Warning: In these models of vehicles, the electric fan can operate with the ignition off. When working in the fan area, turn off its motor or disconnect the negative battery cable.
1. Auxiliary drive belts, also known as fan or V-belts, are located to the right of the engine. The condition and tension of the drive belts can determine the operation of the engine and a number of auxiliary units. Too much tension leads to intensive wear, and insufficient tension causes slippage, noise, vibration of parts and belt failure. Over time, drive belts deform and stretch. Therefore, they should be periodically checked and replaced.
Examination
2. The number and type of belts installed on a specific vehicle depends on the additional devices available (see figure). Only the belts on the 3.0LV6 engine require adjustment, while all other engines are equipped with an automatic belt tensioning system (see figure).
3. With the engine off, open the hood and inspect the belts from the right end of the engine. Use a flashlight to check each belt for burrs along the edges, separation of the belt core, separation of the ribs from the rubber, torn or worn ribs, or cracks on the inside surface of the ribs. You should also inspect for longitudinal splitting and shinyness, which makes the belt surface shiny (see figure). Inspect both sides of the belt. If you find any of the listed damage, replace the belt as described below.
4. To check the tension of each belt in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, install a belt tension sensor (SIR N T63 L - 8620 - A). Measure the tension with the sensor, following the instructions for it, and compare the obtained data with the values \u200b\u200bpermissible for used and new belts, respectively.
Note: a belt that has not been used is called new; a belt that has worked for at least 10 minutes is called used.
Adjustment
5. If the alternator drive belt needs to be adjusted, first loosen the alternator mounting bolt, then the manual adjustment bolt that secures the alternator in the bracket slots (see figure). Turn the adjusting screw to set the belt to the desired tension, then tighten the manual adjustment bolts and the mounting bolt. Check the belt tension again.
6. If the power steering/air conditioning drive belts need to be adjusted, locate the idler pulley in the right front corner of the block. Slightly loosen the idler pulley retainer bolts (see Figure 10.6a) and turn the adjusting bolt clockwise to tighten the belt and counterclockwise to loosen it. Be sure to tighten the retainer bolts after adjusting the belt, and check the belt tension.
7. If the vehicle is equipped with an air pump, loosen the adjusting bolts and pivot bolt, then move the pump up or down as required to change the belt tension.
Replacement
8. When replacing the belt, perform the same operations as when adjusting, but remove it from the pulleys. Where an automatic tensioner is used, lift it with a lever or rod to remove the belt. Since all belts wear at approximately the same rate, it is better to replace them at the same time. Mark each belt and the corresponding pulley groove to install the replacement belt correctly.
9. When replacing the ribbed V-belt (a wide belt of this type is used to drive the power steering pump and A/C compressor), make sure that it fits the pulley grooves exactly, their surfaces must match perfectly.