Changing a Belt

The ps/alt belt on my 2005 Legacy GT shredded itself. Looks easy enough to change, the tensioner is on the alternator bracket, and it's not very tight space. How tight should the new belt be? Never changed a belt before.

Thanks!

well, I think one of the questions is.. why did the belt shred itself?

mad_machine wrote: well, I think one of the questions is.. why did the belt shred itself?

80k miles of use?

Tight enough not to slip. Loose enough so as to not overstress the belt or bearings.

Typically, about 1/2" deflection with a thumb pressed midway between two pulleys? Not very precise, I know, but probably close enough.

Well that was remarkably easy. My only concern is that the only belt in stock in the city was the cheapie from Advance Auto Parts. Should I plan on changing this in a year or so? I would usually have gone for the best (most expensive) one they had.

PeterAK wrote: Well that was remarkably easy. My only concern is that the only belt in stock in the city was the cheapie from Advance Auto Parts. Should I plan on changing this in a year or so? I would usually have gone for the best (most expensive) one they had.

Just keep an eye on it. Even a crappy belt should last a few years. It's not uncommon for them to stretch a bit, so check the tightness after a 1000 miles or so.

80,000 seems a bit soon... most of mine go LOT further before cracking and chunking.

Just keep an eye on it incase you have something binding

Japanese pulleys seem to like a wider, fuzzier rib than some of the budget Yankee belts have. Dayco has actually introduced a better belt in the last couple of years.

As to tension, it needs to be pretty tight, but just listen for a bit of squeal on a cold start- if it does that, its too loose.

Thanks for the feedback gang!

watch you fingers