Changing alt/power steering belts

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Oct 2, 2002 | 08:23 AM

scottw

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 1,241

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From: Okinawa Okinawa

Changing alt/power steering belts

Just completed the installation on my new cam and am having trouble with the belts. I can't seem to get the belt on the power steering pulley and the belt for the alt is on but isn't tight enough. The battery keeps going dead. When I took it off there was plenty of room for the valve cover and now it is a really tight fit. How can I get the alt belt pulled tighter and the steering belt on?
I'm sure there is some trick, just don't know what it is.
Thanks.

Oct 2, 2002 | 06:09 PM

Paul L

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 30,995

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From: Ontario

Re: Changing alt/power steering belts (scottw)

I assume you have adjustment room on the alternator bracket as shown in this pic? As to the power steering belt, I kicked mine on: disconnected power to HEI and cranked the starter sharply with a screwdriver between the belt and the pulley to help/guide it on. Watch your fingers. Or perhaps this should not be done at home ;) .

Oct 2, 2002 | 06:29 PM

Jvette73

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 4,004

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From: Severna Park Md

Re: Changing alt/power steering belts (scottw)

You could buy a 1" shorter alt belt and a 1" longer P/S belt.

Oct 2, 2002 | 08:18 PM

tippi58

Racer

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 252

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From: wellington N Zealand

Re: Changing alt/power steering belts (scottw)

Have you compared the belts you took off with the ones you bought. Ive noticed that "replacement belts" arent exactly the same size as originals. Also check that the angle of the belt is 90 degrees as you could have the belt on the wrong crank pulley and that the alternator bracket is on the right side of the alternator mount . :cool: :cool: :cool:

Oct 3, 2002 | 04:24 PM

gliot1

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2002

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From: Buckeye, AZ

St. Jude Donor '12-'13

Re: Changing alt/power steering belts (scottw)

I see a previous post saying an inch more. I have a L-48 w/L82 valve covers. I tired the L82 belt, which is 1" longer. Too much. You will probably bottom out on the bracket. An inch of belt is not equal to an inch on the bolt hole on the alternator bracket. The alternator swivels relative to the belt, so its kind of a fooler. I gave up and simply removed the lower bolt, and was able to angle the alternator in, and then reattach the bolts. The power steering can be a b*$%@h. I had also remove the lower bolt and angle it in. The real bear was getting that bolt back in by myself. With two people it wouldn't be too bad. :chevy

Oct 3, 2002 | 05:26 PM

Jvette73

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 4,004

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From: Severna Park Md

Re: Changing alt/power steering belts (gliot1)

Well if 1" turns out to be to much which it may, then go for one 1/2" longer. They do come in 1/2" increments. Been there..done that. Good point gliot1.

Oct 3, 2002 | 09:46 PM

John's Shark

Racer

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 345

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From: Baton Rouge, LA USA

Re: Changing alt/power steering belts (Jvette73)

I don't know if the power steering setup on a 74 is the same as on my 71, but on mine you loosen 2 bolts holding the pump and it swivels back enough to slip the belt on. Have to jack the car up and get to them from the bottome side though.

Oct 3, 2002 | 11:14 PM

RMS73

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 2,404

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From: Chester Virginia

Re: Changing alt/power steering belts (scottw)

The alternator belt on my is" long, Dayco 15545. PS is 36.75, Dayco 15358 I believe, couldn't read the belt tonight. The PS bolts are accessed from underneath. I had my 19 year old do that part of the job. Now I have 2x10's, I use two layers, to drive the front end up on to give my more clearance.
Roger