I saw a reference on here to damaging the waterpump by tightening the belt too much....since I just replaced mine, I don't want to hassle with it again...

How tight should the belt be?
How to check?

Thanks!

AFARR

 

150 lbs of tension. You can get a gauge at any parts store for about $5.

 

Use a straight edge and place it on the belt. Then push a ruler to defect the belt. I can't remember the deflection number though.

 

1/2 inch of deflection is usually the standard

 

The belt needs to be JUST TIGHT ENOUGH NOT TO SQUEAL. Does your a/c work? If so, I'd loosen the belt 'til it squeals when u turn the a/c compressor on at idle......then adjust it (tighter) in very small/gradual increments 'til the squeal stops. I would think out of the accessories the belt drives, the compressor places the most load. If a/c doesn't work, belt could probably be a little looser. The looser the belt, the easier it is on all the different pulley bearings, including the water pump.

 

X2

 

Get it to where you can twist the belt 90 degrees.

 

super tight, do it until it stops squealing.

 

No more squealing, then slightly more. If you over tighten it, you will kill bearings in water pumps, alternators, power steering pumps, basically anything that runs off the belt.