of the adjustment bracket with the ratchet and socket. Re-tighten the pivot bolts that mount the accessory to the engine block with the ratchet and socket.

5

Crank the truck engine for about five to 10 seconds. Turn the engine off and recheck the belt tension with your hand. Adjust the belt as needed to get a half an inch of slack in the belt.

Posted by Unknown at 3:15 AM

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