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Old Nov 5, 2016 | 05:33 PM
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Default Backyard Mechanic advice

Today,on my 81 Vette, I lost my alternator belt. So I went out and bought 3 new belts, the Air Con belt, power steering belt, and alternator belt. I know how to replace them, but before I start will I have to remove the fan? And some guys say it's much easier to work from below the car..any helpful hints or advice are welcome...thank you

Last edited by chiefttp; Nov 5, 2016 at 05:33 PM.
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Old Nov 5, 2016 | 05:39 PM
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The fan can stay. I have never removed the fan for belt servicing. I service ALL belts from the top. The only time I get under the car is to loosen the nut and bolt on the power steering pump mount bracket so it can move.

Whatever you do....DO NOT PRY on the reservoir housing of your power steering pump to get the belt tension correct.

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Old Nov 5, 2016 | 08:53 PM
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Also don't pry against the crank pulley. A previous owner did that on my 77 and slightly bent it.
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Old Nov 5, 2016 | 09:10 PM
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^^^What they said^^^

I replaced my AC, PS and alternator belts this summer and never removed the fan.

Last edited by Iceaxe; Nov 5, 2016 at 09:10 PM.
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Old Nov 6, 2016 | 08:33 AM
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Thanks guys, appreciate the advice..this will be my project for the next rainy day
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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 06:27 PM
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Well, that sucked!,,spent a few hours wrestling with all the belts today. Everything went fine, but I hit a big snag when I got to the power steering pump...I didn't see the two bolts on the bottom of the pump bracket that allows it to pivot, so instead I loosened the actual mounting bolts that attach the pump to the block...what a pain that was to get back on..thanks for all the advise. You guys always come through!,
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